Colorism
In season 5, episode 11 “Mammy Dearest,” Kim Reese feels uncomfortable with her best friend Whitley’s program idea at their dorm to celebrate the accomplishments as well as highlight the stereotypes of Black women. Whitley wants to highlight the Black stereotypical archetypal character of “Mammy,” and Kim becomes infuriated. The Pit owner, Mr. Gaines, an older, wise man and beloved mentor of Kim’s, understands what her issue is. Kim was teased because of her darker skin and once as a child entering a Halloween costume contest as a Nubian princess won and the school recognized her as Aunt Jemima. Mr. Gaines affirmed how beautiful she is, and Kim, participating in Whitley’s show, transforms from a “Mammy” to an African queen.
