The Ways Ya'll Talk About Colorism Make Me Tired 😒 : Keke Palmer & Zendaya

"Love so Good"
The Ongoing Project
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[@LoneWulf278]

Colorism is when so many biracial actresses are mainstream that we start thinking KeKe Palmer is dark-skinned. She’s not. 😂

[@mayowasworld]

LMAOOOO WHERE IS THE LIEEE

[@eshadiva6600]

This comment tho 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿😂😂😂😂 super facts lol

[@Tristan11406]

THIS?

[@IMETGODSHEBLACK]

Okay I’m confused then what is she?? Her skin tone changes from time to time (that’s how melanin works)

[@triaverse]

@@IMETGODSHEBLACK she’s brown skin. Several shades lighter than Mayowa, or even you (in your pfp)

[@hugsandfries7252]

I think China Anne McClain would have also been good to compare. A black talented Disney girl who didn’t get as much attention as the biracial

[@brib6046]

China Anne McClain also wanted to reject certain roles and distance herself from The Industry because of “Satanist” and “the LGBT agenda”. I think the second reason is why she left Black Lightning.

[@Nadia-jk5jw]

Would agree except China stunted her career when she was cancelled for being homophobic

[@bells1525]

How is that colorism when they’re damn near the same color?

[@triaverse]

@@bells1525 they are not the same color lol and China is Black whereas Zendaya is biracial.

[@hersheychoco9]

I thought the same thing

[@elledumble]

OhStephco made a video about this and I understand her POV. I would add that Keke and Zendaya were "branded" and "marketed" differently from the get go! Zendaya was branded as a young version of Hailey Berry/Zoe Saldanah. The black actresses who are black but don't make white people uncomfortable. Keke on the other hand has always been unapologetically black! And I love her for it!

[@siriusakari6729]

When will Americans stop referring to bi-racials and mixed race folk as black. Everywhere else in the world we refer to them as being mixed-race. When I look at Zendaya I do not see a black person she looks like an exotic European and as a result gets a bigger white fanbase that actually spend money to watch her compared to Keke and the company executives know that.

[@crystalcastillo7575]

But I feel like thats the issue. Like why does someone have to be branded and molded to fit the "white person's gaze". The only way you can make unambiguous black people "less uncomfortable to white people" is if you make or give more roles to unambiguous black people than biracial people. Does that make sense? You need to see something more (more black people in these "white spaces") to make it a more normal / normalized thing. People are uncomfortable with the unknown.. so make it known (make unambiguous black people's presence known/ seen in these typically white spaces)

[@brynnk2518]

Keke really has no choice but to be unapologetically black because she is black .

[@elledumble]

@@siriusakari6729 tbh it's not just an American thing! I wasn't even aware that I said Zendaya is a black woman because I hated it when my ex's family said that our kids would be "black". They are Italians in southern Italy so not really aware of American culture! The reason I was offended was because of the belief that one drop of negro blood makes you black even if you look like Mariah Carey or Meghan Markle is racist AF and I don't subscribe to it but sometimes we fall for their bs... Especially as Black women. We are always defending and embracing everyone even though they hate us. Black men, Asians and biracial people whenever they are victims of white supremacy come to us and we are there for them but they don't embrace us at all... They all throw us under the bus at the first opportunity

[@r.walker7986]

Zendaya clawed her way up through guerilla red-carpet tactics... She made them see her. There are not many roles written for mixed girls, she had to go up against mainlyoutspoken on race issues...

[@biabia9181]

I was about to say the comparison doesn’t really match. The real meat of the conversation should be that if zendaya was darkskin and obviously black, she wouldn’t receive as much opportunity and she would not be as popular. Period.

[@lot110]

And how would u know that!

[@biabia9181]

@@lot110 by the many other beautiful dark skin black women who act sing and model but don’t get the same opportunity and mass popularity as zendaya. She hasn’t done anything majorly special. Except be socially attractive and slightly quirky. And yet world wide she is loved and revered.

[@PsychicMedium4747]

Fact

[@MIA-fq1di]

​@@lot110show me any dark skin black woman who's on Zendaya s level and I will wait👂

[@kidawesomeness123]

When i heard of this debate I immediately assumed keke made a point of auditioning and working in black spaces wheras zendaya admits to reading for roles for white women. While its obvious keke cant go for roles meant for white women keke made a point to center her career around black movies and black spaces she wasn’t necessarily looking for mainstream success. Wheras zendaya made a point to add some biracial representation to white spaces. One of the reasons i believe we havent heard from coco jones in a while is because she was competing for the few roles dark skin(or brown) women get in mainstream projects. She talks about how hollywood wanted her to “wild out” for her roles and do things she wasnt comfortable with and she turned down ‘big’ opportunities because of it. Maybe chyna wouldve been a better comparison, but currently even she is breaking off from mainstream hollywood and doing independent production and projects

[@ornenow4703]

This is a good point!

[@blacklightning7022]

Chyna did a video not long ago about her reasoning for leaving Black Lightning and mainstream Hollywood and said things weren't sitting well with her spirit (paraphrasing), so she's in the same boat CoCo was in. I'm loving CoCo as Hillary on Bel-Air and her new music is good as well. Hope to see more of her

[@christopher6361]

I’m with you on most of this. But you see the benefit in comparing but also say we shouldn’t talk about colorism in the mainstream like this. The reason ppl phrased it this way was in order to get a main stream(white) audience to pay attention. And it worked as far as gaining attention. I agree Keke Palmer and other dark skin women shouldn’t have to get pressure on them. But Google colorism and there’s already a million think pieces and video essays with zendaya’s face everywhere. But it hasn’t done anything outside the community. This tweet has gained more traction in the main stream than anything else. And yes black ppl could show up more for Coco Jones but that will literally never get her main stream success. The black community has been what has kept Keke famous. That’s why Keke Palmer never got zendaya success. It’s because she can’t tap into a white audience which is what zendaya can do. There’s a ceiling to being black ppl famous. We need all the tools in the toolbox. Black ppl can support their own dark skin women artist and reframe conversations but there’s a ceiling unless you broaden the audience of these discussions.

[@JubeiKibagamiFez]

And the other BS thing is that hollywood studios won't even give dark skinned actresses a chance on the regular because all they care about is pinching every single penny to maximize profits. Greed isn't the cause of colorism, but it definitely perpetuates colorism.

[@laurenjackson2810]

Very well said 👏🏾

[@bighead1234567891013]

Oh snap a reasonable comment. This was refreshing. Black folk , particularly the ones of a dark shade, get wrapped up so deeply in the colorism convo that they forget things like marketability. Black support alone is not always enough

[@wandiam6635]

But… do we even know that Keke cares to tap into the white audience? And do the shift in marketing that’s required to do so? Are we sure that Zendaya and Keke are even gunning for the same end results and interested in the same collaborators ? Plenty of our most revered Black entertainers don’t ring a bell to most white people. I just wanna push against the idea of ‘Black famous’ being something that’s categorically less than. There doesn’t have to be a ceiling when there are other buildings. It’s just an apples to oranges comparison to me, but I respect your view.

