I initially was going to write an article about the colour of our clothes, their representation and the impact they have on our minds, bodies and spirits. However, before we can cloak the body in an array of colours, we ourselves, as melanin rich people, are often described as, Black, African, People of Colour, Red skinned, Brown Skinned and even Yellow skinned. I am approaching this subject, an Introduction to Colours, (Part One), from a questionable view point. Whatever our skin tone or Hue, it is usually covered or draped in all types of clothing and colours. Therefore, it’s important that we firstly see our colour and then decide what colours we place upon it.

The piece I’m introducing to you all is, The Metaphysics of Universal Truth – ‘Colour; To See or Not to See’ This modern Soliloquy uses a somewhat shakespearian-style to explore the issue of Colour in relation to skin colouration. To See or Not to See, was written in March 2014 and is very much an inner reflective piece. It places Colour within the context of perceptions, stereotypical views, societal prejudices and discriminative practices. It allows the reader/viewer to step back and question their own beliefs, values and perceptions of Colour, which is, whether one wishes to accept it or not, is an integral part of ones own identity. The issue of Colour is a political osmosis and very much a mainstream issue but remains a somewhat cloistered topic. Over the centuries, its perceptual position has transformed, lmetaphorasized, been dictated to, shunned, misrepresented and been politicalised within infrastructures often governed by hierarchy and power. To See or Not to See further explores society’s way of perpetuating and creating the illusion of Colour in relation to, ‘it doesn’t or shouldn’t matter’ or ‘equality really does exists’ and yet, social constraints prevail along with social rules.

Essentially, I hope,To See or Not to See, will allow the reader/viewer to look at the contradictory anomalies that exist within the Colour spectrum which relates not only to tanning, sun-bathing, skin lightening(bleaching) and the browning of body-builders, but also to look closely at so-called anti-discriminatory legislation, attitudes and practices within employment, the media and housing. At the same time, I ask the reader to give some thought to the issues of marginalisation and disenfranchisement within the global world where Colour has the propensity to radically create disharmony and beyond that, wars!

Ultimately, the question remains, ‘To See or Not to See’ Colour…..This is the question.