Texturism and Colourism.

Texturism and colourism

An infographic about the effects of texturism and colourism, how interconnected the topics are in our daily lives and more.

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According to Fabulize, the definition of texturism is:

WHAt is texturism?

Texturism is favoring or praising Black hair with looser, finer curl patterns.

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There are many ways texturism can take place in society, as it is a part of society in many different aspects. It heavily favours hair types, such as 2a - 3a, and discriminates against hair types, such as 3c - 4c. As someone with 3a hair, it's an issue that I have seen occur in my community for ages, and the negative connotations/stigma around Type 4 hair has resulted in prominent issues and even racial trauma.

HOW DOES TEXTURISM TAKE PLACE IN SOCIETY?

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Continuous texturism can often lead to people constantly straightening their hair, to fit into more 'eurocentric' features, perming their hair until it is forever straight, and more.

Results of texturism

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According to Lexico, the definition of colourism is:

What is colourism?

prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group.

@infographicsbymegan

Like texturism, there are many examples of colourism throughout society, a big one being the favouring of algorithims of social media. Often, lighter skinned BIPOC are heavily praised, shown and appear more on front pages of social applications, an example being the 'For You' page on TikTok. On the other hand, darker skinned BIPOC are usually represented less or hardly at all; this is an effect of the unfair algorithim.

How does colourism take place in society?

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Being heavily exposed to colourism, or being a victim of it, especially from a young age, can massively affect someone's mindset, view on society, and carry an exacerbation of racial trauma.

Results of colourism

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Both colourism and texturism are both forms of discrimination that can take place anywhere, and at anytime, but heavily take place within already marginalised groups. They both thrive off of favouritism, and suppression within the groups.

the intercon- nected nature of colourism and texturism

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In our community (POC from Cape Town, South Africa), once a child is born, three main questions are asked:1. Is the baby dark skinned or light skinned? 2. What is the baby's hair texture (coily, curly, wavy, etc.)? 3. How is the baby's nose shaped?

texturism and colourism in the conversation of childbirth

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These questions are mainly asked out of fear. The outcome/answers will define whether or not, in their eyes, that child will have a more difficult life or not.It can be detrimental to be asked questions like this, as it can be perpetuated through colourism and texturism, closely interconnecting that harsh and discriminatory mindset into conversations.

texturism and colourism in the conversation of childbirth (continued)

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