I cringe on two things: when an individual tries to prove their acceptance of Black people by saying they have a Black friend or they do not see race. In Roots, Missy Anne had a Black friend named Kizzy Kunte, and we all saw how that turned out. Having a Black friend does not mean you accept their Blackness. Often, Black people who are friends with Whites report feeling pressure to lose parts of their culture to fit in with their White counterparts better.
Also, in primarily all White circles, Blacks can involuntarily serve as the punchline for racially insensitive jokes. When Blacks appear offended by racist jokes, their concerns are likely to be downplayed by their White peers. Saying you have a Black friend does not make you racist exempt. You could have made an exception for just one individual or only except parts of the individual that you deem worthy.
Colorblind Race Ideology
Colorblind race ideology is a more modern excuse individuals use to prove they are not racist. I cannot count the times I have heard individuals say they do not see color. Ironically, claims not to see color come right after I have mentioned someone was likely a racist. To claim one does not see color is a dangerous lie. To be colorblind contributes to ongoing racism and discrimination by preserving the inequalities that continue to exist. One must wonder, how are we supposed to move forward in the fight against racism if people claim they do not see color?
In a perfect world or a utopian society, race would be a nonissue. However, in the US, race is often the deciding factor. For example, racial disparities continue to exist in healthcare. Blacks report less warm interactions with doctors and staff when coming in for services. Usually, doctors and nurses assume that Blacks have a higher pain tolerance and may not respond as quickly as they should with treatment. Also, Blacks do not always have medications explained to them as thoroughly as Whites, leaving an already at-risk group even more disadvantaged.
I could keep going about the various sectors where Blacks receive unequal treatment. Please, if someone tells you they do not see color, educate them. When you feel you are not getting through, ask yourself why the individual is holding onto the position. Is the individual willingly ignorant? Are they afraid of the implications that racism is ongoing; in other words, the individual does not want to feel complicit in ongoing racism? Or are you dealing with a closet racist? You may not be able to answer these questions but pay attention. Each answer requires a different response.
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