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By: Akon Angara
Racism without a doubt is a prevalent issue in our society, and because of that it is important to see more people learning and talking about it. Speaking on the issue helps contribute to the dismantlement of racism, and lead us towards a just and equal society for all people.
Having said that, many people have used the term “colorblind” when referring to racism. This means that they do not “see color”; claiming to see people for who they are, not their skin colour, and that they don’t discriminate. While this may sound like it is helpful, it really isn’t. In fact, it is the opposite. One thing you shouldn’t do is ignore race or racism in general.
It’s obvious that race plays a big part in our society. To completely ignore the implications that it has on the public is wrong. Racism comes in many forms, although others may be more blatant than others, they are all racist nonetheless. We must emphasise that all racism is racism, and should be treated as such.
Not only this, but it ignores the history of racism in itself. Centuries of oppression have resulted in unfair power balances between races, as well as prejudiced and corrupt systems that negatively affect POC. When we ignore race, we ignore how much of an impact it has had in the past, as well as now. The systems that have been put in place still exist. Systemic racism is only one of the many farms of racism that are prevalent.
In the same way, being colourblind to race would suggest that we ignore these racist encounters. When we ignore them, can we say that we have truly dismantled racism? Ignoring it will not change anything, nor can we progress towards an anti racist society without it.
Racism is no longer a topic that should not be discussed, it must be. Admitting the disparities between races and the overwhelming racism in our society today is the first step to getting rid of it. We must first acknowledge race. That is vital.
For example, the Black Lives Matter protests last year. As a black person, my skin colour being seen as a political issue was puzzling. Having people argue over whether my life matters hurt. I knew that I wasn’t able to be colourblind. I couldn’t afford to. My skin colour is one of, if not the first thing that is seen when I am looked at.
By claiming to be colourblind and to not see colour, you are simply denying your privilege. You deny your privilege to not SEE colour, to not have your race, your existence politicised, and most importantly you don’t see colour because you can afford to.
Not being racist will not abolish racism, we must continue to actively fight against racism. Not seeing colour will not contribute to this fight, and is counter intuitive.
It’s important to remember that we must continue the conversation about racism. Part of taking part in this conversation is first admitting the privilege that you have, as well as understanding what place you have in the conversation.
“In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist.”
- Angela Davis
SOURCES:
https://www.novanthealth.org/healthy-headlines/why-saying-you-re-colorblind-when-it-comes-to
-race-no-longer-doesn-t-quite-work
https://amp.theatlantic.com/amp/article/405037/
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/relationships-love/a32824297/color-blind-myth-racism/