Color Blindness is the New Racism by Margalynne Armstrong and Stephanie Wildman
In their article, "Color Blindness is the New Racism," Armstrong and Wildman contend that the concept of "color blindness," often lauded as a progressive ideal, has in fact become a systematic mechanism for perpetuating racial inequality. They argue that by ignoring race, we ignore the ongoing realities of racism and its impact. This "new" racism works by denying the significance of racial difference, allowing existing racial hierarchies to continue. As Armstrong and Wildman state, "The assertion that 'I don't see color' is not a statement of evolved consciousness, but rather a profound denial of the lived experiences of people of color and an evasion of responsibility for addressing systemic inequalities." This denial, they suggest, prevents meaningful conversation and action towards racial justice. This connects to what we read in class last week.
Armstrong and Wildman emphasize that color blindness serves to maintain the status quo by subtly reinforcing white privilege. By claiming that race is not relevant, those who benefit from racial advantages can deny any role in or responsibility for racial disparities. The authors write, "Color blindness, in its contemporary manifestation, functions to maintain the comfort of those who hold power, by allowing them to believe that racism is a relic of the past, or solely an individual moral failing, rather than a pervasive structural issue." This perspective allows for the continuation of advantages by the dominant group without acknowledging the historical and ongoing disadvantages faced by marginalized groups. The refusal to "see" race, directly contributes to the invisibility of the mechanisms that sustain privilege. This reminded me of "Take a Stand" excersice we did in the first class. Just because someone isn't saying something outwardly, traditionally racist; does not mean that they are not displaying racism. It caused me stop and think about if I have ever taken a colorblind approach myself. Over the last few years, I think I have gotten better about standing up and having hard conversations when friends claim colorblindness.
I wanted to include this external link to the video from the "Why you Should Stop Saying All Lives Matter" article because I think it gives a great example of the reinforcement of white privilege. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtAAeyswlHM&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vox.com%2F2016%2F7%2F11%2F12136140%2Fblack-all-lives-matter&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY
The article makes sense of how color blindness, despite its seemingly "good" intent, actively undermines efforts to achieve racial equity. By thinking of racism as an individual prejudice rather than a systemic issue, color blindness diverts attention from the practices and policies that produce racial disparities. Armstrong and Wildman argue that "color blindness is a tool that allows for the perpetuation of racial hierarchy by disarming those who would challenge it." This made me reflect on how often I challenge it in my own daily life. The authors explains that the very act of not seeing race becomes a barrier to true equality. When this becomes a conversation (or lack thereof), if connects to the homework article from our second class. If we don't discuss it or continue to deny it, there will never be any change.
Connecting this to our previous discussion of privilege, Armstrong and Wildman's analysis of color blindness simply illustrates how privilege is maintained through "invisibility". The ability to be "color-blind" is itself a form of privilege, as it signifies a position where one does not have to see race because their own racial identity is not a source of systemic disadvantage. Armstrong and Wildman's work demonstrates that "color blindness allows those with privilege to remain oblivious to the ways in which their own lives are shaped and benefited by racialized structures." As we explored, this obliviousness, far from being innocent, actively reinforces the very systems of privilege that we have been examining so far this session.
I thoroughly enjoyed the comedy of the attached youtube video. It's absurd when they're talking about "all plates matter" but for some reason this is a difficult concept for society when it comes to POC lives.
ReplyDeleteStanding up to the hard conversations about colorblindness is done one conversation at a time. The more we talk about it, the more we can help change it.
ReplyDeleteSusanna, these articles also made me self-reflect into my own practice as a nurse. Its is so important self-reflect to better serve our students/families.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you phrased this, "privilege is maintained through "invisibility". The ability to be "color-blind" is itself a form of privilege". It's so true. I always thought I was color bling meaning I treat everyone the same but I realize now, how harmful that phrase is.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! Thanks for sharing and posting.
ReplyDeleteThat video works perfectly here. Appreciate how you pause to ask questions of yourself!
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