I just finished watching this short documentary on shadeism, and I thought it was something that should be shared. I have a child from mixed roots and I'm always trying different ways to help her stay connected to who she is. She has already began asking questions about why her skin is different then mine? or why is her brother darker than her? why can't she comb her hair like her friends can? This tells me that her awareness of different colors and races is opening up bigger and bigger.
As a parent of a child who comes from two different races, I think it is so important to surround them with both sides of who they are, encourage them to love who they are, and teach and show them that beauty comes in all different colors, shapes and sizes. This is especially important because most of who or what they see in the media, only represents one or two races which is mainly on the light side.
This video is a perfect way to start thinking about these issues and remind ourselves that they exist. Especially as a woman and mother coming from a Canadian/Italian background, it's not something I have had to necessarily deal with. Watching videos or reading books, talking to people of different color or races and understanding these issues, is a necessary part in bringing our beautiful children up to be comfortable in their own skin.
Just click on the link below to get to the video. Enjoy!
http://vimeo.com/16210769
Great video. I'm so impressed with the quality of work the women put into this. They have contributed to creating positive change for ALL our beautiful little ones.
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