Deeper Than Skin Analysis

Deeper Than Skin Journeys are taken within people throughout their lifetimes, hoping that they will find ways to define themselves. Judith Ortiz Cofer started her journey of defining her self-image at a young age. Growing up in one culture and moving across the ocean to another that defines her as something completely different shows how much impact simple stereotypes and discrimination shapes how a person thinks of themselves. Skin color became a major mark on how people saw Cofer. She introduces the topic by giving a newfound perspective, “In the animal world, it indicates danger: the most colorful creatures are often the most poisonous. Color is also a way to attract and seduce a mate. In the human world color triggers many more complexes and often deadly reactions” (Cofer). Growing up in Puerto Rico, Cofer’s family always thought of her as a tall paloma blanca. Adults around her would always comment on her skin saying, “how her black hair contrasted nicely with her pale skin.” Pregnant women around her had these ideals installed into their brains and hoped that their unborn child would not turn out prieto (slang for black or dark) so they would have better chances out in the world.

Most of these stereotypes

Some people avoid the sun to not get any darker than they are, and some even go to the extent and marrying a person who is many shades lighter than they are to have a child that doesn’t have to be as dark as them. “We come in a multitude of different colors, tones, textures and shades. We live in a nation that oppresses us all regardless of if we are light or dark”(Pace). Pace digs deep and calls out what the nation and even those of the same race has subtly hinted to one another. But the truth is, a person is not defined but what is on the surface of their skin but what they hold inside of