[@christopher6361]

@@wandiam6635 I don't think black famous is less then. But it does come with less access. I don't know either Zendaya nor Keke Palmer personally but I would assume they both want to be as successful as possible.

[@mothicbeauty]

Also, something no one was addressing was the fact that getting famous at 9 (Keke) isn’t the same as getting famous at 16 (Z). Two very different come ups at play just on that fact, so when you add in the lens of colorism, you’re looking at a very complex situation. Horrible comparison!

[@louisianacookingwithkay]

2:22 No shade forwards Zendaya, but she's nowhere near as talented and versatile as Keke Palmer. Keke Palmer is like a baby Angela Bassett. I absolutely love both of them. They're so talented, versatile, and well-spoken. I also love how Angela Bassett supported and embraced Keke Palmer, unlike how Gabrielle Union did Ryan Destiny.

[@sierrashavon6459]

I might be interpreting Keke's tweet wrong but I took it as her saying the fact that she has so many incredible accomplishments and she's being compared to someone who doesn't have those same accomplishments but is arguably more mainstream is another part of the colorism issue. That's just the way I took it but I enjoy hearing and reading other people's interpretations too!

[@lot110]

you are wrong

[@sierrashavon6459]

@@lot110 ok

[@destinydivine8465]

Notice all of her accomplishments were tied to her being black. First black this..etc. She just proved that she isn't mainstream..

[@ml5923]

that literally is mainstream 😭 like why are y’all weird !! this girl had her own tv show on prime time television on one of the biggest children networks period. what about that says “not mainstream” are y’all okay??

[@destinydivine8465]

@@ml5923 no..you are just slow. She is popular amongst Black Americans..which makes up 13 percent of population. Mainstream means no matter your race you know who she is! Like Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry. Why do I need to explain this?! Calling people weird when you clearly don't know what you are talking about..

[@leilanidru7506]

@m L even tho original post said Keke herself isn’t mainstream, so your response makes sense, I still read that as the whole point of being the first black --- etc, is that (dark skin) BLACK WOMEN aren’t mainstream in those roles. That’s why we’re still having first black --- to this day. The first “black” Vice President, the first black female Supreme Court justice etc in 2022. Among other not as extreme positions of power. *You can be an outlier and oppression still exist is the overall point I think*. And that’s doubly or triply true the further you are from white. The statistics speak for themselves, and they have for decades. We never needed this warped keke pamler zendaya dichotomy in the first place. Now people are arguing/being defensive on whether keke’s success is despite oppression or in its absence when we could be having less beans-for-brains discussions on colorism 2022. It’s like trying to debate if humans are causing climate change when we should be coming up with solutions for our earth that’s currently on fire.

[@PumaArg]

@@ml5923 Tbh as an outsider I have know Zendeya FOREVER but literally found out about Keke just a couple of years ago

[@Yesitsmedaphne]

I was reading the comments on the post and saw that people were missing the point due to her "success". For Keke herself to then respond in the exact same way, pretty much dismissing that colorism is very real 🤦🏾‍♀Like it's not that hard to comprehend that being a "successful" black person does not make you exempt from systems of oppression 🙄

[@theklr]

I believe Keke doesn’t have time for colorism. She’s already in an industry that already doesn’t want her naturally. She’s focusing on what she can control.

[@tdr.220]

While I agree that colorism can play a part, I don't think that Keke wants to get caught up in the victim narrative around it. Similar to how most black people are just living their lives and don't want to be involved in every perceived racial injustice. It isn't possible. I think you have to surround yourself with people who see you as an individual that uplift and promote you and see your value. The media doesn't represent the thoughts, views, and opinions of everyone, and limiting oneself to perceived hardships is a waste of valuable time. No doubt some people are racist, colorist, sexist, etc. However, I think an over-obsession with these topics will ultimately rob you of your joy and cause you to create barriers to living a full and healthy life.

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

Girl, Keke was NOT dismissing that colorism is real. Keke KNOWS that it's real. She's in the industry that relies on it. What Keke was doing was saying, "Look at my resume and don't compare me to her." And she was right to say so!

[@emmaluzphilipp1049]

I think it is always problematic to attach these kinds of discussions to individuals. And in this case it rather feels like it puts more pressure on Zendaya than Keke because it feels a little "she was lucky because she has a lighter complexion". How should Zendaya respond to people pointing out her privileges? She simply can't - maybe she doesn't want to. I often feel like stats, ratios, historic background etc. always serve these discussions better.

[@cygnetlake8017]

Victimizing privileged groups/individuals is NEVER it

[@johnjungkook2721]

@@cygnetlake8017 and what about african american privilege for being born in a first world country? Do you know how hard it is for black people in poor countries? You can't be a victim, okay so the whole racism debate is pointless, stop crying then.

[@crystalcastillo7575]

I was waiting on your thoughts. I knew you wouldn't disappoint. One of the first issues black people as a COLLECTIVE has to address is why we claim biracial people as black & why we continue the one drop rule. Being biracial doesn't mean you are black. Hanging onto biracial people & seeing their wins as "our own" reminds me of a video I saw from (I can't recall which of these ladies it was) Fab Socialism (if Saweetie is BlackI am a super Negro) or Chrissie (the Rihanna, asap Rocky baby video) where they said something like "black people wanna claim their {biracial people's} successes cause we barely get full wins/successful representation in mainstream media with unambiguous black people). Claiming biracial people as black is RUINING any chance for a productive colourism conversation

[@lot110]

Why do we use race period! It is made up bull White Supremacy is internalized by us

[@IMETGODSHEBLACK]

Girl you are quick!! Thank you for going in about this issue ✨

[@empresszoe9351]

I know the colourism exists but it is such a unnecessary conversation at this point. Nobody forced Keke to comment. There's nothing wrong for Zendaya not commenting. Black people should start fixing so called problems among themselves not by comparing two famous people of colour. Plus biracial people shouldn't be forced to apologise for existing. FIY no matter what society says about biracial people and their privilege reality is that there are more successful black people out their in Hollywood than mixed raced people period.

[@triaverse]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 girl

[@akanjisekoni]

You’re a fool, mixed women literally get way more opportunities than Black women and they take majority of Black women repeesentatifon, yet they are a smaller group and aren’t even black

[@lot110]

@@triaverse Colourism Is a part of racism

[@dakotac180]

Also Keke was one of the young black star blue prints, like Raven, first. Both Keke and Zendaya are gorgeous, leave these queens alone.

