As a South Asian, we need to acknowledge colorism and anti black mindset in our communities and damage it causes. We need to stand as allies to the black community and end anti black racism. This is the only way to end all racism. Thanks @red_abebe for bringing this up

Colorism is a dirty legacy in India. As a kid I was called pretty and fair, two were equated. A doctor wanted to use whitening cream on me as a child to further enhance my skin tone! My aunts and grand aunts with darkest skin tone were considered unmarriable. Sad to look back..

So many incidents of #colorism. At middle school, teacher pulled me and my best friend aside, scolded my friend with darker skin tone for wearing darker colors, said made her uglier, pointed at me and said only fair girls like me can wear it. my friend so crushed, I was helpless

I see #colorism also in South Asian diaspora. I have younger relatives who grew up here who are crazy about tanning and getting some sun on the beach. Their parents are absolutely horrified and can't make sense of it. Thankfully things seem much better with younger generation.

Until recently I was blind to privilege as a South Asian with lighter skin tone. If I get called fair and pretty I explain legacy behind #colorism Usually they are other Indian women with darker skin tone. I tell them they are beautiful. they should be proud in their own skin

Privileged can be blind to injustice and think they are good guys. But we need to do more! We need to actively fight. I urge men to be allies in fight against sexism. I urge all non-black people to be allies in fight against anti-black racism #BlackLivesMatter