Every day I realize how much work is needed for our society to tackle the social and systematic ways that Black people are suppressed. Before I continue on, I want to clarify who I mean when I use the term Black. I realize that when I use the term Black, some instantly think of African-Americans. Yes, African-Americans are members of the Black community but we make up a small portion of those who are Black. When I say Black, I am using it as a reference to those of us who have skin with visible amounts of melanin. This includes peoples of India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Belize and others. While there are populations of people, typically from sub-Saharan Africa with Black skin, Black is more commonly used to describe people who have brown skin in America. I use the term Black, instead of African-Americans, which may be preferred by other generations of brown-skinned folks living in America, because it encompasses a larger population that face similar oppressive and exclusionary practices prevalent in Western societies. 

    I have taken the time to clarify meaning here because when I use this term to an international group of scientists, some are quick to assume African-Americans, and it gives them the excuse they need to disregard anything else I say, because, well African-Americans do not live in their country, which may be correct, however they misunderstand my point. I receive a similar response from some of my American colleagues, who equate Black with African-Americans, and think any further suggestions I am to make will only benefit African-Americans, and fail to realize that these suggestions will help to make a more inclusive space for Black people irrespective of their ethnicity. 

   It has become apparent that my colleagues who are quick to dismiss the problems that affect Black people subscribe to a “color-blind” society. Even before this summer’s demand for change to increase and include Black people in higher education, I would have conversations with colleagues who would tell me they were “color-blind” or didn’t see color. I would think to myself, “It must be nice”. I can never be color-blind, and I do not believe people who say they are. What I hear is, I choose to ignore race. That is different than being color-blind. 

   Choosing to be color-blind helps people to remain ignorant in the ways race shapes our whole lives, and allows them to perpetuate behavior that suppresses Black people. Before this summer, I was much more forgiving and would chalk up some of these suppressive moments to a person being ill-informed. Now I understand that, that is dangerous. Giving folks the benefit of the doubt, when undeserved, will never solve anything. The state of the world we live in makes it difficult for one to be color-blind. Everyday we are shown the myriad of ways our society continues to hinder Black people and there are documented historical events that validate our cautions and feelings; which someone who is “color-blind” has chosen to ignore. That is white privilege.

     The world I live in has consistently judged me before I speak simply because of my skin. For example, I may go into a clothing boutique (I try to support small local businesses when I can), and while perusing clothing, one of the store employees after asking me if I need any help, fixes every piece of clothing that I touch. Even when I take the time to fold them back or have not disturbed the garments, my mere presence is met with the thoughts of an intruder. This is a subtle way I am reminded that I do not belong in that store, because I am not white, the assumption has already been made that I cannot afford anything and am therefore going to steal something. For Black people, these occurrences happen without our consent. 

Black people cannot be color-blind. In my example above, the victim is me, and when the perpetrator is called out they instantly cling to the idea of their “color-blindness” as a way for me to relate, which I cannot. It also puts the blame on me, as now the perception is that I have overreacted. Our presence invokes a certain set of ideas which cannot be ignored; non-members must actively work to make sure their actions do not fulfill these ideas. I have said this so many times recently, that I have seriously considered making a record; color-blind white folks, educate yourselves.  Those of you who have in the past and today consider yourselves color-blind must realize that you were ignoring a problem that awarded you certain benefits while making the life experience of others difficult. It is time for you to wake up. We all see color.