Mansoor Ali Katteerakath’s Post

Colorism, the bias against individuals with darker skin tones within the same racial or ethnic group, has deep roots in history and continues to affect Black communities today. It impacts self-esteem, relationships, and even opportunities. Growing up in an environment that values lighter skin can lead to internalized feelings of inferiority for darker-skinned individuals. Constantly receiving messages, both overt and subtle, that lighter skin is more beautiful, more desirable, or more successful can create deep-seated insecurities. Darker-skinned people may experience rejection, teasing, or bullying from both within their own community and outside of it, leading to feelings of shame and self-hate. This can result in individuals feeling unworthy, overlooked, or invisible, especially when it comes to beauty standards, romantic desirability, and professional opportunities. #beautystandards #colorism #blackcommunities #blackexperiences #selfesteem #selfworth #skintones #darkerskinned #lighterskinned #internalizedfeelings #healing #communityconversations

Embracing Natural Hair: Breaking the Professional Stereotype Discover how the perception of natural hair in the Black community affects professionalism. Join us as we discuss the impact of societal standards, the freedom of authenticity, and the choices many face in their hair journey. #NaturalHairRevolution #AuthenticSelf #BreakingStereotypes #BlackHairCommunity #ProfessionalismDebate #HairJourney #CulturalExpression #NaturalHairMovement #EmbracingDiversity #EmpoweringBeauty

If given the profound choice between a world without colors or a world without music, I would choose a world without color. This decision is not made lightly, for colors bring vibrancy and beauty to our lives. However, the absence of color would usher in a new era of perception and understanding that transcends superficial judgments. Imagine a world where the rich tapestry of human diversity is no longer overshadowed by biases tied to skin color, attire, or appearance. In such a world, we would see each other for who we truly are—our character, our actions, our thoughts, and our emotions. The lack of color would strip away the layers of prejudice that often cloud our vision, allowing us to connect on a more profound and authentic level. Without the distraction of color, we would learn to appreciate the essence of individuals. We would celebrate the beauty of diversity in its purest form—diversity of ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This newfound clarity would foster empathy and understanding, breaking down the barriers that divide us and building bridges of unity and respect. A world without color would challenge us to look beyond the surface and recognize the intrinsic value in every person. It would be a world where the richness of human experience is measured not by the hues of our skin or the shades of our clothing, but by the depth of our kindness, the strength of our integrity, and the warmth of our compassion. Choosing a world without color is choosing a path towards a more inclusive and equitable society. It is a commitment to seeing with the heart and understanding with the soul. In such a world, we would create a tapestry woven from the threads of mutual respect and shared humanity, a world where the true colors of our spirit shine brightest. In essence, a world without color would be a world where our focus shifts to what truly matters—the content of our character and the quality of our interactions. It is a vision of a future where we rise above prejudice and embrace the boundless potential of every human being. This is the world I would choose, a world illuminated by the light of understanding and the warmth of human connection. #Inclusion #Empathy #Equality #Humanity #BeyondColor #Diversity #Understanding #Connection #CharacterMatters

Today, I got the question that is likely on the minds of many. "If a young girl is blind, why is a blind Barbie doll important when she can't see it?" I have a few answers, but know my community will add more. ✅ First, many people are not "completely" blind. They may be legally blind or have some residual vision where they can see shapes or image but not make out details. So, they can enjoy the doll with the sight they have. ✅ Many people who are blind or low vision experience the world through touch. These tactile experiences help them understand the dolls features including the white cane. ✅ One of the most important reasons to have a doll is using one's imagination. A doll that resembles you, or how you experience the world can help with imaginative play and that can be a way for connecting with others. #RepresentationMatters #DisabledAndCapable #InclusionMatters

