IntroductionThe Association of Black Psychologist (ABP) (2013) defines colorism as skin color stratification. Colorism is described as “internalized racism” perceived as a way of life for the group by which it is accepted (ABP 2013). Furthermore, colorism is classified as a persistent problem among Black Americans. Colorism in the process of discriminatory privileges afforded to lighter-skinned black individuals over their darker-skinned counterparts (Margret Hunter 2007). From a historical perspective, colorism was a policy constructed by whites to create dissent among their slaves in order to maintain order or obedience. Throughout the centuries, it seems that the original purpose of colorism has remained. Why does this problem persist? Black people were able to dismantle the barriers encountered within the larger United States society. However, blacks have failed to adequately address past sins within the ethnic group. As a consequence of this failure, colorism prevails. Through my research I have developed many questions: Is it right for this vision to remain? How does the evaluation of one individual over another affect the mental health of victims of colorism? More importantly, what are the solutions for colorism? Colorism, unfortunately, has had a lingering effect on the lives of Black Americans. It has become so internalized that it is not possible to distinguish between the view of ourselves that Black Americans adopted from slavery or a more personalized view developed from within the ethnicity. The consequences of this internalized view increase the already exorbitant mental health concerns within the Black community, but the most unfortunate aspect of colorism is that there is controversy over how to solve the problem… middle of paper… . ..23_JUNE_2013_Dr Grills.pdf>.Dog, Clay. "J. Cole: I might not be as successful if I had dark skin." BET.com.BET Networks, 22 August 2013. Web. 04 December 2013..Eurweb. “KeKe Palmer on colorism in Hollywood: 'I prayed for LightSkin'” Black America Web RSS. Interactive One, October 2, 2013. Web. December 5, 2013.hollywood-i-wished-you-had-light-skin/>.Kennedy, Randall. “Racial Passage.” Moritzlaw.osu.edu. Ohio State School of Law, 2001. Network. December 5, 2013..Williams, Chris. “Colorism: The War at Home.” EBONY. Johnson Publishing Group, February 20, 2013. Web. November 28, 2013.war-at-home-405/2>.