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Why I Choose Not to Teach My Children to Be ‘Color Blind’
Understanding diversity and recognizing individual differences is essential in raising children who appreciate the richness of humanity. As a parent, I believe it is crucial to teach my kids that people come in various colors, shapes, and backgrounds, rather than promoting an idea of ‘color blindness.’
Recently, I participated in a discussion with a diverse group of parents, all navigating the complexities of raising children in a multicultural society. During our conversation, a common phrase emerged: “We’re all the same!” However, someone wisely countered, “But we’re not.” This moment highlighted an important truth: acknowledging differences does not diminish our shared humanity. Instead, it fosters a deeper understanding of one another.
Teaching children that we are all the same can inadvertently downplay the unique experiences and traits that shape individuals. Instead of striving for a disingenuous uniformity, we should embrace our differences. Yes, recognizing these traits can lead to categorization, but it’s vital to focus on how we treat one another amid this diversity. Everyone deserves equal opportunities and respect, yet it is essential to recognize that people are different colors; even those within the same racial group can have varying skin tones.
During our dialogue, we acknowledged that historically, categorizing people by race has led to significant challenges. The skin color spectrum ranges from very light to very dark, and it is essential to explain to children that these differences exist. For example, I might have lighter skin compared to my children, but that does not mean we are all the same. These differences are valid and should be recognized, not ignored.
A month later, while shopping with my daughter, she innocently asked about a man in line ahead of us, “Why is he purple?” Although I felt a rush of embarrassment, the man turned around and responded with a smile, “I like that. Sweetie, that’s how God made me.” This interaction reinforced the idea that our perceptions of color are influenced by perspective, and the variety of skin tones is a beautiful aspect of humanity.
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In conclusion, I believe that rather than teaching children to be ‘color blind,’ we should encourage them to recognize and celebrate the diversity around them. This approach not only promotes empathy but also helps them navigate a world that is rich in different perspectives and experiences.