Skin shade and relationships: how colourism pits Black and mixed Black-White women against each other

May combine two claims.

Qualitative work in the UK has shown that in predominantly White areas, people of mixed ethnic backgrounds and Black people with light skin may be subjected to anti-black racism and may not experience the privileges they may otherwise experience in more diverse contexts.

“Notably, qualitative work conducted in the UK that has explored the effects of colourism and racism has shown that in predominantly White areas, people of mixed ethnic backgrounds and Black people with light skin may be subjected to anti-black racism and may not experience the privileges they may otherwise experience in more diverse contexts (Phoenix and Craddock, 2024b; Spratt, 2024).”

• cites Phoenix and Craddock, 2024bNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Spratt, 2024 sourceSupported

May combine two claims.

Due to patriarchal patterns of desire, women and men's experiences of colourism can differ, as women are typically judged on their looks more than men are, subjected to more societal appearance pressure, and held to different appearance ideals where light skin is consistently privileged.

“Due to “patriarchal patterns of desire” (hooks, 2003), women and men’s experiences of colourism can differ, as women are typically judged on their looks more than men are, subjected to more societal appearance pressure, and held to different appearance ideals where light skin is consistently privileged (Hill, 2002; Phoenix, 2014).”

• cites hooks, 2003Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Hill, 2002 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Phoenix, 2014 sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Kelly's comments evoke the "Black is Beautiful" slogan from the 1960s and 1970s Black Consciousness and Black Power movements, which protested against institutional racism and sought to celebrate Black features, including dark skin, Afro hair and Black cultures.

“Her comments evoke the “Black is Beautiful” slogan from the 1960s and 1970s Black Consciousness and Black Power movements, which protested against institutional racism and sought to celebrate Black features, including dark skin, Afro hair and Black cultures (Baird, 2021).”

• cites Baird, 2021 sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Black and mixed Black-White women with light skin were stereotyped as being superior and this harmed relations between women of different skin.

“Some participants described how Black and mixed Black-White women with light skin were stereotyped as being superior and argued that this harmed relations between women of different skin, a finding that resonates with Spratt’s (2024) study.”

• cites Spratt’s (2024) sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Kelly linked this to racist and colourist "European standards of beauty" in the media that privilege White or light skin and straight European hair.

“Consistent with scholars such as Keigan et al. (2024), Kelly linked this to racist and colourist “European standards of beauty” in the media that privilege White or light skin and straight European hair.”

• cites Keigan et al., 2024 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Kelly suggested that dominant perceptions of Black women are that they are inferior ("less than") and unattractive with unpleasant hair.

“Kelly suggested that dominant perceptions of Black women are that they are inferior (“less than”) and unattractive with unpleasant hair.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

In participants' narratives, the media shapes societal perceptions of Black beauty because those in positions of power are White and favour light skin and straight, smooth hair.

“In their narratives, Malakai and Bilal argued that the media shapes societal perceptions of Black beauty because those in positions of power are White and favour light skin and straight, smooth hair.”

May combine two claims.

Due to gendered colourism, Black men with dark skin are sought after in the relationship market, while women with dark skin are not.

“We begin this section with an exploration of how, due to gendered colourism, Black men with dark skin are sought after in the relationship market, while women with dark skin are not.”

• Also stated in: § “The only dark-skin people we like are the dark-skin men”: colourism shaping women’s experiences of romantic relationships · plain

  “Sofia and Bilal were among the participants who highlighted gendered in-group colourism, arguing that Black women with dark skin are viewed negatively, while Black men with dark skin are desired.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Ekow argued that even when the media includes Black women, it prioritises those with features that can be associated with whiteness.

“Finally, Ekow, also a Millennial, argued that even when the media includes Black women, it prioritises those with features that can be associated with whiteness.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Portia highlighted a gender disparity in the representation of Black people in the media in relation to skin shade: darker-skin Black men are viewed as attractive, whereas dark-skinned Black women probably still are not.

