[Color Complex] Singer Tank Says Some Dark Skinned Women Take Issue With His Light Skinned Girlfriend
It’s 2014 and unfortunately, the light skinned vs. dark skinned (and vice versa) conversation within the African American community (and others for that matter) is still a hot button topic. Don’t believe us — just ask Tank (real name Durrell Babbs). Last night (October 9th), the Stronger singer posted a series of Tweets, expressing his frustration about some dark complexion women taking issue with light complexion women.
His observation was sparked by comments that he says are often made about the light complexion of his girlfriend, Zena Foster. He tweeted:
I have an honest question. What do dark skinned women have against light skinned women?.. Aren’t we all black at the end of the day?? You should check the comments on my page when I post my light skinned girlfriend and maybe you’ll understand the frustration! #FactsOnly
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I swear my sons and I were having this discussion.But,we were discussing the question that maybe Tank and other men would answer honestly.Why do some black men prefer only light skinned women?And will say “I dont mess with brown skinned women”.I think some woman feel that his girlfriend looks white.And because of that some think,no she is not black.Unfortunately,some darker skin women feel these women dont have to deal with as much racism and rejection as they do.This is what I have heard some people say.I get he likes what he likes.And he is entitled to date who he wants.Im just answering his question.lol
OK so what about the extremely light skinned black who goes through the same treatment. In my family we have super light skinned to dark complexions like myself. we don’t have a problem with this. Unfortunately it goes both ways. Bottom line it didn’t matter during the civil rights era, all shades of black fought that fight. So why now are we tripping on one another. Because of the brainwashing that we have allowed to divide us. By now we should be able to get past that bullshit and see it for what it is.
This woman has strong euro genes. I don’t think she is black at all. I think he is trying to pass her off as black. Tank has dated darker complexion women i.e. Robin Givens (I saw them on a date). And not only that but his sister is fair skinned (used to live in the same building with them) so he get’s a whatever.
I’m glad he used the choice words “some”. Because as a dark skin women myself I don’t have or make an issue of women lighter then me including White/European women. It’s when when you try to demean me as a women because of my complexion is when I have a problem. Thanks tank for saying some because there are “some” darkskin/brown women who could and have never cared less about those issues and the other ones where people have complexities about our skin.
Durell Babbs (Tank) is your common, white-washed, color struck brother. He suffers from the results of slavery like other Blacks in our society. When I hear Black people trying to hide their discrimination against dark skinned people by stating it’s just their preference for lighter skinned people—it’s sad. A “preference” is when you like something more over the alternative, and you can clearly state why that is. For example, I prefer jogging over running; If I was asked why I prefer jogging over running I could clearly answer one is less pressure on my knees; when I’ve asked a Black man specifically why he prefers light skinned women over dark skinned, the response I usually get is because that’s just my preference, but I love everybody. Tank being on a date with Robin Givens, does not minimize his long track record of “only bi-racial” or high-yellow women. It so much more I could add to this response, but I don’t have the energy right now. I wonder if Zena considers herself a light skinned Black woman.