Is My Skin a Sin

I

Is it my fault I was born this way?

With melanin so dark you can’t even throw shade

There is pain that lives deep down in my soul

I feel like I’m being buried alive every time I hear the words “BLACK IS NOT BEAUTIFUL”

I look at my reflection and all I can see is an embodiment of lies, constant relegation and skin that lacks beauty

I feel like I’m drowning in waters polluted with insecurities, anger and self-hate

I ask God why I couldn’t get the skin of ‘purity’ and ‘perfection’, the skin society uplifts and appreciates.

IS IT A SIN to be a darker shade? To have plump lips and wear single braids?

IS IT A SIN that both my parents are Black? If one of them was white would society cut me some slack?

I want to be free in my own skin but I’m treated as though I’m not good enough. As though I’m not even living

I’ve learned that with my skin, what I struggle to get, the “glorified” race is inherently given

But then it hits me! If everybody was alike, imagine how boring life would be

There would be no uniqueness or diversity

When we can open our eyes and realize what can happen when our differences are embraced

We can finally strive as a human race

Now i’ve answered my own question, and finally can see, my beautiful black skin is not a sin

But a blessing in disguise, it always has been

About the author

Britney Imade
By Britney Imade

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