Why is lighter skin accepted more than dark skin?

[de3ik]

I think people were taught that darker skin had a more negative connotation to it than lighter skin. A lot of negativity went on in the past with slavery in America with one culture esteemed and the other put down. I think certain things from that mindset and certain stereotypes can play into people's thoughts.

Me personally I have nothing against dark or light skin. I always try to look at the character of the person rather than base thoughts on their skin tone. I am in agreement with  tzs that said there should be no desirable skin color.