Definition of colored

The word "colored" has a complex and ambiguous history, with origins dating back to the 18th century in America. The term was initially used to refer to people of mixed European and African descent, often in the context of portraying them as lesser than pure-blooded Europeans. This usage was based on the belief that blackness was a marker of imperfection, inferiority, and stigma, which was reinforced by scientific and cultural discourses portraying white skin as the ideal and a sign of civilization. In this context, "colored" was a euphemism for "black," meant to avoid the more pejorative term "negro." The usage of "colored" persisted for many decades, becoming more deeply entrenched in popular usage as a form of political solidarity during the Jim Crow era. Many black leaders and organizations embraced the term, seeing it as a less pejorative alternative to "negro" or "African American." However, the term also reflected the persistence of color hierarchy and the internalization of white supremacy among some members of the black community. In recent decades, the usage of "colored" has fallen out of favor due to its implicit association with segregation, inequality, and the history of white supremacy in America. Many black activists and organizations have shifted towards using terms like "black" or "African American" as more affirmative and empowering alternatives. The concept of "colored" has become a contested and complex issue, highlighting the ongoing debates around language, identity, and race in contemporary society.