Colorism in Bioethics

Impacts on People

Physical Impact

In regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa, skin bleaching has become a common beauty practice. In order to appear more attractive in dating and the job market, those with darker skin bleach their skin. Skin bleaching reduces the amount of melanin in the skin, which gives the darker skin tone. Some severe side effects of skin bleaching include mercury poisoning, increased risk of skin cancer, skin infections, and premature aging of the skin.

Colorism can negatively affect the reproductive health of females. A study on African American girls found that those who viewed their appearance negatively felt less in control of condom use and choice of sexual partners. Another study of African American girls found those conforming to colorism and judging themselves harshly were more likely to engage in risky behaviors and were perceived as more sexually active than those who did not.

Social Impact

Colorism has influenced various social aspects. A study from Villanova University found that women with darker skin were given longer prison sentences than those with lighter skin. Women with lighter skin received sentences twelve percent shorter. In job applications, lighter-skinned individuals are more likely to be hired than those with darker skin. Colorism-based discrimination often leads to feelings of isolation, incompetence, and disregard.

Psychological

Colorism negatively impacts mental health. Individuals identifying as Asian are more likely to report poorer self-rated mental and overall health. Dark-skinned Black women are more susceptible to depression, eating disorders, and distorted body image, as they often deviate most from typical European beauty standards.. This population is likely to experience feelings of inadequacy and express emotions like anger, pain, and confusion regarding traits such as skin color and hair.

Colorism frequently leads to lower self-esteem. Studies of African American youth (ages 11-19) show that those who perceive their skin color as a certain shade are less satisfied with their skin tone. Research suggests that, globally, women are more influenced by colorism than men due to cultural beauty standards.

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