Colorism and its correlation with implicit racial stereotyping: An experimental action research study.

Abstract

This study examined the correlations between implicit racial stereotyping and colorism and their roles in society. Using Fitzpatrick’s Skin typing scale and animated facial software, this study used a mixed method approach to examine participants’ reactions to stimuli in the context of colorism and implicit racial stereotyping. In addition, participants offered responses to explicit response open-ended questions concerning colorism and racial stereotyping. The findings revealed that color-blind ideology, exposure, and education displayed participants’ knowledge of explicit examples of racial stereotyping, but excluded their knowledge of critical implicit racial stereotyping and colorism. Implications are provided.

Keywords

• colorism
• racial stereotyping
• implicit response
• color-blind ideology
• education
• exposure