"I want a light skinned woman." "Girl, I want a chocolate brotha with a bald head." "Look at her. She thinks she's all that just because she is light skinned with long hair." "Man you all had your time. Just ask the sisters. Dark skin is in."

Reads all too familiar, right? At one time or another, we have all experienced situations where we have heard and been affected by those contentious phrases. Now we all know that prejudice exists in the world, but prejudice within the African American community is a growing epidemic that individuals choose to tolerate and ignore.  

Whether we like it or not and depending on what side of the equation we are standing on, the previous phrases have both a positive and negative effect on our esteem. There are even clubs and pages entitled, "I love being light-skinned." or "Dark-skinned in."

These organizations bond together, converse about how superior they are, and profess declarations such as "We are the ones in control." On the surface, they appear to give individuals, especially our youth, a sense of satisfaction and camaraderie. In reality, they only perpetuate segregation within the racial class.

A recent statement on a post read: "People really need to look in the mirror and recognize what light skinned is. It doesn't mean caramel and it doesn't mean tan." It appears that you not only have to have light skin, you have to have the right shade of light skin. Decades ago, the paper bag used to be the color gage. Now it is a high shade of yellow. People are making up rules as they go along. It is no wonder that people of darker complexion retaliate with phrases such as "Darkness is spreading." or "Darkness is taking over." This reflects nothing but a vicious circle of hate.

This problem is not limited to the African American community. It affects all communities. Both sides of the color spectrum are contributing factors in a form of genocide; trying to rid a portion of the population so they can elevate toward the top. This mentality is both nature and nurture driven. We, as a society, have seen and heard people argue in their own homes about the variety of complexions in their household.

Many times, we have heard a youthful mind state, "I want to marry someone with light skin and good hair so I can have a pretty baby." This does not apply to just the women. Races are comprised of individuals colored in all shades of the rainbow. We should view no shade as any better than any other shade.

In addition, these attitudes sprout from feelings of anger and inadequacy. It also contributes to hatred and prejudice within the premature peer group before they have a chance to know who they are and what they aspire to become. Other issues require their attention.

These stereotypical remarks do not matter to a lucky few and have no relevance in their lives. These individuals are secure and surround themselves with peers who mirror their behavior. Your peers should applaud you. For others, comments like these rub the thin skin raw and determine how they analyze their reflections in the mirror and portray it on to others.

For those who find themselves falling prey to this form of ignorance, the old saying is still true . It takes a village to raise a child.

Our youth will soon be rulers of the world. Without these thoughts embedded in their minds, they are free to express themselves. No matter what shade they are, they will gravitate towards individuals who suit their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

After all, we as a people are the minorities. There is no need to segregate within your ethnic group. Stop the madness, combine your minds, and recycle that negative energy into something positive.