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KPBS Midday Edition

Social Justice Project Explores How Colorism Affects Race Relations

In this undated photo, a display of mannequin heads with non-racially inclusive skin tones sits in a beauty supply store in San Diego, Calif.
Semoria F. Mosely
In this undated photo, a display of mannequin heads with non-racially inclusive skin tones sits in a beauty supply store in San Diego, Calif.
"Not The Typical Racism" explores the role colorism has played in creating tension within communities of color.

Colorism is a longstanding and rarely interrogated issue within communities of color that has fueled identity crises for generations.

The issue itself involves the preferential treatment of people with lighter skin and the prejudicial treatment of people with darker skin by those of the same or different race.

For Savannah Cadet-Haynes, a 21-year-old college student who identifies as biracial, it's personal. She wrote about colorism as part of The San Diego Union-Tribune's Social Justice Reporting Project.

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Cadet-Haynes joined Midday Edition on Wednesday to explore how colorism complicates racial identity in America.

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