“Portia also highlighted a gender disparity in the representation of Black people in the media in relation to skin shade. She said that “[d]arker-skin Black men […] they are viewed as attractive, whereas, I think for the most part, dark-skinned Black women probably still are not, if you look at the television and/or that kind of industry.””

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ekow said that the media can have a damaging effect on Black people's self-esteem through the images it conveys about beauty.

“For example, Ekow, a Millennial, said that the media can also have a damaging effect on Black people’s self-esteem through the images it conveys about beauty.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Alice highlighted the lack of representation of Black and Asian women with "really dark" skin in the media.

“Alice, another Millennial, who had lighter skin, highlighted the lack of representation of Black and Asian women with “really dark” skin in the media.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Fostering Black self-acceptance, celebrating natural Black beauty, and creating spaces for dialogue between women of different skin shades are seen as ways to address some aspects of colourism and/or their affects.

“Fourth, fostering Black self-acceptance, celebrating natural Black beauty, and creating spaces for dialogue between women of different skin shades are seen as ways to address some aspects of colourism and/or their affects.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Portia said she used to feel "too dark, not nice" and highlighted the media as one of the sources of that negative self-perception.

“Portia, who belonged to Generation X and described her skin as “beautiful dusky brown,” said she used to feel “too dark, not nice” and highlighted the media as one of the sources of that negative self-perception.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Analysis generated four main themes.

“Analysis generated four main themes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Alice said there is a "very narrow idea of what's normal and what's good," indicating how morality is implicitly tied into media appearance ideals; that dark skin and Afro hair is neither "normal" nor "good."

“In addition to a lack of women with very dark skin and natural hair in the media, Alice said there is a “very narrow idea of what’s normal and what’s good,” indicating how morality is implicitly tied into media appearance ideals; that dark skin and Afro hair is neither “normal” nor “good.””

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

For Kelly, ensuring she was "presentable" was an important way to challenge negative colourist narratives about Black women with dark skin, demonstrating that "we are beautiful as well."

“For Kelly, ensuring she was “presentable” was an important way to challenge negative colourist narratives about Black women with dark skin, demonstrating that “we are beautiful as well.””

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Women with light skin, 'the right kind of hair' and green or light eyes are desired, rather than women who look like Erika.

“Erika points out that it is women with light skin, “the right kind of hair” and green or light eyes that are desired, rather than women who look like her.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

People can perceive Erika to be bitter or an angry Black woman for bringing up the topic.

“However, she suggested that people can perceive her to be “bitter” or an “angry Black woman” for bringing up the topic.”

May combine two claims.

In heterosexual relationships, Black and mixed Black-White women with light skin were positioned as the most desirable by Black men, while Black women with dark skin were often overlooked.

“This most commonly arose when speaking about heterosexual relationships where Black and mixed Black-White women with light skin were positioned as the most desirable by Black men, while Black women with dark skin were often overlooked.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Malakai emphasised the need critically to appraise appearance ideals and to recognise the contradictions inherent in the fact that physical features that are associated with, but not privileged in, Black bodies, are increasingly celebrated in White bodies.

“Malakai, for example, emphasised the need critically to appraise appearance ideals and to recognise the contradictions inherent in the fact that physical features that are associated with, but not privileged in, Black bodies, are increasingly celebrated in White bodies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Black men choose to listen to women of Mixed ethnicity and those with light skin who argue that colourism claims are exaggerated and only in Black women's heads, rather than listening to Black women with darker skin, who are lower down the hierarchy.

“Bilal suggests that Black men choose to listen to women of Mixed ethnicity and those with light skin who argue that colourism claims are “exaggerated” and only in Black women’s heads, rather than listening to the perspectives of Black women with darker skin, who are lower down the hierarchy.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Some participants emphasised the importance of rejecting racist and colourist ideologies that tell Black people with dark skin that they are inferior and ugly.

“Some participants emphasised the importance of rejecting racist and colourist ideologies that tell Black people with dark skin that they are inferior and ugly.”

