On a recent episode of TVOne’s “We’re The Campbells,” the reality show centered around Mary Mary gospel singer, Erica Campbell, her producer husband, Warren Campbell, and their three children, some very real issues were addressed. Their eldest daughter, Krista Campbell, came clean about extremely disheartening experiences she’s having regarding her beautiful chocolate skin.
Daughter Shocks Erica Campbell With “Darkie” Confession
In one video clip, Krista and Erica were having a chat with their family and friends, when Krista revealed that she had a confession to make. She told her mom that she had been getting teased since the fifth grade, when some of her schoolmates told her they didn’t want to play with “a darkie.” Ever since that incident, 13 year old Krista says she’s struggled with self esteem issues.
Needless to say, Erica was utterly shocked by the fact that she never knew her daughter had been going through such a heartbreaking experience. But that wasn’t all…
‘Daddy Only Likes Light Skin Women’
In a separate clip, Erica had a one-on-one talk with her Krista about the colorism topic and self esteem problems she’s having. That’s when Krista revealed that she also has issues with boys, due to her curvier frame and again, her darker skin. The thing that probably stung Erica just a little more, was when Krista pointed out a reality within their family structure. Krista told her mom that not only do the boys at her school attract to “light skin girls” more, but so does her father and other male figures in her family. That beautiful young girl then asked a heart wrenching question, “Am I ugly?”
Again, Erica Campbell was in complete shock that her baby was going through so much. However, it was evident that she had no clue what to say, nor could she actually relate to her daughter’s dark skin experience, because she hasn’t lived it first hand. That’s also what Krista so eloquently communicated to her mother, who admitted that she didn’t know what to do in that scenario.
Even though Erica Campbell didn’t know what to say in that moment, we applaud her for allowing such a personal issue about her baby, to be displayed on national television. Why? Because unfortunately, the ignorance regarding the dark skin vs. light skin topic is a socio-psychological plague that affects many and needs to be addressed on public platforms like “We’re The Campbells.”
Most importantly, we salute Krista Campbell, for being brave enough to discuss something so heartbreaking at such a young age, in front of all those television cameras. Let’s think back to when we were 13 and ask ourselves if we would have been brave enough to expose our most hurtful experiences in front of the entire world. Most of us would probably say, ‘HELL NAW!’ So again, salute to that young Queen for doing so.
The Reality vs. The Brainwashing
Hopefully, one day Krista will eventually understand that the kids who are teasing her, or the boys who may overlook her simply because she has a melanin-rich complexion, actually have a disdain for something about themselves. Their parents have directly, or indirectly taught them to disassociate themselves from the melanin rich tones that remind them of who they and their ancestors actually are and the beauty they possess(ed).
Krista Campbell may one day learn that this Black on Black colorism is a learned behavior, instilled within the fabric of America ever since the first slave ship docked here. It took generations to psychologically infect our society and sadly, it may take generations to recondition it back to a non-brainwashed state. The sooner Krista and others can understand that the sooner she will truly know that she is beautiful inside and out.
