In Alice Walker's "The Color Purple," a character reflects on the societal pressures faced by black individuals, particularly black women. She observes that rather than embracing their natural features, many in the black community seem to favor ideals influenced by magazines and media, which often promote lighter skin tones and Eurocentric beauty standards. This internalized racism leads to actions such as skin bleaching and altering one's hair to conform to these ideals.

The character's insights reveal a painful truth about self-perception within minority communities. They highlight the struggle for acceptance and admiration based on superficial qualities rather than genuine beauty. This commentary serves as a critique of how deeply ingrained insecurities can shape individual choices and societal views on beauty, underscoring the importance of embracing one's natural identity.