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Sep 3Liked by Allison Wiltz

And THIS is why I hate when Black people (especially the light skin one) dismissively say “they see us as all Black” like either you’re not very bright or you’re just not wanting to acknowledge the “advantages” that you have and participate in perpetrating

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Exactly. It comes off as dismissive that they can't acknowledge the ways their light skin impacts their experiences.

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Of course the pigmentation fixation doesn’t stop at our hallowed shores! You should check out a country like Brazil, in all its mongrel glory. They have those “shading” interests, too.

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"Featurism" is a term I've never heard of yet I'm familiar with. I've seen this practice in real life. I didn't want to admit what I saw. I ignored it, even justified it. But, there is still a skin tone bias as well as featurism. Even within families. Thanks for sharing.

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I find it intriguing to observe the link between the hairstyles of young ladies in India and those of Black women and women of color in America as a practitioner of Bhakti Yoga. The documentary "Good Hair" by Chris Rock explores this topic in a captivating and insightful manner. I highly recommend watching it if you have the time.

Beyond being captivating, the film also shines a light on a more significant issue: the exploitation of women. Often, their hair is taken during a holy ceremony for Lord Shiva, sometimes without their full consent or understanding. Other times, the hair is stolen. This hair is essentially given for free and sold at exorbitant prices to Western markets. This practice brings attention to broader issues of exploitation and cultural appropriation that affect both the donors and the consumers.

"Good Hair" entertains and educates viewers about these complex and often overlooked dynamics. It is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our global community and the importance of ethical practices in all industries.

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