Thread: Colorism in Ethiopia

Colorism is alive and thriving in Ethiopia. It is our non-discussed truth. From small individual-level encounters to large national companies, the preference for lighter skin tones is real. 1/11

Colorism is often rooted in sexism. Light-skinned women are generally considered attractive while skin tone has little to do with attractiveness for men. 2/11

This lighter skin preference is also actively promoted by big companies like @flyethiopian where their poster girl is most likely a light-skinned, sharp nosed woman. 3/11

I remember a time when my dad and I had an argument because I wasn’t studying hard. His friend, who was visiting casually said “If she were light-skinned, the Ethiopian airlines would’ve hired her as a flight attendant. 4/11

It is only recently that I got to see flight attendants who look like me. The face of Ethiopia they have been promoting for years doesn’t mostly include women (or men) with darker skin shades. 5/11

Whenever a darker skin is introduced/promoted on our tourism posters, it is often portrayed as exotic (case in point: the South Omo pictures on our tourism websites). 6/11

None of our TV commercials or hit TV shows (I stand to be corrected) have models/lead-actors who have darker skin shades. 7/11

Even here in the US, I have been told multiple times that “I don’t look Ethiopian” by my fellow Ethiopians which often leaves me wondering “Who is an Ethiopian?” 8/11

In Addis, I have had several encounters of people assuming that I don’t speak Amharic. When I do, there is this awkward comment of “አፍሪካዊ ትመስያለሽ" again I wonder “What about you?”. 9/11

It is my sincere hope that one day we have a media that showcases our beauty in diversity, the kaleidoscope colors and looks we have in the country. 10/11

I am an Ethiopian, as proudly and as unapologetically as one could ever be. I reject a narrative of Ethiopia that doesn’t include people who look like me. I refuse any labeling of “the other” based on skin tones. 11/11