If I may my dear, whats your intake on the brown paper bag theory?? As you are a woman of color who surpasses the tests with flying colors ny dear? Are you against it or against it because you pass..
Roxanne-- As I am a woman of color, who comes from an interracial family, it infuriates me that tests like these were used to ascertain race, perpetuate racism and discrimination based on phenotype, hair texture, etc.. Being biracial and having to defend my blackness just because I am lighter skinned is something I have to deal with on a daily basis, inside and outside of my community. Tests like the paper bag test and pencil test were enforced to further divide people of color and interracial families. I did the "Paper Bag Test" series and specifically chose people close to me and well known celebrities who have faced racism in their personal lives or in the media spotlight to bring attention to how that racism continues still today. There is something unique about having racism be within a family dynamic, and given my background this has certainly been part of my experience. If you're interested in learning more about my personal background and why I do politically charged art, my artist statement is here: www.bethconsettarubel.com
I agree with Ms. Rubel... I'm against anything that divides us as a people. And to be completely honest, I'm not so sure that I would pass the paper bag test. And I certainly would fail the pencil test. It's sad that these things even existed, and are still plaguing our communities today.
Absolutely. How one self identifies should never be compromised by perceived aesthetics and structured tests rooted in white supremacy. Thanks ShariRenee for featuring my art and for your response!
If I may my dear, whats your intake on the brown paper bag theory?? As you are a woman of color who surpasses the tests with flying colors ny dear? Are you against it or against it because you pass..
ReplyDeleteRoxanne-- As I am a woman of color, who comes from an interracial family, it infuriates me that tests like these were used to ascertain race, perpetuate racism and discrimination based on phenotype, hair texture, etc.. Being biracial and having to defend my blackness just because I am lighter skinned is something I have to deal with on a daily basis, inside and outside of my community. Tests like the paper bag test and pencil test were enforced to further divide people of color and interracial families. I did the "Paper Bag Test" series and specifically chose people close to me and well known celebrities who have faced racism in their personal lives or in the media spotlight to bring attention to how that racism continues still today.
DeleteThere is something unique about having racism be within a family dynamic, and given my background this has certainly been part of my experience.
If you're interested in learning more about my personal background and why I do politically charged art, my artist statement is here: www.bethconsettarubel.com
Take care Dear,
Consetta
I agree with Ms. Rubel... I'm against anything that divides us as a people. And to be completely honest, I'm not so sure that I would pass the paper bag test. And I certainly would fail the pencil test. It's sad that these things even existed, and are still plaguing our communities today.
DeleteAbsolutely. How one self identifies should never be compromised by perceived aesthetics and structured tests rooted in white supremacy. Thanks ShariRenee for featuring my art and for your response!
DeleteThank YOU, you're amazing!
Deletehttp://blackgirlthinking.wordpress.com/2010/02/18/light-skindark-skin-still-an-issue/
ReplyDelete