As a race of people that has a long history of slavery and oppression over several generations, African Americans have acquired a myriad of twisted ideologies that have been passed down from generations. One that is very intrinsic to the general mentality of the community is the belief that light-skinned African Americans are superior to their dark-skinned counterparts. Furthermore, this ideology has also influenced beauty standards within the race and has altered the self-image, aspirations, and overall psyche of the Black woman. This article will explain how the underlying belief that light-skinned African Americans are a cut above dark-skinned African Americans is the product of countless generations of dark history that has managed to continue into the 21st century. This topic is of particular interest to this researcher because of how it has managed to profoundly influence an entire race of people to the point that their view of themselves has been distorted by the events experienced by past generations. It is also interesting because it provides insight into why some black individuals have experienced certain negative or preferential treatments throughout their lives because of the color of their flesh. This topic is of great importance because it will allow many people of the race to realize that their self-image and ideologies are very distorted. “The Role of Skin Color and Features in the Black Community” by Angela Neal and Midge Wilson is a piece of work that not only explains how color and physical features play a role in Black America, but also provides a historical account how skin undertones have become such an important factor. The article delves into previously unexplored territory by also analyzing how the black woman is e...... middle of paper ...... Works Cited Baruti, Mwalimu K. . "The slavers." Kebuka! Remembering the middle passage through the eyes of our ancestors. Kearney: Morris Publishing, 2005. 23-61. Print.Braude, Marjorie. “Black Women and the Politics of Skin and Hair Color.” Women, Power, and Therapy: Issues for Women: [Papers presented at institutes held at the annual meetings of the American Orthopsychiatric Assoc. in 1983 and 1984. New York ua: Haworth Pr., 1988. 89-100. Print...Morrison, Toni. The bluest eye. New York: Plume Book, 1979. Print.Neal, Angela M., and Midge L. Wilson. “The Role of Skin Color and Features in the Black Community: Implications for Black Women and Therapy.” Clinical Psychology Review 9.3 (1989): 323-333. Depaul. Network. March 28, 2011.Parrish, C. (1944). The meaning of color in the black community. Unpublished doctoral thesis, University of Chicago