May combine two claims.

Some mixed Black-White participants said they were fetishized and excluded from belonging to an imagined community of Black people.

“Some of the mixed Black-White participants said they were fetizishized and excluded from belonging to an imagined community of Black people, which we discuss in detail elsewhere (Phoenix and Craddock, 2024b).”

• cites Phoenix and Craddock, 2024bNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

He contrasts Black people's comments about feeling inferior and unattractive as they were coming of age, with what he perceives to be them "beginning to feel and accept themselves" much more.

“He contrasts Black people’s comments about feeling inferior and unattractive as they were coming of age, with what he perceives to be them “beginning to feel and accept themselves” much more.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Jennifer was desired by Black young men, but their preference for women with light skin made her feel uncomfortable.

“In contrast, Jennifer, a Millennial who described her skin as “tanned,” said she was desired by Black young men, but their preference for women with light skin made her feel “uncomfortable.””

May combine two claims.

Women and men in our study argued that gendered colourism in the media, and society more broadly, could be internalised by Black people, leading both to negative self-perceptions among women with dark skin, and negative perceptions of women with darker skin shades.

“Women and men in our study argued that gendered colourism in the media, and society more broadly, could be internalised by Black people, leading both to negative self-perceptions among women with dark skin, and negative perceptions of women with darker skin shades.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Destiny said she loved her skin shade and always had, and that she was lucky growing up in an area in London where everyone was from a different place and Blackness is celebrated.

“When asked how she felt about her skin shade, Destiny said, “I love it, I always have.” She said, “I was lucky growing up in somewhere like [area in London] where everyone was from a different place […]. [I]n places like [area in London], Blackness is celebrated, so I was really happy.””

May combine two claims.

Some participants with darker skin shades argued that those with lighter skin often downplay colourism, and their perspectives tend to be prioritised over those of Black women who experience the negative effects of the prejudice.

“Further complicating relationships between Black women with dark skin and Black and mixed Black-White women with light skin, some participants with darker skin shades argued that those with lighter skin often downplay colourism, and their perspectives tend to be prioritised over those of Black women who experience the negative effects of the prejudice.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Portia described her 'journey' of "re-educat[ing]" and "de-brainwash[ing]" herself.

“Portia, who was in an older generational cohort, described her ‘journey’ of “re-educat[ing]” and “de-brainwash[ing]” herself.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Portia argued that colourism is still prevalent, and it is not clear that progress is being made at a collective level, though she has educated herself and worked on addressing her internalised colourism in a way that arguably enable her to "[l]ook at it differently."

“Portia argued that colourism is still prevalent, and it is not clear that progress is being made at a collective level, though she has educated herself and worked on addressing her internalised colourism in a way that arguably enable her to “[l]ook at it differently.””

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Black men's experiences are distinct from women's because they are sought after in the relationship market.

“Like Sofia, Bilal described how Black men’s experiences are distinct from women’s because they are sought after in the relationship market.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ekow pointed to changes in perceptions around beauty, suggesting that there has been a shift in how Black people both see and accept themselves.

“Ekow pointed to changes in perceptions around beauty, suggesting that there has been a shift in how Black people both see and accept themselves:”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

Women with dark skin are seen as jealous.

“Erika suggested that women with dark skin are seen as jealous (“Dark-skin women cannot accept that light-skin women are more desirable”).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Women who were Mixed and/or had light skin felt superior, which led to tensions.

“Similarly, in our study, Erika suggested that women who were Mixed and/or had light skin felt superior, which led to tensions:”

May combine two claims.

In-group sexual colourism created tensions between Black people and was particularly harmful to Black women with darker skin shades.

“Some participants also described how such in-group sexual colourism created tensions between Black people and was particularly harmful to Black women with darker skin shades.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Participants argued that dominant media constructions of white and light skin as beautiful and desirable, and dark skin as the opposite, could lead Black women with dark skin to internalise the idea that they are ugly, while Black men shunned them in favour of women with lighter skin in the romantic relationship market.

“Participants argued that dominant media constructions of white and light skin as beautiful and desirable, and dark skin as the opposite, could lead Black women with dark skin to internalise the idea that they are ugly, while Black men shunned them in favour of women with lighter skin in the romantic relationship market.”

May combine two claims.

Specifically, Black men rejected Black women with dark skin in the heterosexual relationship market, preferring Black women with light skin or White women.

“Specifically, Black men rejected Black women with dark skin in the heterosexual relationship market, preferring Black women with light skin or White women.”

• Also stated in: § Conclusion · hedged

  “Participants argued that dominant media constructions of white and light skin as beautiful and desirable, and dark skin as the opposite, could lead Black women with dark skin to internalise the idea that they are ugly, while Black men shunned them in favour of women with lighter skin in the romantic relationship market.”

May combine two claims.

We found that sexual colourism damaged platonic relationships between women of different shades, some of whom felt they were thrust into competition with each other, creating resentment and mistrust.

“We found that sexual colourism damaged platonic relationships between women of different shades, some of whom felt they were thrust into competition with each other, creating resentment and mistrust.”

May combine two claims.

When colourism is experienced from a different racialised group, it can intensify experiences of racism, such that those with darker skin are more likely to experience racialised discrimination.

“When colourism is experienced from a different racialised group, it can intensify experiences of racism, such that those with darker skin are more likely to experience racialised discrimination (Brown et al., 2023; Hunter, 2007).”

• cites Brown et al., 2023 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Hunter, 2007 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Colourism occurs both within and across racialised groups.

“Intrinsically related to, and yet distinct from racism (i.e., prejudice and discrimination based on racialised), colourism occurs both within and across racialised groups (Dixon and Telles, 2017).”

• cites Dixon and Telles, 2017 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Colourism is under-researched in the UK.

“Colourism is under-researched in the UK. However, a few studies have been published in the past few years that give some insights into how the prejudice operates in the UK.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The first author led the data analysis using reflexive thematic analysis.

“The first author led the data analysis using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2013, 2021).”

• cites Braun and Clarke, 2013Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Braun and Clarke, 2021 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Analysis was informed by both social constructivism and intersectionality.

“Analysis was informed by both social constructivism and intersectionality.”

May combine two claims.

Findings highlight how colourism shapes desirability in gendered ways and how this affects the lives of Black and mixed Black-White women, influencing within-group social dynamics and relationships.

“Findings highlight how colourism shapes desirability in gendered ways and how this affects the lives of Black and mixed Black-White women, influencing within-group social dynamics and relationships.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The authors had several discussions about the data and candidate themes, and the second author provided feedback and revisions on the defining and naming of themes and the write up.

“The authors had several discussions about the data and candidate themes. The second author also provided feedback and revisions on the defining and naming of themes and the write up.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Portia's narrative suggests that while the media plays a role in indoctrinating people with colourist ideas, colourist messaging is ubiquitous ("everywhere").

“Her narrative suggests that while the media plays a role in indoctrinating people with colourist ideas, colourist messaging is ubiquitous (“everywhere”).”

May combine two claims.

In the US marriage market, Black women with light skin had a clear advantage over those with darker skin and were more likely to marry men of high-status.

“For example, Hunter (2002, p. 189) found that when it came to the marriage market, Black women in the USA who had light skin “had a clear advantage” over those with darker skin and were more likely to marry men of high-status.”

• cites Hunter, 2002 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Colourism is pervasive and is sustained and reproduced through powerful sociocultural influences including family, peers, and the media.

“Colourism is pervasive and it is sustained and reproduced in multiple ways through powerful sociocultural influences including family, peers, and the media (Phoenix and Craddock, 2024a; Wilder and Cain, 2011; Phoenix and Craddock, 2022).”

• cites Phoenix and Craddock, 2024aNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Wilder and Cain, 2011 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Phoenix and Craddock, 2022 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The implication of Ekow's argument is that colourism in the media is apparent even when women with darker skin shades are depicted because beyond their skin shade, it is those who fit White appearance ideals in other ways (e.g., thin, straight hair, a slim nose) who are included.

“The implication of Ekow’s argument is that colourism in the media is apparent even when women with darker skin shades are depicted because beyond their skin shade, it is those who fit White appearance ideals in other ways (e.g., thin, straight hair, a slim nose) who are included.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The six-stage guidance for reflexive thematic analysis detailed by Braun and Clarke (2013) was followed.

“The six-stage guidance for reflexive thematic analysis detailed by Braun and Clarke (2013) was followed: (i) data familiarization, (ii) generating initial codes, (iii) generating themes, (iv) reviewing potential themes, (v) defining and naming themes, and (vi) writing up the results.”

• cites Braun and Clarke, 2013Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Colourism can inform heterosexual men of colour's choice of romantic partners, and their descriptions of the physical attributes that make women attractive.

“Colourism can inform heterosexual men of colour’s choice of romantic partners, and their descriptions of the physical attributes that make women attractive (hooks, 2003; Phoenix and Craddock, 2022).”

• cites hooks, 2003Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Phoenix and Craddock, 2022 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Codes were generated in a two-step process: first open coding guided by participants' meanings, then a second round of deductive analysis drawing on existing knowledge and understandings of colourism.

“Codes were generated in a two-step process. First, interviews were coded openly, guided by participants’ meanings. Then, a second round of deductive analysis was conducted, drawing on existing knowledge and understandings of colourism.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Both authors are minoritised ethnic women; the first author is an African Caribbean sociologist, and the second author is of mixed ethnicity with one Indian and one White parent.

“Both authors are minoritised ethnic women. The first author is an African Caribbean sociologist. The second author has an educational background in psychology and is of mixed ethnicity, with one Indian and one White parent.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ethical approval for the research project was granted by the Research Ethics Committee at SOAS, University of London.

“Ethical approval for a broad, scoping qualitative research project on colourism and skin shade in the UK was granted by the Research Ethics Committee at SOAS, University of London.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Black hair practices need to be contextualised within a racialised social structure that privileges White appearance ideals and stigmatises physical features associated with Black people, such as skin colour and hair.

“This is consistent with work by Joseph-Salisbury and Connelly (2018), who argue that Black hair practices need to be contextualised within a racialised social structure that privileges White appearance ideals and stigmatises physical features associated with Black people, such as skin colour and hair.”

• cites Joseph-Salisbury and Connelly, 2018 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

It is difficult to challenge colourism among Black people when the views of those critiquing the prejudice are trivialised.

“In doing so, she both highlighted tensions between women of different shades, as discussed above, and underlined how difficult it is to challenge colourism among Black people when the views of those critiquing the prejudice are trivialised.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

What Malakai is describing is a phenomenon known as "blackfishing," which includes "altering physical appearances through physical and digital means" to appropriate black aesthetics.

“Although he does not use the term, what he is describing is a phenomenon known as “blackfishing,” which includes “altering physical appearances through physical and digital means” to appropriate black aesthetics (Stevens, 2021, p. 1).”

• cites Stevens, 2021 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Internalised colourism is complex and pernicious.

“The fact that both Sofia and Ekow argue that some Black men shun women with similar skin shades to their mothers, emphasises both the complexity and perniciousness of internalised colourism (Phoenix and Craddock, 2022).”

• cites Phoenix and Craddock, 2022 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

We took an intersectional approach to our analysis to allow us to be particularly attentive to participants' positionality in terms of gender, skin shade, and where possible, their generational cohort.

“We took an intersectional approach to our analysis to allow us to be particularly attentive to participants’ positionality in terms of gender, skin shade, and where possible, their generational cohort.”

May combine two claims.

In a similar way to Kelly, Destiny took pride in her appearance and presented herself to the world in a way that emphasised the fact that she saw darker skin as valuable.

