Scottish-Nigerian actress Carolyna Hutchings has opened up about the racism and discrimination she endured while growing up as a mixed-race child in Nigeria. In a recent interview with Arise TV, she shared how her fair complexion and hair texture made her a target for bullying in school and how, even as an adult, she faced prejudice in her professional career and social life.
Hutchings revealed that her childhood was marked by constant struggles due to her skin color. Being raised by her grandmother in Nigeria, she quickly realized that looking different from many of her peers made her an outsider. From primary school through secondary school, she was subjected to relentless bullying, which forced her to learn how to defend herself from an early age. The experience shaped her personality, making her resilient in the face of adversity.
The discrimination she faced, however, was not limited to her school years. Even in professional settings, she encountered racism that made it difficult for her to be fully accepted. Despite her academic qualifications and expertise, she often found that people judged her based on her looks rather than her intellectual capabilities. Hutchings holds an MBA and an MSA in international law, alongside multiple professional certifications from Lagos Business School and the University of Lagos. She has also earned a doctorate degree, solidifying her place as a highly educated woman. However, she found that her intelligence was often overlooked because of societal biases toward mixed-race individuals.
She explained that being an intelligent, beautiful mixed-race woman often invited unwarranted criticism. Many people seemed to assume that her achievements were solely due to her looks rather than her hard work and dedication. This perception made it challenging for her to gain the recognition she deserved. She spoke about how society often treats people with certain physical features differently, making it difficult for them to integrate fully into their environment.
In addition to racism, Hutchings also faced the stigma associated with being a divorcee. In a society where divorced women are often judged harshly, she had to deal with people’s negative opinions about her personal life. The social pressure and expectations placed on women, especially those who do not conform to traditional roles, made her journey even more challenging. However, she refused to let these stereotypes define her. Instead, she built a thick skin and learned to navigate life on her own terms.
Her story sheds light on an aspect of discrimination that is often overlooked in Nigeria. While conversations around racism typically focus on Nigerians facing prejudice abroad, Hutchings’ experience highlights that racism also exists within the country. Many mixed-race individuals struggle with acceptance, facing both subtle and overt forms of discrimination that affect their personal and professional lives.
Growing up, Hutchings recalled how she was often questioned about her identity. People would assume she was not truly Nigerian simply because of her skin tone. Even though she was raised in Nigeria and fully immersed in the culture, she was made to feel like an outsider. This experience is common among mixed-race individuals in many parts of the world, where they are sometimes seen as belonging to neither of the racial groups they are associated with.
The bullying she endured in school was particularly harsh. She described how classmates would tease her about her complexion, call her names, and even physically intimidate her. Teachers sometimes turned a blind eye, and in some cases, they reinforced these biases. She had to develop a strong personality and fight back to earn respect from her peers. Despite the pain it caused, she believes it made her tougher and prepared her for the challenges she would later face in her career.
Her professional journey has been equally challenging. As an actress, she faced situations where directors and producers would typecast her based on her appearance, assuming she could only play certain roles. Outside of the entertainment industry, she also found that people often underestimated her capabilities. She had to work twice as hard to prove herself, ensuring that her accomplishments spoke louder than any preconceived notions people had about her.
Even as she gained success, the scrutiny did not stop. She mentioned that in corporate and academic spaces, being both beautiful and highly intelligent was sometimes seen as a contradiction. She explained how people often assumed that she had everything easy simply because of her looks, without acknowledging the effort she had put into her education and career. It was frustrating, but she refused to let it define her.
In addition to racism, Hutchings also dealt with the pressure of being a divorced woman in a society that often stigmatizes single mothers. In many cultures, particularly in African societies, divorced women face a great deal of judgment, with people often blaming them for the failure of their marriage. She expressed how difficult it was to deal with societal expectations and the whispers of people who made assumptions about her personal life. However, she learned to rise above these prejudices, focusing on her own happiness and growth.
Despite all the obstacles she has faced, Hutchings remains resilient. She has built a strong career for herself and continues to advocate for inclusivity and equality. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, especially young girls who may be facing similar struggles. She hopes that by sharing her experiences, she can create awareness and encourage conversations about the need for acceptance and unity.
Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. She has turned her struggles into strength, proving that no amount of discrimination can hold back someone who is determined to achieve their goals. As more public figures like Hutchings share their experiences, it sparks an important conversation about the need for acceptance and equality in all aspects of society.
By breaking her silence, Hutchings is not only raising awareness but also paving the way for a more inclusive future. Her story is a reminder that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or appearance. Through her advocacy and continued success, she is showing that strength comes from embracing one’s identity, standing firm in the face of adversity, and refusing to let discrimination dictate one’s destiny.
She encourages young people facing similar challenges to remain focused and never allow external opinions to limit their potential. She believes that true success comes from within and that the key to overcoming discrimination is to prove one’s worth through hard work and determination.
Hutchings remains an influential figure in the entertainment industry and beyond. She continues to use her platform to speak out on important social issues, ensuring that the next generation has an easier path to self-acceptance and societal integration. Through her resilience and determination, she is proving that no obstacle is too great to overcome.
