In today’s world, conversations around identity, inclusion, and equality are more important than ever. Yet, despite social progress, three deeply rooted ideologies continue to shape how we see ourselves and each other: racism, colorism, and texturism. Often called “The Big 3,” these interlocking systems of bias affect everything from our workplaces and relationships to media representation and self-worth.

Let’s unpack how each one shows up—and why understanding their impact is essential for real change.

🌍 Racism: The Root of Systemic Division

Racism remains the foundation upon which the other two ideologies stand. It’s not just about individual prejudice—it’s a system that advantages some groups while disadvantaging others based on skin color. From disparities in education and employment to unequal access to healthcare, racism continues to influence social outcomes across generations.

What’s more, racism has evolved. Today, it hides behind coded language, institutional policies, and unconscious biases. The modern challenge is to recognize racism not only in overt acts but in everyday systems that normalize inequality.

🎨 Colorism: The Shade Within the Shade

Colorism operates within communities of color, privileging lighter skin tones over darker ones. While racism stems from external oppression, colorism often functions as internalized oppression—a painful byproduct of colonialism and white supremacy.

Think about it: lighter-skinned individuals are often perceived as more “acceptable” or “professional,” while darker skin tones are unfairly associated with negativity or inferiority. This bias shows up in casting calls, corporate offices, and even dating preferences.

Colorism doesn’t just wound individuals—it divides communities, distorts beauty standards, and reinforces the very hierarchies racism created.

💫 Texturism: The Politics of Hair and Identity

Texturism is the discrimination based on hair texture, often favoring looser curls or straighter hair over tightly coiled textures. It’s another form of bias tied to Eurocentric beauty ideals, and it particularly affects Black women and men navigating professional and social spaces.

From workplace “grooming policies” to the natural hair movement, the struggle for acceptance has been ongoing. Texturism shapes how we feel about our own hair—what we consider “neat,” “beautiful,” or “acceptable.” The natural hair revolution has made huge strides, but the underlying attitudes around “good hair” versus “bad hair” are still being unlearned.

🧠 The Intersection: How The Big 3 Work Together

Racism, colorism, and texturism don’t exist in isolation—they reinforce one another. Together, they create a layered experience of discrimination that shapes how people move through the world. For example, a darker-skinned person with tightly coiled hair may face compounded bias compared to someone lighter-skinned with looser curls, even within the same racial group.

These overlapping systems of oppression shape everything from representation in media to access to opportunities. Recognizing this intersectionality is key to dismantling harmful norms and promoting true inclusivity.

💭 Moving Forward: Unlearning and Rebuilding

Change begins with awareness—but it can’t stop there. We must challenge internalized beliefs, call out bias when we see it, and intentionally uplift those most affected by these ideologies. Representation matters, but so does equity, empathy, and education.

When we create spaces that affirm all shades, textures, and identities, we move closer to a world where beauty and humanity aren’t filtered through a hierarchy of bias.

✨ Final Thought:Racism, colorism, and texturism may be old systems, but their impact is still felt today. Healing begins when we name them, understand them, and refuse to let them define how we see one another—or ourselves.

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