[@strw.b3rry395]

It’s *texturism, colorism, and fatphobia* Now, Keke isn’t fat at ALL but Zendaya extreme thinness gives her a certain proximity to whiteness. White female (teenage) fans are able relate to that body type in a way they can’t w/ Keke. There’s this book: *fearing the black body[…]* that touches on this. Additionally white men see her as a object of desirability because they don’t stray too far from what there used to so they have a proclivity towards her as well. Finally, White people invest the most in entertainment overall. Look at those in the audience at any rap concert. Music made for and by black people have stadium full of white people because that’s who shows up and can afford it. Black people support with word of mouth (twitter) and streams but that’s as far as their support goes monetarily. They’re not going to watch the same movie in the theaters 5x like white folk do. The problem is the fans because the industry itself is giving her her accolades, giving her her opportunities but they don’t stick cause niggas aren’t showing up as much as they speak on it online! We need to put our money where our mouths are!

[@alisharo58]

I’m all for monetary support but… where are people supposed to find the money to go to the theaters 5x? I agree there’s power in money, but advocating shouldn’t be expensive. I’m not going to fault Black people for not handing more of their money to the rich and privileged. Maybe if there was some reciprocity (giving money to celebs actively investing back in the community… not saying Keke isn’t, I don’t know for sure), then I would think that’s justified to give money to the rich. but otherwise, I’m not going to find fault with Black people with not sharing wealth they likely don’t have in the first place.

[@dinkyboss]

I was waiting for someone to make it some how about fat phobia because I just knew someone would some how bring it up despot the topic being about two very thin women. Y’all may lack the range for these subjects but y’all are creative.

[@strw.b3rry395]

@@dinkyboss you right

[@kerenesmith7665]

My fully black ass with a "white body." 😭😂

[@wokefromhome7389]

Has anyone ever thought of blaming producers instead of attacking the actresses? It's funny it takes a mixed race director to put an unapologetic black actress as the leading lady in his flim. How many monoracially black producers and directors are doing this?

[@blackstarafro2]

Keke palmer started off doing movies with heart like " Akeelah and the bee" . Zendaya did Disney TV show. Because she was lighter skinned. She was promoted to a different demographic at Disney than a rayvon Simone show. Darker skinned boy actors are used more than darker skinned females in Disney.

[@lololee24]

I'm so so sick and tired of hearing that word "colorism" at this point some of you are just using that word to shame light skinned and brown skinned women and men for accepting opportunities, opportunities that will help pay for their bills and take care of their families. Instead of whining over a lighter complexioned black person accepting a job YOU wanted, work harder and stop being a brat.

[@Gabriel-nw6lb]

Love your whole outfit the colors of the fabric and the corset are so pretty. Always love your videos Hope u have a hice week

[@222cosmicpsyche]

🦋THE OUTFITTTT MAYOWAAAA🦋

[@truthseeksme9994]

Instead of using the study of nature (aka science) to learn about melanin (and leucism); we fuss about pop-culture. Until we start discussing our genetics - we will always feel less; and behave it.

[@jillhbaudhaan]

Your hair, hair band, and accessories. Genuine question: If I become a millionaire (or have a suitable nest egg) and I wanted to create a college scholarship for only dark skin black women, do think I'd be allowed (thinking law, philanthropy, and public education institutions)? This is genuinely something I'd like to do one day, so I often ponder how I'd set it up. Should I have a color chart? Request a photo of the applicant with their parents? Not say they've won, until they show up in person?

[@mydknyghtrydah463]

OK Its timer for black folk to let this go. We don't own this and never did. We stole this from the Asians. And when i say Asian I mean the Continent of Asia ALL of it. So While we complain about a whole lot of sh!t this fight didn't start in what is now America.

[@ollygaetheirnandez]

your whole outfit is cute

[@CreolePolyglot]

Love the fabric - same color as this batik I really wanted, but it was gone before I could get it!

[@LeeLiB]

Black people + hip-hop culture plays a huge role in colorism.

[@mandeanraje2300]

You look GOODTTT ☀️

[@J_Summer69]

Keke should just have not responded because the evidence of colourism is there and her responding to social media debates on her career doesn’t help her or the issue of colourism.

[@funboisingsorsomething6955]

You look amazing!

[@Brandi_777]

The argument was weak from jump you’re right Coco/Skye/Marsai and Zendaya would have been a better contrast than Keke. Zendaya doesn’t have to respond because she gets ahead of it by addressing colorism often and unprompted. But I do agree Keke could have acknowledged it even if she doesn’t necessarily feel she’s effected by it in her career.

[@msdionne.a]

Whole outfit 10/10😍😍😍

[@Aries-Amore]

I think of it as shade privilege.

[@Sevinique]

It's the scarf for me😁❤

[@pacificodelnorte6628]

I wish black people, particularly in the U.S., could accept that the African diaspora is quite vast and diverse. And sure, maybe some of that is due to colonialism, but not exclusively. You would think most of us would know that already based on looking at our own families or the families of people close to us. From the Sidney McLaughlin's to the Athing Mu's, we are not a monolith. Our experiences often times vary. And, yes. That can sometimes be because of the color of our skin. However, we do also have overlapping experiences as well. But because I don't experience everything you experience does not make my experience of blackness any more or less than yours. It just makes it different.

[@brooklynforever1990]

Unfortunately a significant percentage of our community is committed to out right denial about the reality of colorism.

[@vim2339]

Coco jones should have been bigger then keke . Zendaya don’t even fix the standard y’all do know that Zendaya have black futures and she try not to get roles from black woman to and keke is a brown skin wish is also a benefit . I think actors who should be talking about this is Lupita Nyong’o.

[@misschin99]

Personally, if one person in the equation is only half-black, then I void that shite. If it were a light skinned fully black person(with two black parents) in question with Keke, then I'd be more about it.

[@lot110]

Do we do genetic purity test now because Zendaya's African father has some Nordic blood and her Nordic mother has some Irish heritage (which was considered to be not white early in this century)? Do you see how stupid this whole conversation was? No Such thing has a black gene! We have to get better educated about our public discourse and be careful because White supremacy never sleeps and it filters out our fears into a potent poison for our children to ingest.

[@bobcatthekittykat1075]

When has zendaya not acknowledged her privilege plz?

[@Beccathree]

Keke did eat tho!

[@ornenow4703]

Exactly!

[@blasphlamer]

I saw this on an instagram reel

[@haelay24]

Is the name of the fabric batik? I love that type of fabric/ pattern

[@mayowasworld]

I don't think so, batik is what we call it in the southern region. this one is specific to a style they use in Kano / northern region

[@Arian-vf6jo]

It's so wierd that a lot of black people are trying to deny colourism by saying the only reason why zendaya is more successful is due to her roles in spiderman and euphoria. Yeah but would someone who looks like Keke ever get those roles?. That is the conversation we should be having, however most black people would rather be in denial.

[@CyberMachine]

I think this is an interesting point but why are they addressing the black community about colorism? Shouldn't they be addressing white and brown people instead?

[@Arian-vf6jo]

@@CyberMachine I get your point but white or brown people have no interest in eliminating colourism which is a result of white privilege as it is not in their best interests. What is disturbing is black people either denying it or willfully participating in it.

[@Tristan11406]

Why are we still begging for White acceptance is the real question?

