Pearl Thusi sparks Twitter debate about colourism in South Africa

Pearl Thusi got South Africans talking on Wednesday after tweeting about the discrimination she has faced for being a light-skinned woman in the country.

The actress was responding to another tweet claiming that Thusi, as a light-skinned woman, had “no talent”, suggesting she was simply favoured in her industry for being lighter.

& 15 years of hard work I’ve put in means Jack shit here.
Its incredible how your entire being can all come down to your skin colour.
I dare them to say this about the likes of…
Beyonce
Diana ross
Angela Davis
As if there wasn’t an
Aretha Franklin
Nina Simone
Miriam Makeba pic.twitter.com/zGhX1b72lS

— #QueenSono (@PearlThusi) June 26, 2019

“I’ve lost many jobs to dark skinned women. Because I didn’t fit the mould of a real black woman for people,” Thusi said in a series of tweets about the matter.

I’ve lost many jobs to dark skinned women. Because I didn’t fit the mould of a real black woman for people. And other times because that woman was more beautiful or talented. Being light won’t get you there and keep you there, you need to work. And work harder to prove that point

— #QueenSono (@PearlThusi) June 26, 2019

“Black is so beautiful. I’ve always wanted it. I remember when I was 7 I’d burn my skin in the sun thinking it would help me look like the other kids. So they’d accept me,” she also said.

Black is so beautiful. I’ve always wanted it. I remember when I was 7 I’d burn my skin in the sun thinking it would help me look like the other kids. So they’d accept me.
My skin always peeled back to my reality. I was never going to look like my friends.

— #QueenSono (@PearlThusi) June 26, 2019

The star’s comments sparked debate on Twitter, with some defending her thoughts and offering words of encouragement.

Being a yellowbone in SA is an extreme sport. We constantly have to prove ourselves to everyone that we are deserving and colourism did not get us where we are. #Pearl #Pearl Thusi #Khanyi #ShoMajozi

— Dr_Zeeesh®️ (@Nadatywabi) June 27, 2019

People dragging Pearl Thusi for not being a product of “tall, dark and handsome”. Come on guys , this girl works her butt off. She deserves all the good things in life. pic.twitter.com/Do1J8a2nhQ

— Mathapelo Pule (@mathapelo_pule) June 27, 2019

Dear Pearl Thusi, dont mind the haters. You are a beautiful mother, talented black woman who uses zulu option kwi ATM… 🇳🇦 loves you. #Behindthestory

— Mac Nelo Millano™🇳🇦 (@MacNelo40) June 26, 2019

Now being light is associated with lazy and free rides huh? Wow!!! Pearl Thusi keep working hard gal n don’t let these ppl who try to make others feel bad abt themselves in order for them to feel good abt themselves… Keep shining wena Moghel!!!! @PearlThusi

— Kgarebe ya Gafela 🇿🇦 (@urifhe) June 27, 2019

Others felt her comments disregarded the discrimination dark-skinned women also face in South Africa, and the wider world.

I hear Pearl Thusi and I acknowledge her lived experience.
HOWEVER, she is not entitled to her own facts!
Darker skinned Black women have historically been systematically denigrated, dehumanised, disrespected & discriminated against.
End of discussion!

— . (@Ofentse_Kgabo) June 26, 2019

Some Twitter users agreed that light-skin favouritism is still a very real problem.

IT DOES NOT NEGATE YOUR HARD WORK AND HUSTLE TO ADMIT YOU HAVE CERTAIN PRIVILEGE/S THAT HELP THE ODDS GO IN YOUR FAVOR DAMMIT

— ‘Red’ Mosiane (@Red__Mos) June 26, 2019

Pearl Thusi is good at what she does.

The light skin privilege exists, as much as pretty privilege but Pearl is not a good example of it.@PearlThusi be strong!

— King Jaffe Joe (@Gandu_Z) June 27, 2019

Though the debate has filtered into Thursday morning, it seems Thusi is putting the matter behind her.

“To those who gave me grief yday-I had an extra drive to perfect my work. Alchemised that negativity to make better work. Lemons to lemonade as it were,” she tweeted.

Just got home from work. We started at 6pm yday.

I’m finished. To those who gave me grief yday- I had an extra drive to perfect my work. Alchemised that negativity to make better work.
Lemons to lemonade as it were.

Can’t wait for you to see it. ❤️

— #QueenSono (@PearlThusi) June 27, 2019

Feature image: Shereesa Moodley/Memeburn