“In a similar way to Kelly, Destiny took pride in her appearance and presented herself to the world in a way that emphasised the fact that she saw darker skin as valuable.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

In her narrative, Kelly rejects definitions of Black women with dark skin as ugly or unattractive and asserts her own "definition" of Black women with dark skin as beautiful, which could be seen as a form of resistance or "activism."

“In her narrative, Kelly rejects definitions of Black women with dark skin as ugly or unattractive and asserts her own “definition” of Black women with dark skin as beautiful, which could be seen as a form of resistance or “activism.””

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Attempts to address colourism are often individualised and framed around "re-education" that focuses on broadening conceptions of beauty and desirability to include dark skin so that whiteness and light skin are no longer viewed as the "dominant standard."

“As Glenn (2008, p. 298) argued, attempts to address colourism are often individualised and framed around “re-education” that focuses on broadening conceptions of beauty and desirability to include dark skin so that whiteness and light skin are no longer viewed as the “dominant standard.””

• cites Glenn, 2008 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Implicitly, Malakai called for Black people to reject the dominant racist and colourist messages.

“Implicitly, Malakai called for Black people to reject the dominant racist and colourist messages.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Such scenarios would cause frustration and potentially resentment.

“While he does not discuss the impact of this on relations between women of different shades, from the preceding narratives it seems likely that such scenarios would cause frustration and potentially resentment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

"Look at it differently" may be a call for Black women to reevaluate both their perceptions of beauty and their self-perceptions.

““Look at it differently” may be a call for Black women to reevaluate both their perceptions of beauty and their self-perceptions.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Kelly struck a defiant tone as she argued that she took pride in her appearance to emphasise the beauty in women with dark skin that mainstream colourist narratives seek to deny.

“Kelly struck a defiant tone as she argued that she took pride in her appearance to emphasise the beauty in women with dark skin that mainstream colourist narratives seek to deny.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

When Black women draw on whatever is at their disposal "to be self-defined and self-valuating [sic] and to encourage others to reject objectification, then Black women's everyday behaviour itself is a form of activism."

“Collins (1986, p. S24) asserts that when Black women draw on whatever is at their disposal “to be self-defined and self-valuating [sic] and to encourage others to reject objectification, then Black women’s everyday behaviour itself is a form of activism.””

• cites Collins, 1986 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Just the act of viewing oneself "as fully human, as subjects," is enough to become an activist even if only in a limited way.

“She suggested that just the act of viewing oneself “as fully human, as subjects,” is enough to become an activist even if only in a limited way.”

• cites Collins, 1986 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Malakai suggests that mainstream appearance ideals are racist and colourist with White women desiring (and having surgery to achieve) features that are denigrated when associated with Black women.

“Malakai suggests that mainstream appearance ideals are racist and colourist with White women desiring (and having surgery to achieve) features that are denigrated when associated with Black women.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Our findings contribute to international work on colourism by presenting a British perspective, and providing an in-depth account of colourism's role in the heterosexual relationship market, and the effect of sexual colourism on platonic relationships between Black and mixed Black-White women.

“Our findings contribute to international work on colourism by presenting a British perspective, and providing an in-depth account of colourism’s role in the heterosexual relationship market, and the effect of sexual colourism on platonic relationships between Black and mixed Black-White women.”

May combine two claims.

Many Black men will disparage women of the same skin shade as themselves and their mothers, highlighting how deeply entrenched gendered colourism can be.

“In commenting that many Black men will disparage (“trash”) women of the same skin shade as themselves and their mothers, she highlights how deeply entrenched gendered colourism can be.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

When he says, "[T]hey make you feel worthless while they are stealing what you have. Look at it differently. Think about it," he invites an imagined audience of Black women to reflect on the injustice and contradictions inherent in appearance ideals.

“When he says, “[T]hey make you feel worthless while they are stealing what you have. Look at it differently. Think about it,” he invites an imagined audience of Black women to reflect on the injustice and contradictions inherent in appearance ideals.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Ekow's comment emphasises how colourist, gendered appearance ideals can be internalised.