[@trxphywaifalt]

I agree but the euphoria thing is because of how the story is just written. Rue has a white dad and a black mom, so ofc she wouldn’t play as her. But i do see where you’re coming from, some stories are just written for certain demographics of ppl

[@Feminazi1dc]

Ppl have 0 critical thinking skills apparently LMFAO

[@peachesandpoets]

I'm sorry but Keke having to give her resume to get her flowers when she's been working since before all her teeth even came in is some bullshit and exhausted me so much. Do black women with typical Sub-Saharan African features ever NOT have to justify the space they have earned?!

[@dinkyboss]

She had to put out the resume because folks act like she doesn’t have a phenomenal career and want to victimize her despite their ignorance. The perpetually online will try and drag you into everything. What’s sadder is that she’s at such a great point at her career and has to deal with this nonsense.

[@TheSmily4ever]

@@dinkyboss excuse compare to a biracial actor her acting career is nowhere near the biracial actor... keke is not that mainstream like her people like you always trying to stop the process of senetizing the public to issues like colorism that takes part especially in hollywood!!! even when we drop keke from this discussion tell one big name, one single mainstream DARK SKIN actress in the same demographic like the biracial actress( 20-30ish) where r there?

[@Chamsiee]

Exactly

[@NomNomGirl1]

@@dinkyboss she has the career but not the zeros in her bank account to back up her career and that's a problem. No one said she doesn't have a good career but she's not as financially compensated or pushed by the media

[@shaniecerattler6241]

@@TheSmily4ever I think Viola Davis would be one good example. But she's one example of very very few... smh shame

[@LoneWulf278]

I just wish KeKe could’ve basked in the glory of her movie performance without being compared to Zendaya. 😒 That’s gotta suck.

[@ml5923]

like in attempt to “help” her they really just ended up being cruel because they’re not actually trying to help keke they’re consoling the parts of them that have been subjected to colorism and projecting that onto her like why did y’all decide to have this conversation this weekend? keke been around forever!

[@LoneWulf278]

@@ml5923 Yeah. I was a bit confused. From my perspective, KeKe Palmer is everywhere. Are people forgetting her role with Ryan Murphy in Scream Queens. That show was pretty big. She’s usually cast in pretty good roles. Even beside that, she’s a host on an HBO show called Legendary. She was absolutely right to talk her ish. She is one of the most beloved celebrities in Hollywood (even among other entertainers). KeKe has never been the irrelevant or struggling artist they think she is. They chose a bad example to talk about this subject. That comparison just makes them seem oblivious to her resume. I will concede that she plays roles that are more strongly coded as black in terms of cultural familiarity. That is probably limiting. Zendaya plays roles that could be marketed to middle or upper class white, hispanic, Jewish, Asian girls, etc. Zendaya blends in. KeKe stands out in personality and appearance. BUT I don’t think this has negatively impacted KeKe as much as people want to think it has. If anything, it works well for her because she’s so likable. So idk..

[@michellewilliams5947]

@@ml5923 One of the best comments on this topic.

[@sweedy3333]

Honestly

[@lifewithg0lden]

yeah, i love Keke Palmer and don’t really follow all of the social/media discussions, so i was like where did Zendaya come from?! i prefer Keke’s acting…they are both talented though.

[@Bajah_sole]

Unfortunately the tweet compared their careers and equated Keke Palmers career as less successful. She felt like she needed to defend her successful achievements. The issue is she doesn’t receive the same amount of support from fans.

[@dinkyboss]

That’s the problem. The folks who are trying to drag her into this simply don’t support her. Her first acting role was for a major movie franchise. She’s been successful but because she doesn’t have the same exact career as Zen she should consider herself a victim. Huh? These folks need to get off the internet and touch grass.

[@alisharo58]

I didn’t see it as saying she’s less successful. It said her “mainstream popularity “ is different. Many people would be quick to say Keke has always been successful in my eyes, but it’s just less mainstream (i.e. where white audiences are, we hear about her less).

[@soupafleye]

@@alisharo58 exactly it’s all about proximity to whiteness and the white audience really. zendaya has it. keke not as much and we know why

[@Bajah_sole]

I understand, the issue was the comparing wasn’t their opportunities they were comparing their success. Something that is very subjective. I feel like people should be supportive of her as they are their favorite rapper and we wouldn’t be talking to this extent. Colorism for black women especially dark skin black women becomes a topic trending occasionally then people forget until Twitter trends again. If we as people want to see change consumers (black people) need to stream, watch their person’s film, follow them on social media, and truly support them.

[@alisharo58]

I feel you. I agree success is subjective but I think mainstream popularity isn’t. That’s measurable by how much you see someone mentioned in mainstream spaces. Keke is extremely acknowledged by the Black community. I remember a tweet (circulated widely by us) saying Keke is always in her bag. We do notice her. but mainstream media does not. If Keke isn’t getting mentioned on the front page as often as Zendaya, her mainstream popularity is lower, even if she is extremely accomplished. That’s why it’s upsetting. Keke has how many jobs? Yet it’s not enough to interest mainstream media. I agree though that it is annoying this issue only pops up as a “hot topic” when it is a never-ending , everyday experience for darker skinned people. I do agree we can keep up that energy not just when she first gets the job but afterward too. That still likely won’t influence her appeal to white audiences, but it helps make her feel valued/seen. Not arguing with you, just commenting :)

[@sadiM653]

Why does society expect celebrities to speak on political topics that will effect their brand? To be perfectly honest Zendaya can speak on colorism and has because it won’t effect her brand. Keke Palmer speaking on colorism Will effect her brand and on top of that as a black woman she is not protected. So of course she doesn’t want to speak on colorism or become a advocate for that because obviously it is a problem and obviously she doesn’t want to use that for her platform. When she spoke up against Trey Songz and his sexual misconduct no one wanted to listen and said she was lying. As soon as a white woman talked about it everyone took it seriously and didn’t question rather she was lying or not. So if I was Keke Palmer I would say fuck off respectively too.

[@NomNomGirl1]

She should have just stayed quiet instead of responding.

[@alisharo58]

@@NomNomGirl1 that part. OP's analysis is correct, but that means Keke shouldve stayed quiet. She talked in a harmful way to the conversation

[@Boo-bastic]

@@NomNomGirl1 people have the right to free speech she did just right.

[@Vincinate]

@@NomNomGirl1 "shut up and dribble"

[@onyx081]

@@Boo-bastic "Free speech" doesn't mean freedom from consequences or critique.

[@ban1o]

why pick the opening weekend of Keke's movie to talk about how her career isn't good enough compared to the light skinned girl?

[@ml5923]

EXACTLY!!! then turn around and claim it was in support of her but didn’t even celebrate her for the project that made them start the discourse! the girlies have brain rot and are too far into their echo chamber to realize majority of this is just projection and insecurity! like very weird

[@ban1o]

@@ml5923 Yeah I used to talk about colorism a lot but I've come to realize that the circles that discussion it promote a lot of negativity instead of lifting up our black sisters I just don't understand comparing Keke's career to Zendaya's in an unfavorable light is helpful to Keke at all during the opening week of her #1 film. Black woman just can't have success without it needing to turn into a think piece/put a negative spin on it. I jut hope all these people speaking so loudly about colorism watched Nope.

