No, I Am Not Color Blind

My View

A parent in our school district recently expressed concern about a school program that involved children learning about race and skin color. The program explored questions children often have about differences they observe in others, including skin color.

Our district in the suburbs of Boston encourages developmentally appropriate educational opportunities for students and staff to discuss and learn about issues of race, culture and bias. We understand these conversations can be uncomfortable — probably more so for adults than children, who are instinctively curious.

The concerned parent, who is white, said he was upset with the school talking about skin color and race. He said he is “color blind” to differences and treats all people the same. He worried talking about race could exacerbate racial tensions and wants his own children to be color blind. I explained that failure to address questions of race leaves children feeling confused and as if they have done something wrong. They learn quickly to associate something negative about skin color when a caring adult shuts down a conversation.

Frustrated, the parent asked, “Aren’t you color blind?” I paused and answered, “No.” I said I was not color blind. In fact, I see differences in people, including skin color and race. For me to act as if our students of color all have similar experiences, opportunities and the privileges I enjoy as a white man dismisses the realities of their lives. If we ignore every person’s unique gifts, including their heritage or race, we lose a chance to learn, build understanding and create meaning among different people.