Abstract
This mixed method, quantitative and qualitative study was conducted as a means of examining the existence of colorism within the African American and Caucasian American communities. Fifteen African American and twenty-one White American adults completed a Skin Color Satisfaction Scale and participated in a supplementary interview, which were used to determine the participants’ self-perception of skin color, skin color satisfaction, and ideal skin color. Additionally, the survey and interview were used to explore how one’s skin color positively and/or negatively affected various aspects of their daily life. Moreover, the research questions allowed the participants to relay their perceptions of whether or not media has affected colorism. The Skin Color Satisfaction Scale and subsequent interview suggested that both interracial and intraracial colorism were prevalent factors in the upbringing and everyday life of the participants of both ethnic communities.