Colorism appears as a unique thread in the complex web of social conventions, deeply ingrained in people's experiences from different cultural backgrounds. Aptly termed "the daughter of racism" by Lupita Nyong'o, colorism defines a society, in which lighter skin tones are preferred over darker ones, hence maintaining a hierarchy among social groups.

So what, to put it simply, is colorism? We would want to define colorism in the most basic terms before continuing in this text. Dictionary.com defines colorism as treating people differently based on the color of their skin, particularly showing a preference for those with lighter skin tones and treating people with darker skin tones poorly or excluding them, usually from the same racial or ethnic group. Colorism can manifest in various aspects of life, including within the realm of parenting, where biases and preferences based on skin color may impact the upbringing of children, shaping their perceptions of self-worth and contributing to broader societal issues.

In 2021, we unveiled the Everyday Colorism Scale as part of our effort to comprehend the complex dynamics of colorism in the UK. This novel instrument operates as a compass, directing our investigation into how interpersonal colorism affects people's perceptions and, in turn, their general well-being. Our investigation revealed a concerning link between bad body image and experiences with colorism. Colorism does not discriminate based on gender, despite outdated assumptions to the contrary. Our extensive research demonstrated its widespread impact on men and women, affecting decisions in intimate relationships as well as how they perceive themselves. The fact that racist ideologies are frequently planted within the boundaries of familial settings, on the other hand, may be what hits home.

Examining family dynamics in further detail, our interviews with people from various ethnic origins revealed unique experiences influenced by gender. Women are disproportionately held to strict beauty standards within patriarchal organizations, where having light skin is viewed as desirable. Marie's story powerfully illustrates how colorist attitudes are passed down from generation to generation when ideas of shame are closely linked to skin tone and feed prejudice. Interestingly, these beauty standards can even impact choices related to baby products, as families may prioritize items that align with societal expectations, further perpetuating these ingrained preferences.

Comparably, Portia's memory of her father's nasty words highlights how pernicious familial colorism is, causing long-lasting damage to people's sense of identity and self-worth. Chloe's story serves as an example of how the negative effects of parental prejudices on partner preferences transcend beyond personal stories and into romantic realms.

Nevertheless, in the middle of these stories of hardship, there are moments of optimism that show how excellent parenting can change lives. Families can actively confront ingrained colorist beliefs by utilizing the idea of "oppositional consciousness," which promotes a culture of acceptance and celebration of variety. Parental guidance is crucial in influencing children's perspectives and fostering a sense of self-assurance in their identity, as demonstrated by Portia's steadfast dedication to challenging racist ideas.

Fighting colorism fundamentally requires a paradigm change based on knowledge and unwavering love. Malakai's passionate appeal for fostering a culture of acceptance and self-love perfectly captures the spirit of this life-changing experience. In this transformative journey, even within the realm of baby care, families play a critical role in changing the story and paving the way for a future characterized by empathy and inclusivity. By providing the next generation with the means to navigate a prejudice-filled environment, families contribute significantly to creating a nurturing and inclusive foundation from the earliest stages of a child's life.

Finally, the fight against colorism emphasizes how important it is for everyone to work together to create surroundings that are supportive of acceptance and growth, regardless of the stories that each person tells. Families can become change agents by demonstrating an unrelenting dedication to excellent parenting practices and a persistent commitment to confronting deeply ingrained biases. This will illuminate a route towards a society that is more compassionate and egalitarian.