A journalist has claimed the British public feel more ‘comfortable’ with Meghan Markle joining the royal family because she is ‘not as dark as some African Americans’.
Journalist Keli Goff, 38, from Texas, pointed to data that shows Americans subconsciously consider black people with fairer skin to be ‘more attractive, less dangerous’ and ‘more comfortable to be around’ than those of darker skin tones.
She argued that this bias is the reason why many of the black ‘barrier breakers’ in American public life are either bi-racial or lighter-skinned.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain live from New York, Ms Goff explained that the same reasoning could be applied to Prince Harry’s American fiancee Meghan Markle, 36, who is bi-racial.
Journalist Keli Goff claimed the British public feel more ‘comfortable’ with Meghan Markle, who is bi-racial, joining the royal family because she is ‘not as dark as some African Americans’. Pictured, Meghan Markle with fiance Prince Harry in Edinburgh yesterday
Journalist Keli Goff, 38, who appeared on Good Morning Britain live from New York, pointed to data that shows Americans subconsciously consider black people with fairer skin to be ‘more attractive, less dangerous’ and ‘more comfortable to be around’ than those of darker skin tones
She said: ‘Even in your own country, the first person of colour in the royal family is going to be a part-black woman who does not outwardly appear black to all people.
‘I’m not saying everyone would have a problem if she looked darker but there is plenty of data to indicate that people are more comfortable because Meghan Markle does not appear to be outwardly as dark as some African Americans.’
Ms Goff, a columnist for the Daily Beast, appeared on the ITV show as part of the continuing debate around ‘colourism’.
The issue has made headlines in recent days following comments by Matthew Knowles, father of singers Beyoncé and Solange, who suggested part of his daughters’ success was due to their fairer complexions.
Ms Goff discussed the issue today with reality star Irene Major, who has spoken publicly about lightening her skin.
Ms Goff, pictured on Good Morning Britain, argued that this bias is the reason why many of the black ‘barrier breakers’ in American public life are either bi-racial or lighter-skinned
The journalist pointed to President Barack Obama, pictured on Monday, as an example
Major said she is a ‘proud African lady’ but that she lightens her skin because she ‘likes the way it looks’. She argued it was the same as a white woman choosing to use fake tan.
However Ms Goff argued that cosmetic choice was deeply rooted in racism.
She said: ‘Study after study after study has confirmed that white Americans, even those who believe they don’t hold a bias when they come to race, do hold a bias when it comes to skin colour.
Ms Goff discussed the issue of ‘colourism’ with reality star Irene Major, who has spoken publicly about lightening her skin. Pictured, Ms Major before and after her skin lightening
Beyonce’s father Mathew Knowles says she wouldn’t be as famous if she had darker skin; the two are seen together at the Grammys in 2005
‘If you look in American culture, most of the barrier breakers in any major field are either light-skinned black people or bi-racial black people. Our first black president, President Obama, who is bi-racial. Our first elected US senator, who looked white, Edward Brooke.’
Ms Goff explained that while no one might consciously think ‘I hate darker skinned black people’ the evidence suggests that the subconscious bias starts to influence society.
‘Society then begins to impress upon the message that if you are lighter skinned you are more attractive, you are less dangerous, you are more comfortable to be around,’ she added.