RESISTING THE EFFECTS OF COLORISM ON IDENTITY FORMATION AND HEALING IN TERESA ANN WILLIS'S LIKE A TREE WITHOUT ROOTS

Abstract

Colorism is a prevalent issue that influences the self-perception and emotional well-being of individuals, particularly within marginalized communities. While much research has focused on the psychological consequences of colorism, less attention has been given to the portrayal of how internalized colorism shapes identity development in Black youth in literary works. This study utilized a qualitative research approach, employing literary text analysis to explore how internalized colorism affects identity formation in the protagonist, Jasmine, in Teresa Ann Willis’s Like A Tree Without Roots. Through a close reading of the novel, the study examined the impact of internalized colorism on the development of identity in Black youth. The study investigated the experiences of Jasmine, a dark-skinned African American teenager, as she struggled with societal and peer-imposed beauty standards that prioritized lighter skin and Eurocentric features. The analysis revealed how Jasmine's exposure to colorist messages in media, school, and her neighborhood fostered feelings of self-loathing and isolation. However, the study also highlighted growth and healing through educational and familial support. The findings emphasized the role of culturally responsive education and intergenerational affirmation in counteracting the damaging effects of colorism, showcasing that recovery and empowerment are achievable despite the deep psychological impact of colorism.