COLOURISM VS RACE

Time Magazine has identified the following when it comes to colourism vs race; 'skin colour will continue to serve as the most obvious criterion in determining how a person will be evaluated and judged. In this country(America), because of deeply entrenched racism, we already know that dark skin is demonized and light skin wins the prize. And that occurs precisely because this country was built on principles of racism. It cannot be overstated that if racism didn’t exist, a discussion about varying skin hues would simply be a conversation about aesthetics. But that’s not the case. The privileging of light skin over dark is at the root of an ill known as colourism'. Time Magazine goes on to say 'The funny thing is, the word colourism doesn’t even exist. Not officially. It autocorrects on one’s computer screen. It does not appear in the dictionary.

Colourism in our communities has been a fixture for many years, one could argue that this is due to colonialism. The lighter skinned person generally worked in the house, given nice jobs to do whilst the darker skinned person would be given the hardest work to do, which was in the main outside. It is often said that the lighter you are the more chances you have of making it. It doesn't, however, absolve you from racism that could still happen but you probably won't be the first target if there is someone else with a darker hue.

It was brought to my attention that Influencers with a darker hue are being paid less than their white counterparts. It is said white influencers are making an average of over 50% more than their Black, Asian and other minoritised influencers. It is further broken down, on average Asian descent made an average of ￡700 a sponsored video, 57% less than average for white Influencers. South Asian, Black and East Asian Influencers are also paid lesser fees ranging from ￡1,010- ￡1,135. This is one example of how the Ethnicity Pay Gap can show itself. Information reported in the Guardian.

If you have followed me, you will know that I have been campaigning for 6 years on this issue. You will see above my latest action which is billboards across London highlighting the importance of taking a stand to prevent this from happening. Let's not get this twisted (using GenZ phrase) this has been going on for years. Even in my mother's time, she can reflect on many situations when she was being paid less than her white colleagues and could have been paid less than her Asian colleagues. My mum is a dark-skinned woman which makes her a target for unfair treatment. Runnymede Trust in one of their recent reports said this has been going on for decades.

If you are following the election, some parties have at last put this issue in their manifesto. the focus is making it mandatory for companies to report on their Ethnicity Pay Gap like they have been doing for the Gender Pay Gap. The data analysis will, of course, have to be different, the incoming government will need to clearly outline what is required and also ensure there is an action plan or clear narrative to close the gap.

Colourism is seen within the Ethnicity Pay Gap, as is discrimination because of race, and corporate blindness to the abilities of Black, Asian and other minoritised groups. Some believe we are not capable of achieving and that we are quite happy to settle and be grateful for a job. Not so, We are capable of great things, you only have to look at our history to know that.

The right to be treated fairly is for everyone, if you choose not to pay people fairly, don't be surprised when your best talent leaves your organisation.