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XULAneXUS

Publication Date

4-1-2009

Abstract

In its original form, this paper was the introduction to a research proposal for a second semester, freshman Experimental Psychology course. Instead of including the entire proposal here, I review past research and propose empirical questions regarding the role of skin tone on different aspects of life in African American college students, especially mate selection. Historically, people of color have come to expect discrimination regarding skin tone to come from people of a different race, but discrimination also occurs within the African American community. The issue increases in complexity considering the potential discriminations that may accompany selecting a mate. This literature review explores skin tone preferences in regards to self-esteem, mate selection, and university selection within the African American population. Current research has shown that an individual’s self-esteem may be altered by other people’s perception of their skin tone. In addition, there are several external factors that may influence an individual’s skin tone preference, especially for college students. These may include the environment in which the individual was raised, family, and friends. The type of university an individual attends (e.g., a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), or a majority White university) might play a major role in social interaction, self-esteem, friendship selection, and mate selection. Skin tone is a very complex subject. The idea that a lighter skin tone is still privileged today is a topic that is currently relevant and deserves empirical attention.

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