[@dinkyboss]

THIS!!! These folks are demented. They are really trying to drag this woman because she doesn’t want to conform to the narratives THEY created for her.

[@snijanafleur8442]

Yes, they are not real supporters. They seem to be using the Black women celebrities as pawn for their think pieces for clout & profit.

[@TheArtofBeingReacts]

Because it's a perfect way to compare how much they are treated differently in the industry. Keke has never been on the cover of Vogue. Zendaya has been on thee cover of Vogue four times. Keke got to host the red carpet for Vogue. So they obviously like her personality, but they don't use her to sell their magazines or their clothes(, but they let Zendaya).

[@ittckus1]

Keke has addressed colorism in previous conversations and wasn’t downplaying it. I think she got defensive about her career bcuz she has her own achievements. Zendaya too, has explicitly acknowledged that being biracial gives her more opportunities than black women. Online discourse gets so messy, that things loose context.

[@Thesilentvoice...]

Keke is mainstream she was in Disney/Nick, Scream Queens, Broadway, Buzz Lightyear and now Nope. Her career is the same as Zendaya in terms of resume, and even the likes of Selena Gomez. But she has not had the same attention or support.

[@pacificodelnorte6628]

I was going to say something similar to this. I know for sure I've watched a couple interviews with Zendaya clearly addressing the racial privilege given to her by industry standards. And she said when she gets through the door, she tries to bring other black people along with her, especially in situations where she is a producer on a project.

[@ambriaashley3383]

Keke was downplaying it a little. Ive heard her previous thoughts on racism, poor people, & even R. Kelly, were simplistic and kinda like "can't we all just get along?" type vibes

[@alisharo58]

@@ambriaashley3383 not r kelly 💀

[@veesancez]

@@Thesilentvoice... I agree . She's on par with Selena they were out at the same time (which makes a big difference imo) . She was the only black girl on TV at the time and had he own show .she did 2 Disney movies at the same time too

[@daijahbabb5127]

My thing is keke Palmer is brown skin i feel like it takes away from actual dark skin girls like lupita nyongo 🤷‍♀️

[@munirayussuf8558]

Exactly

[@jarednicholson4223]

Colorism is real and alive I've been saying keke needs more! especially with the contribution she adds to the entertainment industry it's always made me feel like she should be bigger, shes super talented, isn't problematic sidenote ( I'm gonna need the reboot of xmen to cast her as storm ) she needs that blockbuster push of being a leading lady in a big franchise in my opinion

[@blessingo7449]

She definitely needs to be casted as Storm. It's time that role is given to a non ambiguous BW like the original comic..

[@eshadiva6600]

Nope we need an actual dark skin storm lol thanks

[@donnamayaz6192]

But black girls aren’t in those franchises unless it’s wakanda

[@jarednicholson4223]

@@donnamayaz6192 that' is a very sad truth

[@blessingo7449]

@@eshadiva6600 Lupita Nyongo then? Or maybe Danai Gurira

[@DANNYTHEFROG123]

I think this was a distraction. We all know colorism is real. Keke is successful and shouldn't have been used in this example. But it is still real. They were trying to get a reaction out of us. By saying see Keke is doing good so you can too. We know our truth.

[@mothicbeauty]

Zendaya simply was not the right person to compare Keke’s career to.

[@wokefromhome7389]

This!

[@rodb66]

Not at all.

[@piergrace0127]

First comment to actually make sense.

[@jenn4593]

Why not? It played a role in their careers.

[@JourneyWoman11]

Colorism is racism. They aren’t different. Colorism is a deepening of the problems with racism. Same with sizeism and texturism.

[@JubeiKibagamiFez]

Amen.

[@josephbishara4791]

What about tribalism in Nigeria?

[@MeganAllen1738]

"Sizeism," if its name is self explanatory, isn't really connected to racism. Featurism, texturism & colourism are by-products of racism.

[@daniellachewetel6773]

@@MeganAllen1738 yes

[@luvrbae]

@@MeganAllen1738 if sizeism is what i think it is, pls correct me if im wrong, discrimination against ppl based on body types? and if so, then that actually is also a byproduct of racism bc yt ppl used def fetishized black ppls bodies and also discriminated against ppl based on those factors. things like faphobia, ableism and even small things like the aversion to body hair were all tactics curated and used by yt ppl (and now general society) to discriminate further and continue to push the "norm" of skinny, neurotypical, yt bodies. I hope I make sense. so much of that stuff is linked to and byproducts of yt supremacy/colonialism/etc. it's crazy.

[@justafanfave228]

Keke is typecasted and that has a lot to do with her affiliation with black Hollywood (race is highlighted with all the character she plays) while Zendaya is starring in Marvel movies. Zendaya does not take “black” roles. You would never see her in a Tyler Perry movie or working with Lee Daniels and black Hollywood as a whole. Her brand is geared towards the white audience. Keke says she has no loyalty among the fans in a video so why aren’t y’all watching her projects? Let us start there. Sheryl Lee Ralph is also not mainstream and many others. Coco Jones is beautiful but y’all don’t give her the time of day either 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@honeyst6133]

Yup

[@thehermoine3852]

Zendaya doesn't want to take roles away from darkskin black women. That's why she takes roles from white women.

[@LPno.9]

This reminds me of when Zoe Kravitz said she doesn't take roles offered to her that are considered traditionally black because she can't relate to those experiences. To which my answer was "Then act, dummy. That's the job." But as you said, she wants to avoid typecasting. I guess it's worked, even though one of her characters was named Toast. I can't tell if Zendaya shares Zoe's allergy to black people, though.

[@HoneybeeAwning]

You said nothing but the truth!! What's up with her team? Because this also gives the impression that Zendaya's team isn't out there fighting for her to get roles. It's pretty rare that movies are made with actors already in mind and even when that happens, said actor can still lose out on the role.

[@LonnieBhi]

@@LPno.9 This sounds a bit hypocritical, if Zoe & Zendaya were choosing "black" roles, black ppl would complain about mixed ppl being in their spaces/replacements. Now that they don't & embrace who they are, y'all are still mad?!

[@dajiyahmcae1880]

This outfit is doing absolutely everything for me! Also all of this is exactly what I’m saying

[@Jessica-zm4fe]

I think Keke is trying to protect and uphold her Image. To see her as second rate to another actress can have implications to the opportunities she receives. This comment came out at a time where she's a lead in a new Jordan Peele movie. Instead of highlighting her performance and supporting the film, we are on Twitter comparing her career to a lighter skin actress career. Imagine it in reverse. I felt like the timining and the way the question was framed sucked.

[@Jessica-zm4fe]

I agree that the question to be asked is "how do we show up for Dark Skin Black women". The person should of said let's go an support Keke and the new movie to show we want to see unambiguously Black Women leads.

