How Do I Talk to Kids About Race?
You Should Be Talking to Kids About Race Earlier Than You Think — Here's How to Navigate the Discussion
Is it ever OK to urge children to be "color blind" within the context of race?
The short answer: no, it's never OK. Although parents' hearts may be in the right place when they say they "don't see color," unless they're actually color blind, it's not a healthy way to approach the topic of race.
"The idea of colorblindness in our country may have good intentions, that color shouldn't matter," Sachi said. "While I absolutely agree that it doesn't define who we are, we know that most people literally aren't colorblind. We see color, and by ignoring it, we're really missing out on an opportunity to be able to talk about race. So if we're 'colorblind,' we're saying color doesn't matter."
Shawnese agrees, explaining that although it may be unintentional, using this type of language might minimize the black experience. "If you are a seeing person, then you see color," she said matter-of-factly. "I understand the intention, though, which is to say that I see people as equals, and that's a lovely sentiment; however, we live in a society where we're not treated equally and not given fair terms of life. So saying that you are color blind is actually a way of diminishing the fact that that's a reality that they are not given fair terms in life. It's hurtful."
