Kleurists

Kleurists is a term used to describe individuals who hold a prejudiced belief that certain colors are inherently superior to others, or that specific colors are associated with particular traits or qualities that are either desirable or undesirable. This belief system can manifest in various ways, from personal preferences to more deeply ingrained societal biases.

Historically, the association of colors with specific meanings has a long tradition across many cultures. For instance, white has often symbolized purity or divinity, while black has been linked to mourning or evil. These associations can be influenced by religion, tradition, and even natural phenomena. However, when these associations become rigid and are used to categorize or judge people, objects, or ideas based solely on their color, they can be considered a form of "kleurism."

In some contexts, kleurism might extend to preferences for certain color palettes in art, design, or fashion, which is generally considered a matter of aesthetic taste. However, when it becomes a basis for discrimination, such as favoring individuals with a certain skin tone over others due to perceived color-based qualities, it enters the realm of prejudice. This can be particularly harmful if it intersects with existing social hierarchies or stereotypes.

The concept of kleurism is distinct from mere color preference. While everyone has favorite colors, kleurism implies a hierarchical or judgmental component attached to those preferences, often leading to the devaluation of things or people associated with less favored colors. Understanding kleurism involves recognizing how color symbolism can influence perceptions and contribute to biases, even unintentionally.