The debut of Spice’s new look yesterday didn’t make sense to me. Caribbean people bleach their skin everyday but generally it’s a gradual process. And as someone who seemed to recognize her attractiveness and embrace her body, it was odd.
Still, given the antiBlack messages so many have internalized, it wouldn’t have been the first time we’ve seen something like this. (See: Vybz Kartel and Sammy Sosa.) Colorism is a byproduct of colonialism so populations all over the world are effected. But it wasn’t what we thought. Instead of a change in appearance, it was a way to get our attention before she dropped a new song that addressed the issue. Her latest song speaks to the pandemic, specifically in the Black community.
Included on her EP Captured, the new song “Black Hypocrisy,” Spice said that ironically, it’s people in the Black community who have quite a bit to say about her complexion and the notion that she’s “too Black” and “dirty.” People have blamed her physical attributes for the reason her career isn’t further along. In the video she says that she decided to bleach to make them happy. Hence the promotional image.
The song is a message about self-love, discussing the effects of colorism and embracing the skin you’re in. Check out the lyrics below.
What’s your perception of a pretty woman?
Is it straight nose with her hair real long.
Black girls lose self confidence
Cuz they attached the word ugly to her complexion.
…
Black people hypocrisy
Leave the girls dem with low self esteem
I’m Black and beautiful
I know I’m pretty
F*ck de whole ah dem dirty inequity
Take a listen to the video below.
