It is often assumed that skin color bias occurs primarily among Whites and is directed against
Blacks. The present study was undertaken to determine whether or not A frican-Americans them selves experience a skin color bias directed against fellow African-Americans. Using a sample
of African-American college students, it was found that these students evaluated darker skin
color in a negative manner and viewed lighter skin tones as more desirable. The apparent
pervasiveness of a bias against persons with darker complexions adhered to by both White and
Blacks suggests that this issue should be addressed within social work education and practice.
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