I Don't See Color Versus I Love Diversity

[EthiopianPrince]

There seems to be two approaches that non-racists (non-sexists, etc.) take to differences between people in the world.

One approach is to say "I don't see color" (or ethnicity, or gender, or sexual preference, etc.). They live in a colorblind world and treat people as individuals, not as part of a group.

The other approach is to say "I DO see color" (or ethnicity, etc.), "but I DON'T discriminate." They live in a world where they strive to celebrate people's differences.

I tried to describe both approaches fairly, without revealing what my bias might be. What's your approach ... and am I missing something?

 

[WriterDom]

I believe I've lived many lifetimes as different races and genders. Ideally, I guess I should be colorblind, and at a very deep level I think I am. But I think part of richness of being human is celebrating cultural differences while knowing that every individual is different and has his own gifts to bring.

So, I would put myself in the middle of your two approaches if that's allowed.

Good question, though, EP

 

[morninggirl5]

At the most basic level, I don't believe I see color. People are people, children are children and I treat them accordingly.

At the same time, I am constantly reminded of color and the importance of celebrating the differences in our various cultures.

Perhaps the best judge of our "color-blindness" isn't how we perceive our actions, but rather how they are perceived by others. We all have biases and we choose how to deal with those biases. We can examine and own them so that we are in charge or we can ignore them and they will be in charge.


I may come back to this later. My thoughts aren't completely coherent and I'm sure there's something I'm missing.

 

[Guest]

I see many things.
If I discriminate it is not intentional.

I'd much rather celebrate diversity in individuals than diversity in groups but I see it as one giant onion. I see many things as a giant onion. The onion lends itself well to visual metaphor.

 

[MunchinMark]

I try to treat all individuals as individuals regardless of anything else.

But I am fascinated by the differences of culture and race.

I grew up in an area that was really very monocultural, so when I moved away I found people of all sorts of hues and ways of life. I have tried to learn about them and from them.

To be honest, I hope that I never lose that fascination.

 

[Guest]

Initially, I see physical features. I may notice skin color, race, sex, height, or nail polish color. My sense of sight predominates any thoughts, initially. Do any of these matter when I interact with the person? No.
Eventually, through conversation and interaction, issues such as culture, history, ethnic background become part of the relationship. As I learn of the whole person, all can encompass my thoughts. Hopefully.

 

[Shy Tall Guy]

When I am making decisions about people I try to be as blind as possible about any differences they may have beyond what should directly affect my decision (such as whether they are capable of doing a job or not). This goes for non-visible diffs, such as political views, etc.

But it is impossible to not see differences in people and not to form impressions of them, I just try real hard not to make assumptions because I believe it takes a long time to really get to know someone, and not to let any impressions affect most of my decisions.

People are different, and diversity is what makes our system work as well as it does, but at the same time, just because a person is different in some way, that shouldn't necessarily affect how well they can do something, where they should live, etc.

I do have my preferences as to who I am attracted to physically and romantically, and skin color is one of my preferences. The reasons are probably cultural, but there is little likelihood that I could change them now.

 

[daughter]

too freakin' pc

Why on earth would I say I don't see anyone as black, white, indian, etc? I notice your eyes, shape, height, age and everything else that makes you, you.

I think it is silly and some desperate need to be pc to say color is insignificant. Tell me that you value me as a black woman or a woman, but don't say my race is something you don't acknowledge.

If you're born in Europe and you move here, you do have a different view of America. If you're black, a woman, a senior, your perspective on things are partly shaped by your experiences as a black, a woman, a senior.

Say something relevant such as race or 'x' does not change how you view our relationship, because our relationship is based on our interactions. But, please don't say something stupid like, "daughter the fact that you are black has never crossed my mind and does not influence in anyway the way I perceive you."

Sorry, I think Denzel is fine and that is partly because he is black.

Peace,

daughter

 

[lavender]

 

[LukkyKnight]

I see color

But I don't think seeing in colors is synonymous with celebrating diversity. It can be tricky, at times, to distinguish an Italian from a person of Irish background - wildly different cultures. A black man from Ethiopia probably is more different from both of us (culturally, hilosophically, etc.) than I am from a black guy who I went to high school with.

Value diversity? You bet. Celebrate it all you can. How incredibly boring it would be if we were all as similar in appearance and mindset as geese or tuna or lions. I don't want all the people in the world to be male, either, in case anybody asks. Viva les differences!

 

[sexy-girl]

im not colour blind either but i dont discriminate ... but likewise i dont see all black people the same or all white people the same


i think its simailer when people say gender doesnt matter for love ... or being gay doesnt matter ... because those things matters to me ... i love lisa because shes a girl (one of the many reasons why i love her)


im sure for a black person being black matters too ... and yes being english matters to me ... and being half irish matters to me too ... i dont think those things should be forgotten

 

[Nicodemus]

I am color blind in the sense that I don't let that be the determinig factor in who I date, hang out with, call a friend......

But other than that celebrating diveristy is the way to go for me. I love to travel and cannot imagine not trying food from other countries. When it comes to matters of love/sex, .....I am like the UN, I take aplicants from all over. I find women of every color attractive. Alot of this may stem from having a family tree that encompasses black, white, asian, and indian (you should see the family reunions).

I guess I fall in with the diversity crowd and am happy to do so.

Nic,

 

[Texan]

I think diversity is a wonderful thing. Our differences are what make us special. However, just to make this thread a little bit of fun. Let me say that while individuals should notice and celebrate our differences, I believe government, law and policy MUST be colorblind. I know lavender disagrees with this, we have had the discussion before and I respect her opinion.

I just believe that when you attach "power" to perception, as the law, government and policy naturally do, any attempt to recognize differences will necessarily create favortism. Where there is favortism, there is resentment.

I understand that lavy and many people feel that governmental favortism is necessary to correct the damage done by past governmental mistakes and injustices. I feel that in this case, two wrongs do not make a right.

this is not an argument, just an opinion

 

[lavender]

 

[Texan]

Oh come on! Don't be a party pooper. Make it an argument!

Nah, we've had this discussion before. We disagree. But, that is because we come from two different ideological views of government, history, and progress. It's not necessarily that we disagree about an end, we just disagree about what is necessary to achieve that end.

hahaha.... like I said, lavy... I respect your views....

by the way, even if I didn't like what you say.... I'd still drool all over my keyboard just looking at your AV.

 

[EthiopianPrince]

by the way, even if I didn't like what you say.... I'd still drool all over my keyboard just looking at your AV.

I second that emotion!