I Don’t See Color
There is a common phrase spoken by many white people: “I don’t see color.” Similar color-blind phrases include:
“Everyone is the same on the inside.”
“People are people.”
To the white people listening:
Have you used any of these phrases? Why?
Does it help you convey that you care about racism?
Personally, I don’t remember saying this, but I do remember a time trying really, really hard to just see people as people, and NOT see them based on skin color. I’m guessing others have thought similarly. After all, the Civil Rights Movement and MLK’s dream was that one day people would “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” This meant that good whites, i.e. non-racist whites, needed to figure out how to not judge. Clearly, there is both allure and moral logic to color-blindness. So, phrases like “I don’t’ see color” have become common--even obligatory —for white people to prove that they aren’t racist.
But, color-blindness is an easy out for white people AND it actually perpetuates racism. I repeat: color-blindness perpetuates racism. Why? Because instead of being blind to race, color blindness makes people blind to racism. You can’t fix something you don’t see. And let’s be real: we literally DO see color. At 6 months, even babies can distinguish skin tone. So parents, please take note that raising colorblind children should NOT be the goal.
A colorblind approach is hurtful for many reasons:
First, it denies and minimizes the daily struggle and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. For Black people especially, it denies their painful history and ongoing injustice. Not seeing color means you don’t see people’s actual experiences.
It allows white people to ignore and sidestep the complexity of racial issues.
Our ability to appreciate individualism is diminished.
It excuses white people from actively dismantling our prejudices and the racist societal systems from which we benefit.
And by the way, most Black people hearing a colorblind statement will be immediately mistrustful of the person who makes it.
Perhaps some progressives are feeling good because you already knew that colorblind phrases like “I don’t see color” are a bit archaic. But consider whether you might be using other harmful tactics such as credentialing or flouting a racial resume to demonstrate you aren’t racist. Might you say things like?:
“My roommate in college was Black.”
“I have biracial family members or good Black friends.”
“I’ve read books on racism.” or “I heard Ibram Kendi interviewed. Wow!”
Robin DiAngelo asks us: when and why might we be sharing such information? Is it to let others know you’re not racist? Is there some part of you that is virtue-signaling?
Let’s not cause more harm by making perfunctory statements. And, the next time you hear colorblind comments, speak up. Let’s look systemic racism in the eyes and help dismantle it to create a more just society.