“I’m Color blind…”

Wait…

What?

What do you mean by that?

In conversations with many people about race, I’ve heard the phrase “I’m Color Blind” by many sincere brethren and white people in general.

There are good intentions behind it. But I’m learning how it’s not necessary to say I’m color blind.

First: I think everyone sees color. I just don’t know how one doesn’t.

Second: While it may be said to get across that one may not have a problem with people of different races and that everyone is equal, to me at least it makes the conversation awkward.

What do I say?

How do I respond?

Finally: I’m coming to the realization of just how damaging it can actually be for a black person to hear this. The issues in this country for centuries has been based upon color. To say you don’t see color can make one feel like you’re trying to erase the past. Their families past and all they endured because of the color of their skin. This was described in a podcast I recently listened to, which was really an eye opener for me even as a black man.

If you’re interested in this podcast, let me know. I see color. I think everyone does. That’s good. The challenge comes in when things are done or assumed because of the color of someone’s skin. People often say, “I don’t see color.”

My response is, how can you not see color?” It’s okay to see color. God made us with a lot of variety.