The #EverydayColorism campaign is sharing the lived experiences of Caribbean people affected by colorism – discriminatory or preferential treatment of same-race people because of skin tone. Colorism pervades the region, affecting Caribbean people across the spectrums of gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Even highly educated
The Caribbean is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant music, and warm, friendly people. Yet though the region is an oasis for many, deeply ingrained within its culture is the painful burden of colorism. The term “colorism” was coined in 1982 by Pulitzer-Prize winner Alice
Growing up, I was taught that black women are strong. That we are the pillars of community. That we raise and protect villages, and that we must uphold our men. We’re expected to this faultlessly and without rest. In activism, black women have been at the forefront of championing change. We’ve lead protests and initiatives in our community such as the “Black Lives Matter” Movement founded by three queer, black women. As much as we’re seen as resilient, fierce and powerful, we aren’t afforded the opportunity to be vulnerable, gentle and tender to ourselves.
I’m sure it has been a difficult year for everyone. This pandemic has re-emphasized what an unequal society we live in. To see how many people are losing their jobs is heartbreaking. The levels of corruption in my country are infuriating. It is disgusting to see how the death of Breonna Taylor or the shooting of Megan thee Stallion has been turned into memes. It is scary to see how many young women are dying for no reason.
Although the medical profession strives for equal treatment of all patients, disparities in healthcare persist. Though we might not like to admit it, our healthcare systems are still infiltrated with acts of prejudices based on race, ethnicity, gender and much more.
This is what you’ll learn in this article:
• What implicit bias is
• Instances of implicit bias affecting patient care
• How we can overcome implicit biases.
Speak to anyone who has dealt with the experience of being ‘invisible’ in a particular setting, and I guarantee you that it was not pleasant. It takes great effort to work through messages they may have attached to their identity as a result of their existence being implicitly invalidated. This is an experience shared by many people of color facing invisibility because of the white ideal.
We are not going to come to a place of accepting and embracing each other and our differences by denying or invalidating the existence of the parts, features and characteristics that make up who we are as humanity.
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