Rooted in racism and the long-term effects of colonialism, the societal ill has encouraged lighter-skin preference with an impact on multiple areas including access to various resources, opportunities for social mobility, representation in media, and popular beauty standards. This discussion tackles the issue of colorism and its varied manifestations in communities across the globe. It also focuses on the colonial history of colorism and its continued socio-cultural impact in regions such as the Americas, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa.

This event is hosted in collaboration with the Humanities Research Fellowship for the Study of the Arab World. It is co-sponsored by the NYUAD African Studies minor, the NYUAD Social Science division, and the NYUAD Caribbean Students Association. 

Panel Members

• Rani Varghese, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Adelphi University

• Ginetta E.B. Candelario, Professor of Sociology and Latin American & Latina/o Studies, Study of Women & Gender Program Affiliate, Smith College

• Bayan Abubakr, PHD Student, Department of History, Yale University

• Joanne Rondilla, Assistant Professor, Sociology & Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, San Jose State University

Moderated by

• Rogaia M. Abusharaf, Professor of Anthropology, Georgetown University Qatar