A popular song a few years ago asked the question: “Why can’t we all be colorblind?” At first glance, that seems like a very good question. It would seem to be reasonable and sensible that, if we were all colorblind, the problem of racial discrimination and prejudice could be eliminated. It all sounds so simple.
But is colorblindness toward the races what we really need? After due consideration, the answer seems more appropriately to be, “No!” Colorblindness would rob a person of their cultural identity. That is not something people should be forced to deny, no matter what color, for the sake of “racial reconciliation.” While some may not be proud of their heritage, most people are—and rightly so.
John Cheng, a historian and assistant professor at George Mason University, says on the Public Broadcasting System Web site, “I hope we’re never ready for a ‘colorblind’ society. I don’t like the expression because it sets the wrong terms for discussion when it comes to issues of race, equality, and social justice. To me, ‘blind’ means not being able to see things, and wanting to be ‘blind’ to color or race seems to mean wanting to ignore race or pretend its social and historical effects don’t exist . . . These various shades of ‘color’ must all be kept in perspective, none at the expense of the other, if we want to address seriously the question of how to be an equitable society today. There may not be a solution, but if there is one, it will almost certainly be difficult, and it will require effort, awareness, and responsibility. We can not afford to be ‘colorblind.’ We need to develop our ability to see ‘color’ for what is, has been, and will be, so we’re prepared to deal with its consequences” (http://www.pbs.org/race).
What can be done to promote more harmonious relationships among all races?
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