Colorism and Comparisons

Social Media Continues the Faux Battle between Keke and Zendaya

I don’t understand why some people on social media want Keke Palmer and Zendaya to feud. These young women are both accomplished actresses who are just hitting their stride. We, the viewing audience, can look forward to years of quality acting from them both. So, why push a non-existent feud?

Two reasons — 1) colorism and 2) people love drama

Palmer took to Twitter to let her feelings be known, “A great example of colorism is to believe I can be compared to anyone.”

Period! Palmer has been in the game since childhood and is a top talent in any tv show or movie. She currently stars in “Nope” the latest film by writer and director, Jordan Peele.

Palmer goes on to say, “I’m the youngest talk show host ever. The first Black woman to star in her own show on Nickelodeon, & the youngest & first Black Cinderella on Broadway,” she said. “I’m an incomparable talent. Baby, THIS is Keke Palmer.”

I agree 100% Zendaya is cool. She starred in a couple of Spiderman movies. As an MCU fan, I give her props. But, come one, you can’t compare the two. Palmer deserves all the flowers. She’s a great actress and a beautiful young woman. Her skin tone is gorgeous and should be viewed as such. Colorism needs to end!

Colorism is so invasive in the Black community. It pits light-skinned Blacks against dark-skinned Blacks. Colorism has dark-skinned Black men choosing light-skinned Black women. And many of these men, disparage dark-skinned women in interviews and on social media. It’s disrespectful!

Dark skin Black women are the most beautiful women on the planet. You can’t look at Black women like Venus and Serena Williams, Viola Davis, Grace Jones, Michelle Obama, Taraji P. Henson, Angela Bassett, and Keke Palmer and not see beauty, grace, and style. There are so many dark-skinned Black women who have made an impact in areas such as academics, entertainment, and politics — like Shirley Chisholm, Fannie Lou Hamer, Leslie Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopie Goldberg, and Maya Angelou. All of these women are a part of American history and society. They are role models for Black girls and women.

Social Media is a toxic environment. People with nothing better to do with their lives want to see A-list celebrities at each other’s throats, especially if they’re Black women. People need to get themselves! They’re too drama hungry! Keke and Zendaya have better things to do than to feed people’s need for drama.

So, I say to Keke and Zendaya — keep doing you, ladies. You know our country is a cesspool. We’re dealing with a racial reckoning and politicians who want to take the U.S. back to 1822. There are bigger issues at stake than skin color. Ignore the trolls. Turn your backs on the haters. Continue to get your bags.

I’m rooting for both of you!