The Color Initiative is a series of reports that examine complex global issues of politics, culture, history and society through the framework of human perceptions and experiences related to color. Correspondent Phillip Martin is executive producer for Lifted Veils Productions, a Boston-based non-profit radio journalism organization dedicated to exploring issues that divide (and unite) society. The project is made possible by a grant from the Ford Foundation and additional funding from the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities and the Funding Exchange.
Skin whitening in Asia
March 11th, 2009 Skin whitening is a growing industry in China, Japan, and India. For many Asians whitening is part of a long tradition, but these days it's also the result of the powerful influence of white western culture.
March 12th, 2009
However not everyone in Asia wants whiter skins, Phillip Martin tells how many middle class Asians are now moving away from creating white complexions and going for a Western-style tan.
Africans and African Americans
December 2nd, 2008 Phillip Martin reports on how the election of Barack Obama might help bring together two groups that haven't always had a good relationship: African Americans and African immigrants.
Racial attitudes in Puerto Rico
August 20th, 2008 Puerto Rico is proud of its reputation as a racially diverse island. But a new report challenges the notion of racial harmony in Puerto Rico. Phillip Martin has the latest in his series of reports on color around the globe.
What's in an ethnic name?
July 14th, 2008
Is it Hispanic? Latino? Chicano? Or is it "brown?" Reporter Philip Martin explores how Mexican-Americans see themselves today.
Immigration and skin color
April 14th, 2008
In this story Phillip Martin reports on how recent immigrants to the United States feel about American notions of race and skin color.
Color and the US view of Iraq
March 21st, 2008
Philip Martin explores whether prejudice and racial stereotypes influence how Americans view Iraqis. Listen
Malaysia's ethnic Indians protest
March 7th, 2008 Ethnic Indians in Malaysia have long supported that country's ruling party. But not this time around. Before Malaysia's elections, ethnic Indians were taking to the streets to protest discrimination. Listen
Race, immigration, and the presidential election
January 21th, 2008
Race and immigration are two major issues in the current presidential campaign. They're also old standbys in American politics. Listen
Race in American movies
December 19th, 2007 Phillip Martin went to Taiwan, where most people form an image of America based on how the United States is portrayed in Hollywood films. Martin watched the recent film "Crash" with a group of young Taiwanese and then asked them to describe what the film says about race relations in the US. Listen
Race as a marketing tool
November 8th, 2007 Benetton adPhillip Martin reports on how a European clothes company has fared championing racial diversity through its marketing campaign. Benetton's goal has always been to sell casual clothing. But it's used skin color to build its global brand. Listen
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