If you ‘don’t see colour’, then you don’t see me

As a Black woman, I’ve heard those four uncomfortable words many times… ‘I don’t see colour’.?

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Now, in my experience, they are usually said with a seemingly well-intentioned sentiment. But what people often don’t understand is that this statement has an inherently harmful and damaging effect. Therefore, rather than immediately critiquing others for inadvertent mistakes, let's strive to understand, and support one another, enabling the opportunity for personal growth and learning.

Because the notion of ‘colour-blindness’, in this context, erases our experiences and denies the cultural significance and struggles of people of colour. Disregarding the existence of anti-blackness and choosing to ignore a part of me, solely for the sake of comfort, rather than confronting the reality of racism, is not acceptable.

When people claim that they ‘don’t see colour’, they are inadvertently perpetuating and upholding a system of privilege and oppression. Essentially, they are brushing aside the significant impact of historical injustices, systemic racism, and cultural distinctions on the experience of people of colour. This kind of flippant claim can dismiss or undermine many people’s struggles.??

By pushing racial identities to the side, we're missing out on really important conversations about the ongoing challenges that are faced by marginalised communities to this day.? When I talk about my life as a Black woman, it’s not just about the colour of my skin. It’s more than this, it's about my cultural history. Our rich culture is so important to us, and it should be celebrated, not ignored, overlooked, or denied its existence.?

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Now instead of casually using phrases like this and accepting them without question, we must do more as individuals to probe beneath the surface. Of course, none of us are perfect. So learning and evolving are integral aspects of our human journeys. For us all, our individual development plays a pivotal role in societal progress.?

So, the question is, am I offended when confronted with such statements??

While perspectives might vary, I personally find it depends greatly on the context and subsequent actions. If a comment of this nature is made, and followed by a genuine willingness to listen, understand, and learn, then no I’m not offended. However, if someone chooses not to listen, disregards factual information, and exploits the situation to challenge my identity and experiences as a Black woman, that's when I have a real issue.?

And does the latter ever really happen? Unfortunately, yes.?

A while back, a member of the 'I don't see colour’ camp who i was (un)lucky enough to encounter,? engaged in a heated discussion with me. They adamantly argued that my feelings and viewpoints were misguided in this situation after i had explained my rationale. To substantiate their position on this, they quoted the famous "I have a dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr., specifically highlighting the line, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character."

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Firstly,? to receive an unsolicited ‘lesson about being Black’ from a white man, was let’s just say, an ‘experience’ (and that’s putting it very nicely). Nevertheless, I was more than happy to explain to him the true context of Dr King's words and return the educational favour.?

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My point to this individual was, yes, Dr King's speech was indeed aspirational. He envisioned a future where race would not determine a person’s opportunities and treatment. But his dream was not about pretending that race doesn't matter, erasing it, or that everyone should be ‘colour-blind’. He did not imply that his children's colour should be ignored, unseen, or unconsidered. His words were about advocating for a society that values people based on their character and abilities, rather than making judgments based on their race.

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And this same argument, relating to this one line in his speech, happens often. By misusing Dr King’s words, people unintentionally perpetuate a harmful narrative that dismisses the significance of racial identities, and the systemic racism that continues to affect marginalised communities. It can lead to a false sense of societal progress, whilst failing to address the underlying issues of racial inequality and discrimination.

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It is frustrating, but unfortunately, the very people who use this kind of argument often conflate ‘colour-conscious’ actions aimed at achieving racial equity, with racial discrimination rooted in white supremacy. It is so important for us all to remember that Dr King's dream was about creating a just and equitable society. His speech should inspire us to move beyond passivity, and into action. His words, spoken in 1963, remain just as relevant today.

But, it's worth noting that I’m not implying people of colour should assume the role of educators for everyone. Not only would this be exhausting, but in my opinion it just perpetuates a cycle of laziness for others. Whilst in this previously mentioned situation this was my chosen approach, it's important to respect that others may differ.?

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So the goal here is not to criticise those who may have made this misguided statement in the past or to make anyone feel guilty about their previous mistakes. Instead, the focus is on fostering education and personal growth. In a world where people are encouraged to learn and evolve, we allow society to progress forward.

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Encouraging a culture of learning and empathy is crucial, prompting people to reflect on their views and beliefs and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate world. To achieve this, it is essential that we educate ourselves and each other about the experiences of people from a diverse range of racial backgrounds, and, actively listen to their stories. This endeavour isn't about seeking sympathy but cultivating empathy and genuine understanding. This connection on a human level allows us to appreciate shared emotions and experiences, uniting us as fellow human beings. With sincere empathy, we can overcome barriers and work collaboratively towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.