Erika Alexander Validates Concerns About Colorism During ‘Living Single‘ Era
Erika Alexander, known for her role in teh 1990s sitcom Living Single, has publicly affirmed the validity of criticism surrounding colorism prevalent in television during that period, stating that its effects were widely felt.Alexander shared her reflections alongside co-star kim Coles as they prepare for the launch of their podcast, ReLiving Single.
Colorism, a form of discrimination based on skin tone, historically limited opportunities for darker-skinned actors, often restricting them to less complex roles. Alexander acknowledged that looking back, certain jokes, casting choices, and character depictions from the 1990s now appear problematic through a modern lens, stating, “colorism was real & hindsight shows some jokes hit differently.”
alexander stressed that the conversation isn’t about assigning blame, but rather about acknowledging past imbalances to prevent their repetition in future portrayals. “We talk a lot about colorism and we all suffered from it,” she explained.
She recalled an environment were lighter skin tones were frequently enough prioritized, leading to lighter-skinned Black actresses frequently securing leading roles and greater visibility, while darker-skinned actresses were often relegated to supporting roles or stereotypical characters.Alexander believes this disparity contributed to enduring perceptions regarding beauty and self-worth.
Furthermore, Alexander reflected on how these dynamics influenced power structures both on and off-screen, suggesting that color politics, even when unspoken, impacted relationships among cast members.
With audiences increasingly demanding authentic and diverse representation, Alexander and Coles’ ReLiving single podcast aims to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the show, exploring not only nostalgic memories but also valuable lessons for the entertainment industry moving forward. Alexander emphasized that acknowledging past shortcomings doesn’t diminish the accomplishments of Living Single, but instead provides a clearer understanding of its legacy and helps advocate for roles that accurately represent the breadth of the Black experience.