Swaziland-born actress Tessa Twala has opened up about being labelled as a yellow bone. Tessa, who plays Gugu in Mzansi Magic’s drama ‘Ring Of Lies’, said that being viewed differently because she is a ‘yellow bone’ is as serious as racism or sexism in the acting world.
“I did (experience xenophobia), but I won’t lie, it was subtle because of the way that I look. I admit that it is because I am light skinned. I don’t know why it is that way, because I see it (xenophobia) and I experience it but I don’t think it’s as bad as it is for other people. It’s like, the lighter you are the better you are treated.” – the actress told TshisaLive in an interview.
The actress said that while she can’t change her complexion to avoid its privileges, she valued merit. Tessa described her career as a calling because she didn’t get formal training to act but she took classes and she learnt other things on the job.
“It was a decision I made so that I become better at what God has called me to do. That way I get my gigs on merit” – she added. The actress added that she had no tolerance for any kind of discrimination and wasn’t afraid to call people out.
Source: TshisaLive