We often say “well, I don’t see color” when we discuss race, ethnicity, gender, etc. I know the intent is the desire to show that we consider all people equal, and I understand that. In a recent conversation with my wife, however, it occurred to me that I would prefer to say that “I do see color.” Now, before you start thinking I am an evil person, please, hear me out.
First, let me be clear that I don’t do this (or anything) perfectly. I struggle with prejudices just like everyone. (Yes. Everyone. If you believe you have no prejudices, denial ain’t a river in Egypt.) We all struggle to understand the unfamiliar. That is okay. That is a challenge of being human.
So, what do I mean when I say, “I see color”? I mean just that. I see you for who you are. I don’t like the labels of color—black, brown, yellow, red, white, etc. For one thing, not one of us are any of these colors. The colors of the human race run a broad spectrum of pigmentation. So, to label someone black or white or… is erroneous. So, true, I don’t see color as a label. (I honestly, have a difficult time describing someone on the basis of one’s skin color.) But color—more, specifically, race/ethinicity is a part of who we are. Why should it not be celebrated?
When I say “I see color”, I mean that I see the person as an individual and welcome the unique experiences and understanding that they bring to the table. In saying this, my intent is to express the value I find in others being different than me. Vive la difference.
We should embrace our differences. What child only wants one Crayon?
When we see our neighbor, we should feel uninhibited by his or her color, race, ethnicity, gender, body type, education, socioeconomic status,…. To deny them this is to disrespect them as an individual.
When we “see color”, however, it is necessary that we don’t see a label. It is crucial that we don’t make assumptions. We must see our neighbor as equal but different. (Please, do not read this as “separate but equal”. I find this phrase repulsive!) Humankind is not painted with broad strokes. We are much more like the impressionist painting of Monet and others—with each stroke making its own unique contribution to the whole.
I have a lot to learn from people who experience the world from a different perspective than me. I am also of the belief that just because someone looks a particular way that he or she does not share the same experience and worldview of someone/everyone who looks similar to them. So, yes, I see color, race, ethnicity, gender, etc. as something special—something to share.
Carpe momento!
Image: Blue Man Group (http://ghk.h-cdn.co/assets/15/46/1600×800/landscape-1447174925-blue-man-group-2-1.jpg)