The colonization of Africa was a harrowing time for the continent’s natives as most of the landscape was divided among European countries such as Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and England.
The trans-Atlantic slave trade was even more horrific as over 12 million Africans were taken against their will and shipped to the Americas as cargo during a span of about 400 years. Most of the Africans that were sold into slavery came from Central and West Africa. For people of African descent throughout the diaspora, this was the origin of racism and colorism as we have come to know it, today. The residue from centuries of unfairness still rings true for many Africans. So, the country of Nigeria has come up with a unique way to level the playing field. Starting in October, Nigeria will enact a law that prohibits White actors, models, and voice-over artists from working in their country. The new rule also applies to any non-Nigerian actor/model that resides in the country. The act itself is controversial because the government is singling out foreigners based on race, country of origin, and skin color; which has caused a series of heated debates online about the fairness of Nigeria’s approach to patriotism. According to reports, the purpose of the new law is to promote homegrown indigenous talent in Nigeria.
