How Do I Talk to Kids About Race?
You Should Be Talking to Kids About Race Earlier Than You Think — Here's How You Navigate the Discussion
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The short answer: no, it's never OK. Although parents hearts may be in the right place when they say they "don't see colour," unless they're actually colour blind, it's not a healthy way to approach the topic of race.
"The idea of colourblindness in our country may have good intentions, that colour shouldn't matter," said Sachi. "While I absolutely agree that it doesn't define who we are, we know that most people literally aren't colourblind. We see colour, and by ignoring it, we're really missing out on an opportunity to be able to talk about race. So if we're 'colourblind,' we're saying colour doesn't matter."
Shawnese agrees, explaining that although it may be unintentional, using this type of language might minimize the black experience. "If you are a seeing person than you see colour," she said matter-of-factly. "I understand the intention though which is to say that I see people as equals and that's a lovely sentiment; however, we live in a society where we're not treated equally and not given fair terms of life. So saying that you are colour blind is actually a way of diminishing the fact that that's a reality that they are not given fair terms in life. It's hurtful."