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"I don't see color" or "I treat everyone the same." We've all heard these well-meaning phrases. It’s also been the rallying cry of the current administration, who aims to create a “colorblind and merit-based” country.

While they sound ideal in theory, this "colorblind" approach misses something crucial about addressing racial inequity in our society. Let's explore why this perspective, though often well-intentioned, may actually hinder progress toward genuine equality.

Why It Doesn't Work

Consider this analogy: claiming not to see race is akin to ignoring a friend's broken leg. While treating everyone identically might seem fair, it doesn't address the specific challenges they face. Similarly, dismissing the reality of race doesn't eliminate the barriers many people encounter in their daily lives—from educational opportunities to job advancement to healthcare access.

Healthcare provides a clear example. A physician who claims to treat all patients identically might overlook important factors. Certain health conditions affect racial groups differently, and historical medical discrimination has created lasting disparities in healthcare access. For instance, research shows that Black Americans are more likely to develop heart disease at younger ages, and Latine Americans face higher rates of certain types of diabetes. These challenges require acknowledgment to be properly addressed.

How We Got Here

The colorblind ideology emerged during the Civil Rights Movement, notably through Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of judging people by character rather than color shared in the “I Have a Dream” speech. However, during the 1980s and 1990s, conservatives repurposed this concept to oppose race-conscious policies designed to address systemic inequalities. This transformed "colorblindness" from an aspirational goal into a barrier to meaningful change.

This shift had significant implications. Policies meant to address historical inequities, such as affirmative action and targeted educational support, faced increasing opposition under the guise of "treating everyone the same." The colorblind approach became a way to maintain existing disparities while appearing neutral and fair.

A Better Way Forward

Rather than ignoring race, we need to acknowledge its impact on lived experiences. This isn't about treating people differently—it's about understanding how race shapes opportunities and challenges in our society. Think of it as wearing glasses: we're not creating differences by seeing them clearly; we're simply acknowledging what's already there.

We should focus on:

• Recognizing how historical context influences present circumstances

• Identifying seemingly neutral policies that create disparate impacts

• Addressing systemic barriers directly through targeted solutions

• Embracing diversity rather than minimizing it

• Creating spaces for open dialogue about racial experiences

Moving Forward

We can't address what we refuse to see. Creating genuine equity requires honest dialogue about how race affects lives. While these conversations may be challenging, they're essential for building a more equitable society. Instead of claiming not to see color, we need to see and understand each other more clearly—differences, challenges, and all. This approach leads to meaningful solutions rather than surface-level equality that leaves fundamental problems unaddressed.

Active Allies is Enrolling

In the past two weeks, I’ve seen countless people standing with marginalized and targeted communities, even if they aren’t marginalized themselves.

They could step back and stay away from all that is happening right now. But they don’t.

Because they realize that the umbrella that keeps them dry is big enough to share with others.

I’ve seen an increased withdrawal of DEI programs and initiatives that foster and support allyship. So I’ve decided to reopen Active Allies enrollment again.

Because we need more people sharing their umbrellas, and they might not know how to begin.

Learn more about the Active Allies Program by clicking below.

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