Self-hatred directed towards oneself, and one’s kind, is the ultimate offense! To despise those most similar to you is to despise yourself as well!
Mrs. Turner was a woman who believed in exclusivity. Physically, she was unique in her appearance and she used it to support her overbearing confidence as “even her buttocks in bas relief were a source of pride” (Hurston 140). She believed that her difference in physique is what separated her from the rest of her fellow black people and often times, she demonstrated this in the most condescending of ways. Sadly enough, Mrs. Turner was a victim of Colourism.
Misinterpreting her black skin as a drastic flaw, Mrs. Turner was wrong in her contorted views towards herself and others that shared the same complexion. She manifested the notion that whites kept themselves at a distance from black people because they believed that they were superior solely in their appearance. “T’ain’t de poorness, it’s de color and de features.” (Hurston 141) Mrs. Turner was simply a victim, defeated in the battle against the white man and his anti-semitic teachings; a symbol of inferiority and a pawn in the white man’s game.
http://www.africanamericanimages.com/aai/willie%20lynch.htm
According to the Willie Lynch theory (see link above), one of the methods used for controlling slaves - and black people in general- is to establish a divide amongst the race based upon skin complexion. The “Lightskin vs. Darkskin” debate has plagued the black community for as long as they’ve been in America. The implementation of inferiority has evinced itself through the thoughts and beliefs of Mrs. Turner as she tends to disassociate herself with black people in general. Ultimately, she has been conditioned to love the skin of her oppressor, thus perpetuating the ongoing oppression of a black people.
I agree with the theory you posted Troy, as it is a very significant problem even in the modern 21st century. Skin complexion and division within the black community has always been a big problem that sadly is never properly addressed. Not only does colourism effect the black community, but it can also be said to be a present and overarching multi-cultural phenomeon in many ethnic groups which create hierachies between its "light" and "dark" skinned people.
ReplyDeleteAs Leo said this is still very present today and it's sad actually. People from the same race putting others down because they may have darker skin as if we don't have the same history and our ancestors didn't go through the same type of cruelty. This shows that it's not just the young generation but even the adults focus in on skin color. Great topic.
ReplyDeleteIn comparison to Kirsten and Leo, racism is an on going issue that has been around for centuries! Troy, you made it very clear in your post that racial division and skin complexion causes issues even within their own race! You brought up the "light skin v.s. dark skin" topic which is an excellent example of how these racial complications affect even their own. This was a great topic to discuss and you provide solid support, especially through the Will Lynch Theory.
ReplyDeleteThis theory honestly explains so much about the scenario in the novel and society in general. The roots of institutionalized racism always seem to revert back to slavery. The remnants of our shameful past remain today when we flip through a fashion magazine that attempts to be "diverse" by featuring a lighter skinnned African-American. The fashion industry often neglects certain features like dark skin, for aesthetic purposes and a falsified idea of beauty.
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