melissa sutherland moss
YOU'RE BLACK
BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT WHITE
"You're Black Because You're Not White" is an installation created to explore the complex issue of colorism within the Black community. This body of work examines how skin tone distinctions, rooted in historical discrimination, continue to impact our society today.
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I use this work to investigate intra-racial dynamics and their manifestations in everyday life. Through this installation, I invite viewers to reflect on challenging questions: How do these historical labels still influence our perceptions? What purpose do they serve in our modern context? And ultimately, how do they affect the lived experiences of Black individuals across the spectrum of skin tones?
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By confronting these uncomfortable truths, "You're Black Because You're Not White" aims to spark dialogue about unity within the Black community. It serves as a powerful reminder that despite the diversity of our experiences and appearances, our shared identity as Black individuals transcends these superficial distinctions.