[@ShawnBloom]

how are we measuring success? I feel like yall are telling this woman that she's not successful enough to compare to Zendaya and that she should be upset. Maybe she's happy with her career and wasn't even giving a damn about what Zendaya was doing. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@hugsandfries7252]

I feel like at this point Idek if it’s more colorism or racism, because zendaya is a half white woman and that’s what helps her

[@trxphywaifalt]

What i noticed is that yt people lift biracials above black ppl when its time to compare. They dont claim half black people but they will always choose to uplift someone of their lineage even if they’re only half, over actual black ppl

[@Tristan11406]

@seeyaontheothersidelol White people have ALWAYS behaved like this. That’s why I’m confused as to why so many people are still surprised. They elevate themselves and what’s closer to their aesthetic. We as Black people have to push our own to the fullest.

[@TeaWitcher]

And she LOOKS white. Ex: the Eurphoria poster 😳

[@michellewilliams5947]

@@TeaWitcher Get your eyes checked.

[@genevaxo]

@@michellewilliams5947 She looks like a half-white woman.

[@ChrisBrooks34]

I guess one of my problems with the colorism conversation is it always feels disingenuous. People are not having this conversation in good faith. They just want to knock people down a peg or two. It's not even all the people who were blatantly disregard colorism; it'll be the people who make those little passive aggressive statements. They'll have a but in their statement and nothing good comes from that.

[@mimiandy1683]

This is how I’ve felt about the situation. I felt like this is one of those situations where “being socially conscious” wasn’t needed.

[@blaquelightning6149]

Just here to correct a few things. Zendaya didn't just address colorism "years ago". The reason why you can't find an article is because she's spoken about it in video interviews and panels, firstly highlighting how she wants to begin working behind the scenes and has plans to cast black women in her films because she wants to see more stories that focus on topics outside of trauma. She also acknowledged her privileges as a mixed actress, saying that Hollywood views her as the default and that there should be more roles for black women. Also, less than a year ago, she was getting death threats for playing Chani, which were reminiscent of the ones she got for playing the white redhead named MJ. If playing historically white roles means she's taking up space in Hollywood in place of black women, at this point you're asking for her to simply not be booked. And if she's not taking anyone other than white women's roles, I'm sorry, but that in itself is weird. She doesn't have to stop being employed just because Hollywood is colorist as much as its racist. She still has a fairly small filmography and she's already talking about taking steps back so she doesn't have to be on screen as much as black women. I find it strange how Zendaya's the only actress that's ever demonized for being able to work. Anyways, I wish people who didn't actually read what she says stopped speaking on her. You just never know what you're talking about.

[@shainal.joseph5374]

I don't think Keke was saying that she does not experience colorism. It read more like "how dare you even compare me Zendaya and assume that she has a better career then I've have" I think if this person has done their homework on Keke they would have known all her accolades. The original tweet was assuming that Keke had a lesser career because she is dark skin, which in itself Keke saw as colorism. I'm a dark skin woman and I don't want people assuming anything about me because of my skin tone. I understand where Keke is coming from.

[@mimiandy1683]

Me, as well. For the past 16 years, Keke has been entering my radar and I am not a follower of her career. So, she must be doing very well for her career. Homie must live under a rock.

[@lot110]

wrong

[@shainal.joseph5374]

@@lot110 compelling argument

[@youmaydisagreebut848]

Many people are mixed.... let's say black and white.... Can these black people who are mixed be racist and colorist at the same time? Can their Black DNA be colorist and they're White DNA be Racist? What percentage of black must a person have in order to be considered black? What is the lightest shade a black person can be to still be considered black? Is Jada Pinkett Black? Is Mariah carey Black? Is Jidenna Black? Is Cardi B Black? ALL OF THEM HAVE A BLACK FATHER Are They All BLACK???

[@jenn4593]

Ohhh! Thanks for explaining! This makes Keke’s comment make so much sense. But she should know that she is not as well known as Zendaya unless she is in denial.

[@sabastan333]

My thoughts exactly. In my opinion, I feel like that’s why we as a society (I can only speak from the perspective of America) can’t get anywhere when it comes to these social justice/systemic issues. We’re still having debates about if racism/colorism/texturism/sexism/misogyny/misgonoir exists????? It’s like at what point are we gonna give up the charade and stop acting like this stuff isn’t alive and well. We can’t even get into the realm of solution(s) if we’re still not acknowledging the problem(s)??

[@janet7995]

Biracial and blk are 2 different races. Imagine if WW got pissed every time 🤍 roles went to biracials. Majority would never let that happen. It’s like they will do anything to preserve their likeness. Sometimes I think the BC needs to do the same in order to protect their image 🤷🏽‍♀️ Colorism can exist within the same race, but when you compare 2 different races it gets messy.

[@rodb66]

Exactly! There's no comparison.

[@alisharo58]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@kasketbase8741]

That's cuz biracials usually look more black than white

[@MIA-fq1di]

No need to even say Biracial coz Halle Bailey a black woman was attacked left right and center by everyone literally everyone for playing Ariel a role that was meant for a white girl they say😂😂😂😂😂

[@theklr]

I still think we’re missing the core of the issue. It’s the media/beauty industrial complex. This is a institution and the effects of European colonialism, and not an individual’s responsibility. Keke gave the measured response that keeps her working. Whitening creams are at all time high and the writers that create this discourse misdirect us from addressing the problems of the institution.

[@ragdoll774]

I love the cowrie shells in your hair and the corset layered over that cool print/fabric💙🤍. Your outfits give me inspo for incorporating my Nigerian culture into my personal style.

[@demeicampbell2278]

I wrote the viral tweet mentioning the net worth and I found it so interesting and funny how major news outlets wouldn’t bring that up. Like let’s get the numbers involved, the difference in PR and MARKETING when it comes to skin color. It’s nerve wrecking.

[@ornenow4703]

I get Keke's response. I don't think she or anyone (or at least anyone I saw in the discourse) was trying to deny colorism exists. But I wish we could have these conversations without comparing two actresses publicly. 😕 I think the question you posed about how we can show up for dark skinned women is a much better and more productive way to have that conversation. That whole exchange had to be incredibly awkward for Keke. I too would feel insulted if someone was insinuating that I wasn't as successful. Who gets to define that success? Also we have to accept that sometimes celebrities don't want to be the faces of our colorism conversations. And that's okay. I'm also okay with people celebrating Keke lol. We can celebrate her success and still have a productive conversation about colorism.

[@tdr.220]

While I agree that colorism can play a part, I don't think that Keke wants to get caught up in the victim narrative around it. Similar to how most black people are just living their lives and don't want to be involved in every perceived racial injustice. It isn't possible. I think you have to surround yourself with people who see you as an individual that uplift and promote you and see your value. The media doesn't represent the thoughts, views, and opinions of everyone, and limiting oneself to perceived hardships is a waste of valuable time. No doubt some people are racist, colorist, sexist, etc. However, I think an over-obsession with these topics will ultimately rob you of your joy and cause you to create barriers to living a full and healthy life.

