African Americans: Is lighter complexion better than a darker complexion? (Pilar Nelson - Post #7)

It seems to me that some people believe that being a lighter complexion of an African American is better than being a darker complexion of an African American. Why, you ask? Because they get treated better by whites because they look more like they are white and have similar features, which make white people feel safe and more comfortable around them. They also get treated better by darker shade people too. I believe that regardless of your race, you should be proud and confident in whom you are. But when that confidence turn into thinking your better than other people and putting people who “do not have what you have” down, then it becomes wrong.
As a darker complexion of an African American, I find it very upsetting that some light shade African Americans can look down on darker shade African Americans and think they are better. Forgetting that African Americans like that died, suffered, were beaten and raped so that we can live the life we have. As an African American thinking that an individual is better because of their light skin or because they are bi-racial, you are saying that your own people are not good enough. Although, if it had not been for them, African Americans would not exist today.
I constantly hear this statement being made to African Americans of lighter complexions or people that are bi-racial, “Well, you have the best of both worlds.” Really? Sixty years ago, being of a mix race or lighter complexion was viewed as a bad thing. And if you were of mix race, it usually meant that your mother or one of your ancestors was raped. It was hard to fit in with whites, as well as blacks. So you were in some ways alone and people who could pass off as being just one race would, because it felt like they belonged. Being proud of who you are is great, as long as you are not putting someone down for being who they are in the process. (I apologize if I offended anybody, this is just my opinion. I have no problem with any other ethnicity or bi-racial people. I just have a problem with ignorant people and statemnts. Thanks for reading my post.)