Colorism in the Entertainment Industry and Beyond

Grade Level: 6-12

Time: 45-60 Minutes

Essential Question

What is colorism and how does it show up in the entertainment industry and other parts of society?

About This Lesson

Colorism is a system of bias that privileges people with lighter skin and marginalizes people with darker skin. Colorism, closely related to racism, affects people in all walks of life including the entertainment industry, media, education, workplaces, the criminal justice system and other industries and institutions. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to understand what colorism is, explore its impact on individuals and society and suggest ways–by writing a persuasive letter or essay–to address and challenge colorism.