The denigration of dark skin vis-à-vis western civilization: evolution of an African pathology

Abstract

The denigration of dark skin in Western civilization is an evolution of African pathology in the post-modern era. At the dawn of civilization depiction of Africans was in fact quite favorable to dark skin. Following the Atlantic slave trade the West utilized science and religion to justify exploitation of African peoples vis-à-vis denigration of dark skin. To the extent of Western influence persons of African descent in the modern era have internalized Western ideals. In the aftermath are skin bleaching and various other manifestations of pathology. Psychologists who engage persons of African descent must address the skin color issue to enable the therapeutic process.

IFE PsychologIA Vol. 13(2) 2005: 138-149