Does the Pacific have a problem with blackness? | The Pacific | ABC News

Key Concepts

• Colorism: Prejudicial or preferential treatment of individuals within the same race based on skin tone.
• Pseudoscientific Racial Hierarchies: Discredited 19th and 20th-century anthropological theories that attempted to categorize Polynesians as a "white race" to elevate their status.
• Melanesia/Polynesia/Micronesia: Geographical and cultural classifications; "Melanesia" specifically denotes "black islands," often associated with darker skin tones and historical marginalization.
• Skin Whitening/Brightening: The use of chemical products (e.g., Keratone, Fair and Lovely) to alter skin tone, driven by societal beauty standards.

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1. The Incident: Moses Goods and Online Racism

The video highlights an incident involving Black Hawaiian actor Moses Goods, who, while celebrating the Chief of War ensemble award, was targeted by online trolls. Goods reported receiving racist abuse from within his own community, specifically being told he had "no Hawaiian blood" and being subjected to the n-word. Goods identified his "offense" as simply being Black, highlighting the intersection of anti-Blackness and colorism within Pacific Islander communities.

2. Defining Colorism and Its Origins

• Definition: Attributed to author Alice Walker, colorism is described as the "daughter of racism." It manifests as discriminatory treatment based on skin shade rather than just ethnic background.
• Research Findings: A 2022 study by the University of Auckland and Oxford University found that Māori and other ethnic minorities who are "white-presenting" experience significantly less racism than those with darker skin tones.
• Historical Context: Dr. Maile Arvin explains that 19th-century anthropologists, such as Louis Sullivan of the Bishop Museum, engaged in pseudoscience to "prove" that Polynesians were a "white race." By taking physical measurements and photographs, they attempted to establish a "true" Polynesian type that resembled Caucasians, a legacy that continues to influence unconscious racial ideals today.

3. Manifestations of Colorism in the Pacific

• Language and Perception: Radio host Caroline Do notes that colorism is often embedded in everyday language and upbringing. She emphasizes the need for Pacifica parents to be aware of how they discuss skin tone with their children.
• Beauty Practices: In Tonga, there is a high demand for skin-whitening and brightening creams. Business owner Binia Burke confirms that these products are widely used to lighten faces and bodies, reflecting a societal preference for lighter skin.
• Regional Variations: The perception of beauty varies across the Pacific. In contrast to the whitening trends in Tonga, Papua New Guinea (PNG) celebrates darker skin tones. Beauty professionals in Port Moresby report that customers take pride in their natural skin and hair textures, with little demand for skin-altering products.

4. Methodologies for Change and Unity

• Dialogue and Awareness: Experts and advocates suggest that the first step in combating colorism is acknowledging its existence within Pacific communities and challenging the language used in households.
• Regional Connection: Moses Goods advocates for increased regional interaction, such as the Festival of Pacific Arts (FestPAC). He argues that being in spaces where diverse skin tones are celebrated helps individuals recognize their shared DNA and interconnectedness, countering the divisive nature of colorism.

5. Notable Quotes

• Moses Goods: "My offense is that I'm black."
• Dr. Maile Arvin: "It's important to see it as an origin of the way that we often unconsciously believe certain racial ideals in contemporary life."
• Caroline Do: "If my son is coming from school asking about this, then this is definitely a topic that I have to talk about for our Pacifica parents."

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Synthesis and Conclusion

The video illustrates that colorism is a pervasive issue within Pacific Islander communities, rooted in both historical colonial pseudoscience and modern beauty standards. While some regions, like Tonga, struggle with the pressure to lighten skin, others, like PNG, maintain a strong cultural pride in darker complexions. The consensus among the featured speakers is that overcoming colorism requires a conscious effort to dismantle the "white-is-good" narrative, foster open dialogue, and celebrate the diverse spectrum of beauty inherent in Pacific heritage.