Color, Power, and History: A South Asian Look at White Fragility

White Fragility reframed how I see racism, power, and the systems that shape our everyday lives—especially for South Asians. Robin DiAngelo makes it clear: racism isn’t just about being “good” or “bad”—it’s about who holds power and how systems enforce inequality.

A striking historical example: in the U.S., Indians were once legally classified as Caucasian—but even then, they were denied citizenship because they weren’t considered “scientifically white enough.” White scientists and policymakers decided who counted as white, and that decision controlled access to rights, opportunities, and belonging. This shows how deeply systemic racism can shape lives, even when it seems like categories or labels are in your favor.

For South Asians, this history still echoes today. Colorism/Shadism and representation in media are direct legacies of these power structures. Bollywood and Western films have historically favored lighter skin and Eurocentric features, leaving darker-skinned actors and characters in the background.

White Fragility is a reminder that racism is about systems, history, and power, not just intentions. For South Asians, it’s an invitation to reflect on how historical exclusion, colorism/shadism

, and media representation continue to shape our communities and our sense of belonging.