I’m what they call ‘red boned’ and this title is not something I bestowed upon myself. It seems like people have always had terms to refer to the various shades of blackness among all races, and with that reference comes value. Dark Girls is a new documentary that discusses colorism in all cultures, but with a special focus on the impact of our behavior and how it affects women of color.

Unfortunately, these terms and the values in which they denote are set up in a twisted totum pole that puts the darkest shade of skin at the bottom of the social structure of nearly all peoples while elevating the status of the individual as they ascent up and away from blackness. This leave a coldrun of people left to deal with life as ‘less than’ based on physical attributes that mean nothing. The damage we do is evident. Join the Facebook group here and read stories written by women about the impact color has had on their lives.

Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.

The movie is premiering in New York City on January 13th at the historic Apollo theater. Ticket prices are $38.50 and $78.50, the latter of which affords one a VIP ticket with a meet and greet, priority seating and a reception with the film’s directors. Since this falls on my birthday, I may just find my way to the viewing and treat myself to a VIP ticket. Either way, this movie definitely seems worth watching, the preview will have you almost in tears.

© 2012, TRJ. All rights reserved.