Why "I Don't See Color" is Harmful and What You Should Do Instead
You may have heard the phrase, "I don't see color," used by people who think they're being inclusive or anti-racist. But as a person of color, let me tell you, it makes me cringe every time. Why? Because pretending our differences don't exist doesn't promote equality. It erases the unique experiences and struggles faced by people of color. In this blog post, I'll explain why "I don't see color" is harmful and suggest what you can do to champion diversity and inclusion.
Colorblindness ≠ Equality
When someone claims they don't see color, they're essentially saying they don't consider a person's race or ethnicity when interacting with them. While this might sound like a good approach, it's detrimental. Ignoring someone's race erases the struggles and experiences that shape their identity. Treating everyone the same doesn't address the underlying issues of systemic racism or its disproportionate impact on people of color. Instead, you need to recognize and embrace differences, all while striving for equality and justice.
Don't erase the experiences of marginalized communities
When someone chooses to ignore a person's race, they also overlook the systemic racism and discrimination they may have faced. People of color often endure discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, and exclusion from certain spaces. Ignoring their race is to dismiss their experiences and discount how an unjust system has shaped them. Instead, actively listen to their stories, acknowledge the discrimination they face, and work towards building a fair and equitable society.
The value of representation
Representation matters. By choosing not to acknowledge someone's race or ethnicity, you fail to recognize the importance of representation. People of color are underrepresented in many industries, such as media and entertainment. When you overlook someone's race, you disregard their need to see themselves reflected in the media they consume. To promote diversity, celebrate our differences, and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be represented.
Colorblindness: A privilege we must eliminate
Saying "I don't see color" implicitly normalizes whiteness as the standard and others as the "different" ones. This mindset is privileged and perpetuates systemic racism and discrimination. Embracing and celebrating diversity is the key to promoting equality and dismantling systems of privilege and oppression.
What you should do instead
Rather than claiming, "I don't see color," acknowledge and celebrate diversity. Educate yourself about different cultures and histories, listen to people's stories and experiences, and actively work towards creating a just and equitable society. Support and amplify the voices of people of color, promote representation across all industries and dismantle the systems perpetuating racism and discrimination.
Embrace diversity and work towards equality and justice by promoting representation and challenging systems of oppression. Together, we can create a society that genuinely values and includes everyone.