Colorism, a little word that exploits the pain, as well as confusion among many people past and present. This concept is nothing new, it is something that has been and is felt by many. It afflicts nations and is caused by imperialism, self-hatred, self-degradation, envy, greed and lust. It is fueled by ignorance, stupidity, blindness, unattainable white beauty standards imposed on unsuspecting people once simply absorbed in their own society, and now forced to live up to these standards, which are unattainable for many. Like topics like sexism and racism, colorism goes beyond that. a single media. It affects many areas of life and harms the quality of life of those who are viewed negatively. One of the strongest and most effective ways to implement the ideals of colorism (i.e. "[That] lightening black physicality is socially acceptable because white skin is the superior and sought-after ideal unlike black skin which is inferior") goes through the media. Hip-hop, which has grown exponentially over the past 20 years, has used its many followers to pursue widespread ideals that have been implemented through music. Highlighted by rhetorical analysis written by VaNatta S. Ford; where she captures a statement: “There has been no [...] rhetorical examination of how colorism impacts rap lyrics”; as well as the widespread destruction of the image of darker-skinned women in particular. Time and again, the lyrics of many hip-hop/rap superstars specifically call out the more beautiful black women are, the better. Although this idea of ​​placing lighter people on a pedestal is not new, it is through this musical movement that classifications of black people evolved. Term such as “Bone red” and “Yellow b...... middle of paper ......t; N*ggers were dirty and loud. » Works Cited Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye in New York: Plume/The Penguin Group, 1970McCarthy-Brown, Nyama. “Dancing on the Margins: Experiences of African-American Ballerinas.” Journal of African American Studies 15.3 (2011): 385+. General OneFile. Internet. May 18, 201 Ford, VaNatta S. “Color Blocked: A Rhetorical Analysis of Colorism and Its Impact on Rap Lyrics in Hip Hop Music from 2005 to 2010.” Journal of Pan African Studies 5.1 (2012): 270. Academic OneFile. Internet. May 18, 2014. Charles, Christopher AD “Derogatory Portrayals of Skin Whitening Products Sold in Harlem.” » Journal of Pan-African Studies 4.4 (2011): 117+. Academic OneFile. Internet. May 18, 2014. Banerji, Shilpa. “Study: Darker-Skinned Black Applicants Face More Obstacles.” Miscellaneous Issues in Higher Education September 21, 2006: 20. General OneFile. Internet. May 18 2014.