Why Raising Kids Not To See Color is Problematic

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It’s important that we raise children TO see color. Here’s why.

As a white woman, married to a Black man, raising biracial babies, I have admitedly used the line that I “don’t see color” a time or two. I said these words well intentioned, as a way to explain that I see us – as in ALL people – as one. My sweet husband never corrected me and at this point I’m thankful that I never said this to anyone other than him in the privacy of our own home. Once I finally got over my white privledge I came to him one night and broke down, so sorry for what I had said.

This happened quite some time ago and I’m not even sure exactly what it was that gave me my wakeup call, but now more than ever, we should all be educated on why raising kids not to see color is problematic.

Why Raising Kids Not To See Color is Problematic

Here’s the thing: saying that you do not see color is another way of avoiding the idea of racism and that it exists. We can’t have that happening. It’s good to see color! Why? Becausethis is a wonderful way to acknowledge people’s identity and show respect for them.

The whole “I don’t see color” mantra that people have said year after year or saying that you are colorblind is truly hurting diveristy.

But this can be a tricky one because in the minds of most people, racism is associated with negative, hatred, mean things. Right? This is where our white privlege rears it’s ugly head. Because we’re not physically hurting anyone and generally speaking, the thought is well intentioned, we think that we are saying the right thing whenever we aren’t.

By saying that we do not see color or are colorblind, we take away the struggle of the human beings who desperately need us to see their color. We need to start trying to walk in the shoes of the Black community and recognize things like their color, culture, and ethnicity.

This is where change starts.

If you are looking for resources for talking to young children about racism, here’s a great one I wrote for Mommy Nearest this week!