I used to think that being “colorblind” was a good thing—a way to say that I don’t judge people by the color of their skin. The intention behind the phrase is positive: to treat everyone equally. But someone shared an insight with me that made me rethink it.
For many minorities, especially Black individuals, the problem isn’t that they want people to be blind to their existence—it’s that they want to be seen, acknowledged, and treated with the same respect and opportunities as everyone else. The goal isn’t to erase differences but to recognize them and ensure that equality is real, not just an idea.
It can be tricky navigating language, especially when we’re not always exposed to the nuances of these conversations. But I think the key is curiosity, understanding, and empathy. Instead of fearing saying the wrong thing, we can learn. And instead of shutting people out for not knowing the right words, we can educate.
The world often feels divided, but at the end of the day, we are one human race. The more we listen and seek to understand, the stronger we become—together.
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