ColorismPreviewIn the early 1800s, skin color mattered among African Americans and Caucasians. There was infidelity between Caucasian slave owners and African American slaves. Of course, the result produced a fairer child. In most cases, the child can pass as white. Mixed-toned children had to stay indoors to do housework, while dark blacks worked in the fields, in foreign working conditions, "their dark-toned peers worked in the fields" (Maxwell). From the early 1800s to the present, there has been controversy that light or biracial African Americans are better than dark colored African Americans. African Americans had to take tests to see if they were capable of enjoying the privileges enjoyed by whites: “Light-skinned African Americans receive special privileges based on their skin color” (Maxwell). If an African American did not enjoy similar privileges as white people, they would try to change themselves to fit in, "African Americans use bleaching creams to make their skin lighter, just to achieve the standard beauty" ( Brooke). As much as we don't want to discuss the subject, statistics show how much more forgiving people are towards light and fair skin tones. Fair or light colored Americans who exhibit Caucasian features are preferably preferred. Background (Treatment) Slavery began in the early 1600s and lasted until 1865. At the time, African Americans were treated like hairy animals. They were not only free, but they were mentally, psychologically and emotionally abused. “They were not considered human, let alone beautiful” (Zadeah). African American slaves were beaten, sexually assaulted, and killed by their...... middle of paper... "Americans believe that beauty consists of having light-colored skin," whites expressed the idea that 'they were inferior. to blacks and succeeded in instilling in the minds of blacks that the lighter the complexion they had, the more they possessed” (Maxwell). Nowadays, nothing has changed. Things have even gotten worse. Society has come to a point where a fair skin tone is the way to go. African Americans gave colorism another meaning. They constantly discriminate against their own race because they don't sport fair skin and nice straight hair. African Americans separated their own race into light skin and dark skin. Dark-colored African-Americans are doubly discriminated against by Caucasians and half their own race. Additionally, light-skinned Americans receive "special" privileges and opportunities because of their physical appearance..