Episode
Hollywood’s Colorism Curse With Dr. Yaba Blay
- Podcast
- Pop Syllabus
- Published
- Mar 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3800
- Processing state
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Summary
Colorism isn’t new. It’s the curse embedded in Hollywood’s DNA. Today, Christiana sits down with scholar-activist Dr. Yaba Blay to unpack how colorism operates behind the scenes of pop culture, why lighter skin is still centered, and how these hierarchies shape everything from stardom to self-worth. Follow Dr. Yaba Blay: Instagram Follow Pop Syllabus: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Substack | Merch available now! Sponsor Pop Syllabus: [email protected] If there’s a topic you’d like us to deconstruct, tell us in the comments. Email: [email protected] 00:37 Defining “colorism” 03:30 The relativity of colorism 06:04 How colorism functions in Hollywood 08:15 A history of colorism and skin bleaching 12:50 Gender bias and colorism in entertainment 17:02 Beyonce and colorism in the music industry 28:40 Moments that feel like societal shifts 33:00 How skin bleaching has transformed 37:00 Understanding the context around why people bleach their skin 42:55 Hair trends among Black women 51:00 Questioning society and capitalism (not just the individual) 54:20 What choices can we make in light of colorism? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices