Definition

Discrimination or unfair treatment of individuals based on the shade of their skin, often occurring within the same racial or ethnic group.

Example

Colorism can lead to significant social and economic disparities among people with different skin tones.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how colorism affects people's lives?

Yeah, it's really sad how it can create divisions among us.

I read a story about someone facing colorism in their own community.

That's so frustrating; we should be supporting each other instead.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Colorism is formed from "color" (from Latin "color", meaning hue or appearance) and "-ism" (a suffix used to denote a practice or system). The term refers to a social system or practice that privileges individuals based on the shade of their skin color.

Memory Tip

Think of 'color' as referring to different hues and '-ism' as a system or practice. This helps you remember that colorism is about a system that values certain skin colors over others.

Visually Confused Words