Editor’s note: Shadeism is an exploration of the “discrimination that exists between the lighter-skinned and darker-skinned members of the same community”. Production of the full-length documentary will begin in October 2011.

Emotional reactions. They’re inevitable when your heart is invested.

Our short film, Shadeism, was an avenue through which to explore the roots and effects of the issue, through the lens of various women’s experiences.

In the time since the film was released online I have received countless emails and messages from young men and *womyn around the globe. I’ve come back from every discussion, every workshop, and presentation, with new stories of the damaging effects that this discrimination brings about.

Taking in the experiences of those we meet, and internalizing what they feel, my tears have been my constant companion. I am so humbled by how much is shared, how many personal accounts of shadeism are courageously retold to us.

But I’ve also spent hours reflecting on the words of sisters and some brothers, and frustrated if I cannot help them when they ask. How do I, a young *womyn also trying to explore shadeism, answer the questions of those trying to deal with its impact?

Not knowing how to handle this, I looked to mentors, more experienced filmmakers who have much wisdom to share.

It was by asking them that I learned about the ‘being the expert’ issue with documentaries. One filmmaker explained that audiences tend to look at documentary filmmakers as experts on the subject of their films. He said that the way to address it is to be honest about what you do and do not know; to be sincere about the film being an exploration for you, just as much as watching it is for them.

What we did was pick up a camera, share what we could, and ask others to do the same. But it is those who watch the film, who are inspired to speak with loved ones, to address their own beliefs about beauty and self-worth, and ask questions, that are doing the work that we all need. They are changing from the inside out, allowing us all to move forward. When it comes to issues like shadeism, accepted as the norm in our different cultures, each step is significant.

So now, when I start to worry about the answers I don’t know, I take a minute to breathe, be honest, and respect that people who watch the film are doing exactly what we’d hoped for: they’re asking the questions that spark the necessary discussions about the harmful ways we think.

*Womyn is an alternative spelling of the word “women”. It’s preferred as it doesn’t define womyn in relation to men or a male norm.

—Nayani Thiyagarajah