In this excerpt, from the novel “Clashing Views in Race and Ethnicity,” two views are stated on the concept of a “color-blind” society. The person in support of a society as such, was a black man, with a mixed-racial background. He viewed these racial categorizations present today, on the same continuum used during Jim Crow and slavery. Overall, he cringed at the thought of division due to race from other groups of people. I believe his take was a form of ignorance. A colorblind society to him, a black man, is to not label him by his race.
A colorblind society to hite people, specifically those that are racist, is to ignore the existence of race that they have fabricated, and racist acts that they have committed against minority groups. A colorblind society cannot work in this day and age, because race is a construct deeply imbedded in the fabric of America. It is better to acknowledge its existence and respect the differences that exist as a result of it, rather than ignore the different struggles and upbringings, various minority groups face.
I disagree with the belief that there should be a colorblind society due to the act that, racist whites currently attempt to implement this kind of society, but as a result they negate the different struggles of minority groups they have harmed. A colorblind society is used by white people as a way to disregard race, when it is inconvenient to white people. This particularly occurs when, they are forced to acknowledge their racist acts and backings. No racist white person likes to be called racist, because of the negative connotation that comes with it in society.
As long as they can be racist, and not be labeled as such, their discriminatory and hateful thoughts, actions, and opinions are ine by them. When race attempts to aid minorities, in instances where government assistance can be provided, like with affirmative action, white people view it as “racist” toward them; since they do not get the same treatment. Many white people fail to realize that this nation was manufactured for them, on the labor and bodies of minorities.
With the slave work of Africans, to the dangerous work in mines and on railroads by Asians, to the genocide of the Native Americans, this country was established for the benefit of white people, on the labor of those they hate the most. Still, white privilege is rampant and revalent in so many areas of this country, from governmental to economical fields. Living in a colorblind society, where all the history of race relations in this country are magically disregarded, continues the perpetuation of white privilege, which in the end, only benefits white people.
Now, with the black man that supported a colorblind society, he saw these racial divisions as harmful to minorities and progress in America. Though, I understand where he is coming from with his ideology, it is not the right way to go about eliminating racial issues and divisions in America. A problem does not go away because people do not speak on it or acknowledge it. Problems go away when we tackle them head on, and address all aspects of the issue, from both points of views.
Racial division continues in America because, as minority groups cry out and protest for equality, white people let their voices fall on deaf ears. They stand firm in their hateful doctrine and generations of upbringing. As the world changes, theses racist stay stagnant while progress occurs around them. As we have seen with this past election, in 2016, when minorities progress too much in this ountry, there will as a result be a “white-lash,” as a last attempt to keep racist, xenophobic views present at the highest levels of this country.
This black man that agreed with the views of a colorblind world, primarily based his backing on his mixed-racial background. Overall, race is a physical construct. If you look Black, Asian, Native American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, and so on, that is what you are categorized as. How mixed your racial background is, is irrelevant, sadly. It does disregard the ancestral background of people, and their ethnicity and culture. Though, nothing is said that these people cannot take part and cherish where they come from, but overall, the world will only see one thing.
It is much harder for people of mixed heritage that look like neither one definite race, nor the other. They must constantly fight the stigmas of the world to be included where they wish to be. In the end, for those of mixed heritage, a deeper understanding of self and identity must come from within. They cannot seek to be identified and categorized by a world that will not do them any justice. Race is a social construct. It dates back to the time of Carl Linneaus, and his taxonomical classifications of animals, plants, and other organisms present on earth.
Being that he is a European male, in a time where whites felt as though they were superior to all things, the classifications he made for his race, are much more glamorized and admiring, than those of all other races. The negative connotation minority races, specifically Blacks obtained, stems from the negative taxonomical descriptions they were given. It is surprising how, a scientist can be identified as the originator of race and racial divide, when it is scientifically roven that all races have more similarities between each other than differences.
As cliche as the saying may be, it stands true that, “We are all one race, the human race. ” It is a powerful saying when used in the correct context. Just like with a colorblind society, some white people may take this phrase, and use it as a way to quiet minorities when they speak on the struggles of their race. In truth, this phrase should be used as a belief, rather than a quote. It is a belief that all people should stand by. And if they truly believe the truth in it, they will stand y all groups of people, from all races, as they seek to dismantle racism in America and the world.
If we are all the human race, then we should all see each other as equal, and do what needs to be done, to make that a reality. Overall, a colorblind society will not help in the progression of race relations in America. It will only help further bury the hate still very much prevalent today. So many people that choose to stay ignorant about race relations in this country, were astonished about how much hate truly still exist, especially after the election; while many minorities were not.
Since the white race established race and racism, they are the ones that hold the power to truly end it. It starts with them addressing the racists around them and enlightening them about the reality of their hate. It does not benefit minorities to ignore the struggles they have gone through and still do, due to race. An issue cannot be solved, if no one takes the time to address its many facets. Racial divide exists in America and around the world, and will continue to, until the people that manufactured its existence decide to work alongside minorities to fix the issues they have caused.
