Colorism is not just a South Asian or Latino issue — it is a global one. And it lives in our barbershops, our dating preferences, our family photos, and the way we describe beauty. Mejorar la raza
— improve the race — is a phrase still whispered in some Latino families when a lighter-skinned partner is chosen.
But what does this do to the darker-skinned boy who overhears it? To the brother who grows up believing his skin is a liability? It creates a fracture in self-worth that no amount of professional success can fully repair.
What Healing Looks Like
Healing starts with honest conversation. It means calling out colorist jokes in your circle. It means examining your own biases about who is attractive, who is trustworthy, who is professional.
For men of color, this work is intersectional. Anti-Blackness within Latino and Asian communities harms everyone — it divides us, weakens our coalitions, and reproduces the very systems we claim to fight. Unlearning colorism is part of building the solidarity we need to thrive.
Your action step: Have one honest conversation this week about skin color bias with someone you trust. Name what you have noticed. That discomfort is growth.