Be Color Brave

Argument: In both the video and the article by Margalynne Armstrong the idea of colorblindness is accurately defined as being a negative connotation. Through the lens of colorblindness, we as a society are hiding from the truths around us just like Anderson posed about privilege. Instead we should shift our mindset to the idea of being color brave or color insightful (Modified from color insight). Where race becomes the talking point rather than the elephant in the room. 

Talking Points:

“Colorblindness is the New Racism”

Armstrong names a quote at the beginning of her chapter that states, “A key aspect of this unacknowledged privilege is to avoid thinking of oneself as having a race is that whiteness operates as the normative foundation and reference for most discussions about race, race discrimination and denial of equality” (Armstrong, pg. 63). This quote is the foundation of a lot of what Armstrong argues. The idea of race in America is around being white. White is the reference point for conversations of race. What does this look like in other cultures? How does it differ? Is the conversation still about White Americans? How can society shift beyond this view? The act of being colorblind is continuing to turn the gears like Dr. Bogad said last week. Until society accepts the idea of color insight where we name the racial differences, and have uncomfortable conversations, the gears will just keep turning. 

A major portion of Armstrong’s article references colorblindness in education. When looking at the school that I work in and its demographics, it is a predominantly white urban school where every teacher is white and when I say every, I mean every. What perception to the community does that portray? 

There is a quote from the article that says, “If students do not grapple with issues of privilege while still in school, they may never acquire the insight or ability to recognize and combat racism and other subordination” (Armstrong, pg. 66). Upon reading this I thought how can I help students recognize and combat racism. Initially, I didn’t know the answer until I read on. The examples that Armstrong discusses including the 24 hour observation truly lends itself to recognizing racism. I wonder what my students might say? Is it best for students to explore this outside of school? What would happen if it was only observed during school hours rather than 24 hours? What would my colleagues say? What is their lens on color insight rather than colorblindness?

The article names many activities where students analyze their race in society and how they applied color insight to make meaning of what they see in their lives. I wondered what other ideas may be out. I asked ChatGPT what are some ideas for middle school students to apply color insight to their daily lives. My conversation is linked here. I found the 4th idea very interesting where students looked at the media they regularly view. I wonder how it would vary from student to student. Do they recognize anything about the race and representation of different individuals in the media? 

“Colorblind or Color Brave”

Mellody Hobson shares a similar take on the destructive nature of colorblindness and how it is truly perpetuating the circumstances rather than altering the outcomes. She pushes for a way of perception but through what she calls color brave. Like Armstrong she is arguing that we need to have difficult conversations about race. As she says in the video, “...make the uncomfortable, comfortable”. If we continue to be ‘blind’ to the realities then we will never become comfortable with what was once uncomfortable. It’s like something you try the first time. Your first attempt probably won’t be great, but that does not mean you stop there. The only way it gets better is if you keep putting effort into it and expanding your knowledge. The same can be applied to being color brave. The first conversation may not be perfect, but you took a step towards change. The more the matter gets pressed the more it continues to grow. I will reference Dr. Bogad’s idea that the glass has been tapped, but it needs to be being tapped until it cracks and others can see the truth to what the realities of the world are. 

While watching the TED talk video presented by Mellody Hobson, I had my tabs open and did research. I was curious to know what company Hobson works after she said that she was one of two black females running one of the thousand largest companies for which is Ariel Investment (she later names in the video). I have linked  here a video of their recent contributions to Women’s Sports. I was curious when watching, why wasn’t Mellody the one being interviewed? It seemed like it was her campaign.