A Model for Differential Perceptions of Competence Based on Skin Tone Among African Americans

Abstract

This article combines a review of the psychological and sociohistorical literature on African American color consciousness with a model that explains how it may contribute to differential outcomes for group members. It is hypothesized that attractive individuals are viewed as more competent than unattractive individuals on multiple dimensions. It is hypothesized that African Americans who approximate European American standards of physical attractiveness are viewed as more attractive and that lighter skinned African Americans may be viewed as more competent on a variety of dimensions. Implications for research and mental health practice are discussed.

Use of an Intersectional Framework to Understand Black Women’s Racial and Gender Identities

“…Some of the black women also mentioned feeling isolated from other black women because of differences in skin tone, language, or behavior. Such reports are consistent with research that shows that black women are perceived and treated differently by other black people based on such factors (e.g., Breland, 1998;M. E. Hill, 2002;O'Neal, Medlin, Walker, & Jones, 2002;Thompson & Keith, 2001).…”

Skin tone bias among African Americans: Antecedents and consequences across the life span

“…She asserts that Americans' views of attractiveness are based on European standards; thus, African Americans with lighter skin are viewed as more attractive. Moreover, because individuals who are attractive are viewed as more competent, African Americans with lighter skin are judged as more competent than their darker-skinned counterparts (Breland, 1998;Okazawa-Rey, Robinson, & Ward, 1987). Thus, an increased awareness of physical attractiveness during adolescence might lead to increases in skin tone preferences.…”

“…After puberty the increased pre-occupation with appearance, physical attractiveness, and romantic relationships might lead to more pronounced attitudes regarding skin tone. Breland (1998) argues that skin tone is related to perceived attractiveness, which, in turn, influences other identity constructs such as perceptions of competence. She asserts that Americans' views of attractiveness are based on European standards; thus, African Americans with lighter skin are viewed as more attractive.…”

Ethical Responses to Public Allegations of Skin Tone Manipulation in Print Advertising: Consumer Indifference or Consumer Concern?

“…Research studies have provided support for this assumption in that high-prejudice persons have exhibited negative feelings for dark-skinned ethnic persons, but not for light-skinned ethnic persons (Smith-McLallen, Johnson, Dovidio, & Pearson, 2006;Terkildsen, 1993;Williams, 1969). Since skin tone is a salient factor in the perceptual judgments of ethnic persons (Breland, 1998;Brunsma & Rockquemore, 2001;Maddox & Gray, 2002), advertisers may use computer technology to remove traits from ethnic models that are less desirable to mainstream consumers who are sensitive to race-relevant cues (Asim, 2005;Spurgin, 2003).…”