I understand what you're getting at. Lighter is very often portrayed as being pure and good, which is why many "good" and/or "pure" character are given lighter features like pale skin, light brown/blonde/white hair, and light eye colors. Their choice of clothing usually carries lighter colors...
Not really. Dark Link was a shadowy figure. He didn't really have a skin color- he was just a shadow of Link.
Anyway, I'm just gonna go ahead and be blunt about the way I'm seeing these things. The media is throwing these dramatic changes in icons' appearances because it sparks controversy and...