“Through stating that “on a subconscious level” Black men have been “programmed” to view Black women, and particularly Black women with darker skin, negatively, Ekow’s comment emphasises how colourist, gendered appearance ideals can be internalised.”

May combine two claims.

Societal colourism impacts men in complex ways, affecting not only who they desire, but who they are comfortable to be seen with.

“This suggests that societal colourism impacts men in complex ways, affecting not only who they desire, but who they are comfortable to be seen with.”

May combine two claims.

We argued that Black women with dark skin and Afro hair were seen as unattractive due to sexual colourism, in contrast to the perceived beauty of mixed Black-White women, who were desired and sometimes objectified.

“We argued that Black women with dark skin and Afro hair were seen as unattractive due to sexual colourism, in contrast to the perceived beauty of mixed Black-White women, who were desired and sometimes objectified.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The fact that many participants commented on this despite not being asked directly, could be viewed as a strength of this inductive analytical work.

“However, the fact that many participants commented on this despite not being asked directly, could be viewed as a strength of this inductive analytical work.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Relatedly, fewer men participated than women, meaning that we had fewer male perspectives to draw on.

“Relatedly, fewer men participated than women, meaning that we had fewer male perspectives to draw on.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Together, this highlights the need to consider hair texture, alongside skin shade, in analyses of how gendered colourism affects Black women.

“Together, this highlights the need to consider hair texture, alongside skin shade, in analyses of how gendered colourism affects Black women.”

May combine two claims.

Multinational corporations profit from the lucrative global skin lightening industry and are therefore invested in perpetuating colourism in order to create and sustain demand for products that depend on inequities and insecurities created by colourism.

“Multinational corporations profit from the lucrative global skin lightening industry and are therefore invested in perpetuating colourism in order to create and sustain demand for products that depend on inequities and insecurities created by colourism (Glenn, 2008).”

• cites Glenn, 2008 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

We may, therefore, have attracted those for whom skin shade is particularly salient and who would be happy to talk about the role of skin shade in their lives.

“We may, therefore, have attracted those for whom skin shade is particularly salient and who would be happy to talk about the role of skin shade in their lives.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The systematic racism, sexism and colourism experienced by darker skinned Black women can create frustrations which, in some cases, can result in 'interpersonal conflict' with Black mixed race women.

“Campion argued that “the systematic racism, sexism and colourism experienced by darker skinned Black women can create frustrations which, in some cases, can result in ‘interpersonal conflict’ with Black mixed race women.””

• cites Campion, 2019 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

We employed convenience sampling, and our resulting sample included almost twice as many Black or mixed Black-White women with light skin as Black women with darker skin shades.

“First, we employed convenience sampling, and our resulting sample included almost twice as many Black or mixed Black-White women with light skin as Black women with darker skin shades.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Our intersectional approach to analysing how sexual colourism affects Black and mixed Black-White people, and particularly women, was valuable as it enabled us to be attentive to the complex ways in which intersecting factors such as gender, racialisation and skin shade affected both our participants' experiences and the possibility of heterosexual and platonic relationships.

“Our intersectional approach to analysing how sexual colourism affects Black and mixed Black-White people, and particularly women, was valuable as it enabled us to be attentive to the complex ways in which intersecting factors such as gender, racialisation and skin shade affected both our participants’ experiences and the possibility of heterosexual and platonic relationships.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

While this was presented as a sign of hope in the face of colourist controlling images, individualised rejection of colourism is insufficient to combat the prejudice.

“While this was presented as a sign of hope in the face of colourist controlling images, individualised rejection of colourism is insufficient to combat the prejudice.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Though we collected age data, the spread of participants' ages in conjunction with our relatively small sample size meant that we were often unable to make meaningful comparisons or interpretations by age.

“Finally, though we collected age data, the spread of participants’ ages in conjunction with our relatively small sample size meant that we were often unable to make meaningful comparisons or interpretations by age.”