[@bambieb2177]

Meme, she’s literally saying don’t compare me. Ans she’s shouldn’t be compared. And the reason biracial Z isn’t responding is she has nothing to say. She should stfu as a beneficiary of biracial privilege. I literally hate when light, bright, and bi/racially ambiguous run their mouth in spaces that aren’t theirs.

[@politereminder6284]

I don't see Keke as dark skinned. I also didn't know that Zendaya was " black" for the longest time 👀. I think we should have the colorism question, but these two, certs uccessful women at the top of their game are not the right framing for that conversation. 👀

[@rodb66]

Keke is not dark skinned at all.

[@THEBATCAVE.]

I think people are framing the colorism debate like that (the way in which people still act like it’s a myth that can be proven in cases and disproved in other cases) is because they still hold the belief that “yeah they’re biracial but they’re still black” which is dumb btw if you think like that. They think because lighter skinned or biracial people still have Black/African lineage that they are the same amount of suppressed to our darker skinned counterparts; which simply isn’t true. They’re the same people that use white Supremacy rhetoric such as: they hold a high regard of what white people think of us or they claim whites will use the same amount of violence towards us bc of our shared lineage so that means we’re on the same playing field and we’re not.

[@alisharo58]

Alllll this . The one-drop rule must die in the Black community. What I also don’t understand is how someone can say biracial people with non-Black family members are just as Black as people with exclusively Black family. Like the whole upbringing/culture/lifestyle will be totally different in each case. That’s just a fact. Yet people deny it. I feel like the denial is a way for Black people who procreate with non-Black partners to not feel guilty and not feel like there contributing to the erasure of Blackness.

[@lot110]

You are not construct black what a stupid thing to say so many people do the white supremacy's work!

[@Alexa-uk8lj]

Why should pressure be put on ANY of these women?! Zendaya and Keke have been out here minding their damn business. They've had different management, different roles, different audiences, and different choices. I'm sick of these conversations. As stated a better question would be "How do we show up better for any of our Black actresses, and specifically non-biracial Black actresses?" And Zendaya didn't have to respond and neither did Keke.

[@tdr.220]

While I agree that colorism can play a part, I don't think that Keke wants to get caught up in the victim narrative around it. Similar to how most black people are just living their lives and don't want to be involved in every perceived racial injustice. It isn't possible. I think you have to surround yourself with people who see you as an individual that uplift and promote you and see your value. The media doesn't represent the thoughts, views, and opinions of everyone, and limiting oneself to perceived hardships is a waste of valuable time. No doubt some people are racist, colorist, sexist, etc. However, I think an over-obsession with these topics will ultimately rob you of your joy and cause you to create barriers to living a full and healthy life.

[@leilanidru7506]

@TDr. It’s not some people. It’s entire systems. And I agree to an extent. You have to find a balance between living your life to the fullest while still acknowledging reality. PLEASE don’t waste your life trying to untangle Hair Brained Twitter discourse. At the same time, have a healthy dose of reality. It’s not just racist billy bob with his confederate flag at his family trailer park. For example: even when controlled for income the black maternal mortality rate is VERY much higher than white women. And we see these same racial trends in unemployment rates, wealth, and other quality of life factors. It’s neither a conincidence nor the act of one individual racist or sexist. Entire institutions, from healthcare to housing to Beauty, were built with richer and whiter people in mind. That doesn’t mean think about it constantly. I agree an over-obsession is never healthy. Balance is key. Stay of Twitter.

[@nikkis.9747]

I think KeKe was right to defend her career since the tweet implied that she wasn't as successful. Her statement was actually empowering to me because it says that despite colorism, she has significant achievements. Yes, colorism/racism presents many more obstacles, but she continues to overcome those obstacles to achieve her goals and dreams. We should all be so determined.

[@larissalaflore7202]

Agree that Keke had a right to defend her career.. Sometimes you have to speak up for your self. And Keke has spoken up for Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid

[@amaricreates]

Colorism to me reminds of the fact that “people want a seat at the table but aren’t given the opportunity to get in the building.” You can be exceptional at your craft (or even the opposite) but without opportunity you will never be able to grow and showcase your abilities.

[@Singer_and_Songwriter]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@peachesandpoets]

Zendaya herself has talked about colorism and texturism. They should go fucking ask her. Ugh

[@lot110]

Because Zendaya decides who gets acting roles in Hollywood, maybe you should realize it's a system of racism, and colorism is a mechanism working within it. We need to destroy the system

[@peachesandpoets]

@@lot110 you need to read what I wrote again

[@omggiiirl2077]

I really wish people would stop the denial. If i can see it as a mixed Black woman then it exists. This is where I have to be community member in that mixed people shouldn't represent Black people, We shouldn't be the face of Blackness in the USA. Are we Black, yes, but do we have a colorism problem yes. More than one thing can be true at the same time. We have to be respectful of the people who are the face of our community not take up their space. Yes we are Black too, but sometimes we need to step back and support our family that struggle and get the most negative aspects of colorism. Instead of gaslighting and arguing and denying these things, we must back our people up and stand up with them. It's not fair and it's wrong. If i can admit it then others can too. They in denial. I grew up seeing with my own eyes these things. And honestly I need to see more unambiguously dark skinned people everywhere. To be in a space where we are the norm is a wonderful feeling. The only time I experienced this was in Jamaica, where i was just another Black girl walking down the street. Please people be supportive and be loyal, and stop the denial.

[@EANDM71]

It’s all about anti-blackness. That’s why I don’t use the term colorism. It’s anti-blackness!

[@veryhappymondays]

Don’t hate the player. Hate the game. Imho, put the pressure on those who pay the check, not the actor, light or dark.

[@tdr.220]

While I agree that colorism can play a part, I don't think that Keke wants to get caught up in the victim narrative around it. Similar to how most black people are just living their lives and don't want to be involved in every perceived racial injustice. It isn't possible. I think you have to surround yourself with people who see you as an individual that uplift and promote you and see your value. The media doesn't represent the thoughts, views, and opinions of everyone, and limiting oneself to perceived hardships is a waste of valuable time. No doubt some people are racist, colorist, sexist, etc. However, I think an over-obsession with these topics will ultimately rob you of your joy and cause you to create barriers to living a full and healthy life.

[@sweedy3333]

That part. DSBW ARE disadvantaged systemically, but the expectation for them to play the victim is tired and insulting and places an assumption that their success is based on pity and not their own merit. And then when they actually are a victim, they get attacked for it. It's wild

[@mimiandy1683]

You’ve shined a light on why I felt that original tweet was out-of-pocket. I also feel like that Twitter user wouldn’t have bothered to write something similar on a Zendaya-related tweet.

[@pterodactylpie8825]

I remember loving the actress in A Little Princess and in Jurassic Park : a lost world (she did the gymnastics kick to the velociraptor). I always expected to see her in a lot of movies, she was so good and had such a natural ease on screen.

[@matxalenc8410]

Vanessa Lee Chester.

