When we say we don’t see color

“When we say we don’t see color, what we are truly saying is, ‘I don’t want to see the things about you that are different because society has told me they are dangerous or undesirable.’ Ignoring difference does not change society; nor does it change the experiences non-normative bodies must navigate to survive. Rendering difference invisible validates the notion that there are parts of us that should be ignored, hidden, or minimized, leaving in place the unspoken idea that difference is the problem and not our approach to dealing with difference.” This brilliant observation is from The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor. I highly recommend it (especially as an audiobook — read by the author!). I grew up during the era when the best we knew to teach was “I don’t see color” or “We all bleed red.” It was definitely more evolved than overt white supremacy, but it always felt off to me. (So did those off-pitch encouragements that “Girls can do anything boys can do!” but that’s a discussion for another day). I am grateful to Sonya for her vision and her voice to give shape to this idea that dealing with difference and not erasing it should be our focus. I try to improve my own skill at dealing with difference primarily through reading and listening, and then trying and failing and trying again. ⁣

When we say we don’t see color, what we are truly saying is, ‘I don’t want to see the things about you that are different because society has told me they are dangerous or undesirable

Published by Emily P.G. Erickson

Emily P.G. Erickson is a freelance writer specializing in mental health and parenting. She has written for popular digital publications, including Everyday Health, Health, The New York Times, Parents, Romper, Verywell Mind, WIRED, and more. Emily is a professional member of the National Association of Science Writers (NASW), the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), and the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ). Previously, Emily researched PTSD for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and earned a master's in psychology. You can find the latest from Emily at www.emilypgerickson.com.

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