"Craving and Carving Spaces to Talk About Blackness" Racialisation is a phenomenon experienced in particular socio-political contexts. I was 30, when I realised I was Black. Born in Jamaica, I had always been aware of my mocha skin and the rich shades of chocolate of my family, friends, and wider society. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I was exposed to music, television, travel, and eventually the internet, which informed me of human classifications based on skin color. However, that remained an external observation, not an internalized experience—until 2011. That year, I emigrated from Kingston to Canberra, sponsored by the ACT as a skilled migrant. It marked a new life and a new understanding of myself in a different socio-political landscape. Suddenly, I was a Black woman in a predominantly white country. In "Natives: Race & Class in the Ruins of Empire", Akala states that race is a biological fiction, but a political and social reality rooted in white supremacy. British intellectuals played a central role in establishing white superiority through their racialised global Empire. This Empire included the institution of African slavery: “As indentured servitude evolved into chattel slavery, and slavery became strictly reserved for people of African heritage, white privilege became all the more significant, literally determining the difference between remaining a human being and becoming a piece of property” (Akala, 2018, p.50). The ideology of slavery, the codification of humanity and its unconscious biases are alive today, though the manifestations have evolved. The biological fiction creates experiential commonality among African diasporic and BIPOC peoples in Australia. And I think it's important to have spaces to talk about it. That’s why I created Coils and Combs: A Black/Afro and Brown/Curly Hair event taking place in Melbourne, on Saturday, November 9. Hair plays a crucial role in the racialised experience: the more textured or coiled your hair is, the more of an issue it is on many levels. Coils and Combs is a space for Black + BIPOC folx with textured hair to engage and explore it through the arts. The event is curated by a collective of Black and BIPOC artists, including myself, to foster connection around the culture, care, artistry, and symbolic history of Afro/Black and Curly/Brown hair. There will be: - An Afro-pick making station - Afro-Cutting and Hair Care workshop - Panel Discussion on Hair, Identity & Art - African Comb Art Exhibit - Jamaican food and music Allies of all genders and hair types are welcome to come eat, dance, listen and learn. Let's hold space for these kind of conversations. Tickets for Coils and Combs are now on sale: https://lnkd.in/g2jjk3kD

When Tony speaks to the nuances of darker skin. He explains that it is not merely a matter of technical proficiency; it’s a testament to an artist’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. From comprehending the subtleties of undertones to ensuring colours pop vibrantly, the ability to celebrate and enhance the beauty of darker skin requires both expertise and empathy. In today’s diverse world, where representation matters more than ever, Tony speaks to the fact that artists must equip themselves with the knowledge and techniques to cater to the full spectrum of skin tones, affirming the inherent beauty of every individual they encounter. https://lnkd.in/e5fFCCNX

***TRIGGER WARNING: cartoon of people practicing cultural appropriation, transphobia, and ableism depicted as Haloweeen costumes.*** There’s a reason why blackface and then yellowface were deemed inappropriate in entertainment, Hollywood, for example And then we have all seen the photos of famous people and politicians who dresssed in blackface for a Halloween party Or in “frat drag” which is heterosexual men wearing women’s clothes, wigs? And make up for a night which is disrespectful of trans and TGI people and women! And there’s a reason why these people get in trouble—it’s super offensive! And celebrates a history of slavery, exploitation, hatred, and colonialism in the US and elsewhere The same applies to the examples below 👇🏽 I suggest: 🚫Don’t make a joke out of someone’s identity this Halloween 🚫Don’t desiccate someone’s cultural clothes, skin color, or abilities for a night with the excuse it’s Halloween 👎 Because underneath that “costume” you will be seen as a racist, or a transphobic “jerk,” as they said in the photo And thoughtless ableist. Photos on social media (and yes, when they are leaked) aren’t just for one night They last forever. I suggest, just don’t do it! 🚫 #Halloween #culturalappropriatism #disabilityrights #trans #racialequity

How Can We Find Joy While Learning About Racism? 📚❤️ In this discussion, we explore the balance between heavy topics like racism and the joy found in shared experiences. We highlight the book "You Gotta Hear What Happened to Lacey" and how humor can coexist with difficult truths to foster understanding. #RacismAwareness #BookDiscussion #JoyInLearning #AmberRuffin #CommunityVoices #AntiRacism #LaughterAndLearning #Colorism #CollectiveExperiences #FindingBalance