Colorism PreviewIn the early 1800s, skin color was important among African Americans and Caucasians. There was infidelity between Caucasian slave owners and African American slaves. Naturally, the result of this produced a child with a fairer tone. In most cases the child could pass for white. Mixed-toned boys had to stay at home doing housework, while dark-toned blacks worked in the fields, in alien working conditions, "their dark-toned peers toiled in the fields" (Maxwell). From the early 1800s to the present day, there is controversy over whether light-colored or biracial African Americans are better than dark-colored African Americans. African Americans had to undergo tests to see if they were capable of receiving the privileges whites received, “light skinned African Americans are given special privileges based on the color of their skin” (Maxwell). If an African American did not receive similar privileges as whites, they would try to change themselves to fit in, “African Americans use whitening creams so they can lighten their skin, just to achieve standard beauty” (Brooke) . As much as we don't want to discuss this topic, statistics show that people are more forgiving of fair and pale skin tones. Light or light-colored Americans with Caucasian features are preferable. Background (Treatment) Slavery began in the early 1600s and lasted until 1865.1 In the present day, African Americans were treated like furry animals. Not only did they derive their freedom, but they suffered mental, physical, and emotional abuse. "They were not considered human, much less beautiful" (Zadeah). African American slaves were beaten, sexually assaulted, and killed by their s... middle of paper... Americans understand that beauty is having light skin", whites expressed the idea of ​​being inferior to blacks and succeeded in instilling in the minds of blacks the more they had a light complexion” (Maxwell). Today, things have even gotten worse they gave colorism another meaning.They constantly discriminate against their own race because they don't have light skin and nice straight hair.African Americans have segregated their race into light colored skin and dark colored skin.Dark colored African Americans are doubly discriminated against from Caucasians and half of their own race. Additionally, light-skinned and fair-skinned Americans receive “special” privileges and opportunities because of their physical appearance.