Colorblindness is the New Racism

 Colorblindness is the New Racism 

Talking Points:

1. Armstrong and Wildmen state “Color insight requires recognition of the myth of perspectivelessness and unmasking white normative” (pg. 6). This stood out to me because to understand racism, we need to understand that not all perspectives are neutral and that white perspectives can be seen as the norm. It is important to note that just because something has been made the “norm” does not mean it has to be the norm. White perspectives can often be set as the standard. This can make other perspectives be seen as wrong or different which Armstrong and Wildmen try to get the audience to understand. Discrimination continues due to the fact of privilege dynamic and that needs to be recognized. 

2. “We advocate for the application of color insight rather than colorblindness as an approach to thinking about race” (pg.8). Colorblindness can promote inequality thus avoiding seeing race as an issue. Color insight counters colorblindness by recognizing race can impact everyday experiences. Armstrong and Wildmen state that color insight should be incorporated into the classroom by utilizing techniques like racial observation exercises. These exercises can help race be seen in everyday scenarios rather than ignored. 

3. “ In educational settings, faculty and students of color often carry the major responsibility for highlighting issues of racial justice.They should not shoulder the institutional work of either caring about race or the onus of educating their White colleagues” (pg.66). It should not be expected that faculty and students of color are the only ones to address inequalities. White students and faculty should be able to address it as well so it is a shared responsibility. Not sharing the responsibility can allow some people to escape accountability. These conversations may feel uncomfortable for some, but that does not mean they should not be talked about. 

Argument Statement:

Colorblindness is the New Racism argues that unacknowledged white privilege is embedded in our society. Those who benefit from privilege may avoid responsibility which in turn places burden onto others. Privilege can be built into laws, policies, and norms which can blind people from seeing it, thus making them avoid accountability. 

Connections/Reflections:

I can connect this to my work as a school nurse by acknowledging that privilege can affect health outcomes. Not having access to healthcare, medications, doctors, and or nutrition can pose a serious risk on health. In my clinic I can assist my students' families with finding a primary care doctor if they need one. I can also provide them with other resources if a primary care doctor is not feasible. I always allow my students to have access to food in my clinic for those students that may have food insecurities. I let them take whatever they would like and as many as they would like. Attendance is also something else I am involved with and I often find myself explaining to others that a student may be out frequently for many reasons. Attendance can go the other way as well in the aspect that students truly love coming to school and do not like going home. I have some students who will come to school very sick and ask not to be sent home. That can show the privilege others have. They enjoy going home because they know it is a safe place while others do not have that sense of security. I did enjoy reading about the power line exercise on page 71. I think it is very important to identify privilege and subordination, talking about above the line vs. below the line. Having students discuss how often they talk about/acknowledge privileged attributes. I very much enjoyed the ted talk color blind or color brave. We need to acknowledge race and disparities. We need to have those uncomfortable conversations so that inequality does not continue to exist.