A Natural Family

There is a movement taking place in the United States these days. One that says that race does not exist. We have proven that races are not biologically different. That race is literally skin deep. So, they ask, why do we continue talking about race as if it were reality? Why do we continue to engage this false and damaging concept? Why don't we instead talk about classism, gender inequalities, or prejudices against the GLBT community? If we start living the color-blind reality--one that sees no color--racism will cease to exist.

While I appreciate the (finally) scientific proof of what we should have known long ago, I think that this notion of 'color-blindness' is quite damaging. First, I think only Whites have the optio of being color-blind. I think you will be hard-pressed to find an African-American, Latino, Native American Indian, or Chinese person who will tell you that they do not 'see color.' Rather, most likely, they will tell you that people first see color in them. that prior to noticing if they are tall or short, fat or thin, well or poorly dressed, people notice that they are African-American. Second, I think that color-blindness serves to perpetuate White supremacy in our culture. It allows us to blame the victims of our wrongs--those we colonized, enslaved, and denied access to what we consider our basic human rights. Because we have chosen to see no color, we are then able to say that those people could achieve the same things we've achieved if they would only try harder, work harder, apply themselves. We are able to over look centuries of oppression wherein we denied education, justice, and financial resources. We assume a level playing field where one does not exist.

Does this mean that I think that classism, homophobia, and sexism do not exist? Absolutely not. I think those issues deserve just as much thought, talk, and ACTION as racism. However, I think it is way too easy for us White people to make excuses and blame people of color for problems that did not begin with them. I think it is time for us to feel uncomfortable enough to make some changes. If your school is not integrated, you need to be asking some questions. If your church is not integrated (and I don't just mean one 'token' person of color), you need to ask some questions. If your circle of friends is not integrated, you need to ask some major questions. The same goes for your community, the professionals in your life (doctors, dentists, therapists), and your workplace.

Don't stop with questions. Follow that up with action--changes. Make friends outside of your racial 'comfort zone.' Address underlying prejudices in your church body that make this so. Ask your employer about hiring practices. Take the time to search out African American doctors and Mexican American dentists. Do it because it is the right thing to do. Right for you, your church, community, and your children.

If my little tirade did not sell you, if you still think that color-blind is really the way to go... that there is really no racism left in the U.S.-- check out my fellow adoptive parent's blog about what recently happened to her in the grocery store.

Shout out to my friend Marcie-- :) And, Karen... that guest blogger invitation is still open!!