Anti-Racism: “Colorblindness” & It’s Effects
You may have heard (white) people say that they “don’t see color” in an effort to show their support to POC. While you may think that you’re spreading the right message and I’m sure this comes from a good place, studies show this is no longer a helpful way of thinking. And I want to help breakdown why because when I speak to my friends about how to parent antiracism one of the most frequent things I hear is “my kids don't even see race. Why should I bring it to their attention?”
The message of “colorblindness” implies that race does not matter, when in fact it affects people on a daily basis. Source. Instead of being “blind”, we should see things the way that they are even if it makes us feel uncomfortable. Helping our children identify race and racism helps us speak to the issues that affect POC. In the USA we are lucky to live in a multicultural country, however, we do not always observe this way of living. Some steps we can take towards living in a harmoniously diverse country would be recognizing different cultures, teaching and learning about differences, and cultivating relationships with people from all walks of life. Instead of not seeing race we have an opportunity to see it, explore it, and celebrate it.
When it comes to our kids, it is especially important that we discuss race rather than raise them not to recognize it at all. Studies have shown that children respond to racial differences as early as 3 months old. If we are not openly discussing the topic of race, kids can grow up with prejudiced ideas that lead to promoting racial inequality. Colorblindness is a privileged way of looking at things not having to identify the differences and simply dismissing them.
Okay, now the action. You must have known this was coming! If you haven’t had a chance to read my previous anti-racism blog on active listening, you may not know about my latest collaboration with Ripple Reads! Reading books with a diverse array of skin colors is a great way to begin discussing the topic of race. I also love this children’s book called “The Colors of Us” by Karen Katz. When you shop using this link, 1% of net proceeds from your purchase will help children in high-needs communities through the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation!
How do we raise children with no racial biases who embrace others with love & kindness? We allow full representation of skin colors into their lives. Not having crayons that represent a child's true skin color can make them feel invisible. When a child honors their own skin color and the skin colors around them, they develop confidence and empathy for the world. All of Us Crayons does exactly that! Their crayons are made from beeswax, carnauba wax, and natural earth pigments. No paraffin, no fillers. These are just a few actions you can take to help encourage your children to explore and celebrate race vs ignore it.