[@moniqueloomis9772]

@@matxalenc8410 Thank you. I don't understand the OP's comment.

[@wokefromhome7389]

She was a cute little girl with a natural presence I felt like a little princess should have started her as a blind casting choice

[@castalan00s]

Steven Spielberg liked her so much that she made her play as Jeff Goldblum’s daughter. So directors really have power in giving unambiguous (dark skin) black girls prominent roles in huge franchise films. As of today it is such a joke. Keke is in a lane of her own, I like that about her. But colorism is rampant and evident in Hollywood. If you’re closer to whiteness you get hired easily and have a better time getting spotlight and recognition.

[@10byrdie]

Zendaya is overrated and I’ve always felt this.

[@Prettynolegirl]

No she is not. They both have success so please stop with the nonsense to put down one woman to uplift the other

[@10byrdie]

@@Prettynolegirl I’m not putting her down. She’s talented but in MY opinion she gets hyped more than her darker skinned counterparts. You don’t have to agree but don’t tell what to do or how to feel.

[@ossier2796]

So what’s your solution? Does colorism just affect women? These people can’t do anything about the color of there skin and how do you know that the color of their skin is the issue?

[@charlajefferson9220]

We are still sitting here arguing which melanated person White Supremacist prefer. Like why?! We can not get out of the slave mindset.

[@olidoce2348]

Im always amaze how intelligent and well articulated you are. You also very gorgeous

[@colouredgal]

It’s colorism! Zendaya gets more popularity because she is light skinned and biracial. Biracial people are not black.

[@Teacupdoll22122]

Then what are they ? Zendaya father is a black man so she’s black . 🤡

[@randomgirl4038]

Obama isn’t black

[@NA-pr3mp]

Tell that to Fredrick Douglass...

[@wokefromhome7389]

I think Fredrick Douglas understood how the one drop rule works but do you?

[@colouredgal]

@@wokefromhome7389 I really don’t give a f. Slavery is dead and it’s time to move on from that racist shit.

[@very-good-very-fair]

Zendaya can play the snow queen and no one will notice the catch, she is so far from black...

[@StephanieNiecey]

Exactly!!!

[@cfoster6804]

Listen folks colorism, at least in the entertainment industry, is all about what makes WHITE PEOPLE COMFORTABLE. Zendaya has been paired with mostly if not all white men in movies (Spiderman, Dune). That's more visually comfortable for white Americans to see a white guy with a woman closer to his skin color. They get uneasy if they see a Keke Palmer with Spiderman. If you are familiar with the works of Dr. Francess Cress Welsing then you know why. There aren't enough blockbuster black movies for Keke to star in to make it as big as Zendaya who can cross over anytime.

[@imtime22]

The COCO JONES COMPARISON. THISS y'all think KeKe has had it rough CoCo is the same age and was in the same rooms under the same scrutiny with the same talent as Zendy

[@oshunthagreat]

Does anyone have a theory of why even dark skin men are put in the media before black women? Is it male privilege because they are trying really hard not to see black women as human

[@priestlaaris8208]

Hey Boo, thank you for another great video. We definitely need to move past asking this question, when the answer has already been stated long ago. But on a lighter note, the corset and the cowrie shells are my favorite part of the outfit, it’s giving Mami Wata vibez.

[@PsychicMedium4747]

You are speaking facts. Not sure why people act like this does not exist. Yes, as a biracial male I am very aware of my privileges compared to a black dark skinned male. Why do people want to pretend it does not exist? I think people don’t want to admit it because no one wants to be left behind which I understand. The fact is that biracial is not black…biracial is just that biracial. We need to stop comparing the two because biracial people in general do not navigate the world the same as our black kin folk. Two completely different experiences

[@neongrey6191]

Colorism is just a small part of it. It's features, body proportions and or how feminine you come off, that also helps your career. Lupita Nyong'o is a good example. Not saying colorism isn't a problem. It definitely is, But it isn't the and all be all of finding a black woman attractive. Just saying more guys of any race would take Tikka Sumpter in her prime over Tisha Campbell in her prime. Holly wood tends to cast actress on an invisible scale of masculine to feminine. The more you can be perceived as being inline or submissive to some degree to your male lead the more you work. Think Rick and Michonne from the walking dead. She is a dark skin tough girl, but very feminine and soft when she interacts with Rick. Her body is slender. He can pick her up. Then put Tiffany Haddish in your head. Now Tiffany is attractive and lighter skinned, but not a s feminine as the actress that plays Michonne. So the Michonne actress wins the casting. Just a my two scents!

[@Brentford704]

I feel like this ..I feel like that... just opinion basically. Sad that Zendaya's talent is reduced to her skin colour. She's beautiful and talented. Period.

[@unapologetic7281]

Zendaya is Biracial. Keke has non-black admixture (I’m guessing 25-35%). Neither are monoracial black women.

[@RandomUser7199]

Nah the comparison was stupid because colorism yes it plays a factor is there different career trajectories but that is not the only thing to take into account as to why. Plenty of different variables winch as what cold network they started on what types of projects they do now and how much revenue they bring in which affects their pay and net worth. Plus I will never believe people want to have a genuine and nuanced conversation about serious topics like colorism or racism on a app like twitter with idiots. The character limit doesn’t even allow you to have a well thought out articulate statement due to its word limit. As well as these conversations happen weekly with Zendaya being the poster child of colorism and twitter inserting whatever new brown/dark skin actress they are hyping for the week. The conversation isn’t genuine and just used to hate on Zendaya. I have yet to see these argument strictly stay on the top I on colorism but rather compare the two actors

[@agustinbadillo3132]

Loved all the accessories on your outfit 🤎. I agree with you so heavily, it would be more productive to have conversations on how to amplify the voices of dark skin people.

[@Cocochantelle]

Always coming on here looking like our African Faerie 🧚 Godmother or an Ancestor/Orisha 🤩

[@b.bd00m77]

Honestly I think what's most astounding is Keke Palmer is not even that Dark. I see others commenting about China Mc Claire and that comparison and they are absolutely right. It's cut and dry clear how obviously wrong it is. But what's is really bothering me is THAT reason Keke is not even that Dark and look at the career difference. Period. There would be no discussion if they didn't make it so difficult.

[@AdeolaAsh]

I agree, I’ve also invested into supporting more of who I want to see. Colorism call outs in the Black community have only put me and my peers that do them in more danger, I don’t bother engaging anymore

[@jerri-aleasejones9531]

This is probably one of the best discussions I’ve heard about this topic. The discourse on Twitter/Social Media made me uncomfortable and frustrated as well but I was finding it difficult to verbalize my feelings. I love these videos

[@LPno.9]

Colorism is an offshoot of racism so no, it's not bigger. I think you go off the top too much, and you don't study. You want to have discussions about things of which you are uninformed. Unlike a lot of the internet you seem to have the capacity, but you're wasting it on anecdotes and conjecture. Without a doubt you mean well, but your analysis is ahistorical which means you'll always stumble in your understanding.