Oh To Be Colorblind
Race has been a factor in my life since my childhood. I remember interacting in multiple cross-racial settings and feeling like everything was peachy. I believed race was just a differentiation of skin color, but as time progressed, I found it to be the source of controversy and conflict. Growing up as a child in Harlem a predominantly black community it was not until I desired for my parents to take me for ice cream and to a restaurant to eat that I was given a talk on race and why she feared taking me to eat out publicly in certain establishments. It was not too long ago my parents experienced not being able to sit and eat at a counter. I was young, but life would teach me about tolerance and acceptance when it came to the issue of race. As life continued, I would come to recognize there would be spaces where I was tolerated and other spaces where I was accepted.
My race beliefs align directly with Coleman Hughes’ assertion in The End of Race Politics when he defines the Colorblind Principle. We should treat people without regard to race, both in our public policy and private lives.[1] I agree with Hughes’s philosophy as this would cause America to rid itself of some of its most shameful and egregious behavior, which has plagued this country for centuries. He nails the correct posture associated with colorblindness as he discussed eliminating phrases like, I don’t see color.{2] I have often said if God did not want us to see color, he would have made us all the same color. I believe Hughes offers the proper interpretation when he suggests, I try to treat people without regard.[3] This is something I have believed and known since my youth.
Hughes also makes another compelling assertion—one that I have long believed to be true—that no race should be stereotyped, as racial groups are not monolithic. Within every racial identity lies a vast spectrum of diversity, shaped by individual experiences, cultural nuances, and personal ideologies. It is both inaccurate and unjust to categorize any race under a single narrative.
He further emphasizes that specific disparities occur naturally, a reality many may not readily acknowledge. While some may dismiss the idea that racial differences are not solely the result of systemic oppression or bias, the evidence suggests otherwise. The real challenge, however, lies in whether individuals and society as a whole are willing to undertake the difficult work of living beyond the constraints of racial bias—embracing a truly colorblind approach in their interactions and perceptions.
Unfortunately, history has shown that America has never fully achieved this ideal. While Hughes does an excellent job of framing the objective, securing widespread commitment to this vision remains the more significant challenge. Without collective buy-in, the goal of dismantling racial stereotypes and fostering a society that values diversity without prejudice will remain aspirational rather than attainable.
The smartphone revolution was also an eye catcher. As we have made light-speed progress in the world of technology, in my estimation, one of the negative and opposing challenges of this technological advancement is arming each smartphone with a camera. Pictures and videos are truly worth 1000 words. However, when videos are uploaded in the media and on social media that don’t tell the complete story or are edited to promote a narrative, society is on a downward spiral of division. Let me be clear, I am not anti cameras and videos but every person with a smartphone does not always make a smart decision. Neo-racism has risen to peak levels today with viral videos and rhetoric filled with race-baiting.
A point worth pondering, which Hughes makes, centers on the increase of neo-racism today. He argues the decline of Christianity in America is one of the root causes.. But the appeal of Christianity has since waned -especially among liberal white Americans and young black Americans and the resulting vacuum has given neoracism- a far more racially divisive ideology. [4]If Neo Racism is on the rise and Christianity is on the decline, how can we stop the bleeding? Reading this took me back to Rare Leadership and the suggestion of an Identity Group. It would be a lofty ambition, but what if there was an identity group for colorblindness and reminding people we are made in the image of God? Hughes contends that race is one of the least meaningful traits in determining a person’s character, values, or potential. But unfortunately, not all see from this lens.
In no way am I playing the victim, but I could genuinely write an entire book on the racist treatment and discrimination I have experienced through life. What pains me is that as a parent, you desire to shield your children from the mayhem, but they too must be forced to wrestle and reckon with racial injustice. On our first adult father-and-son vacation, we traveled out of town to an all-inclusive resort. We were excited; it was a time to bond and unwind. While I was upstairs writing my paper for class shortly after midnight and I proceeded to fall asleep. I woke up to an email from the hotel guest relations department apologizing to me for an incident regarding my son. My son, 23, was stopped, detained, and wrongly interrogated by hotel security even after showing his hotel key because he allegedly fit a profile for a call they received. All of this happened while I was asleep. It was bogus. The hotel admitted they had a bad apple in their security detail, apologized, and credited our entire stay for free. They also made a couple of other concessions, but the damage was done. His memory was etched with the experience as the interrogation was shocking and demeaning. This experience ultimately left my son anxious, angered, scared, and ready to buy a ticket to fly home the very same day. He would later ask me how I could have the top hotel tier status and be treated as low-class by the property. It was not the conversation I wanted to have or how I wanted to spend my vacation. If only the security guard were colorblind.
On a brighter side, Hughes shares a positive outlook I believe we should all embrace. Something we can all aspire to in envisioning a future for America. I imagine a country where citizens live securely and exercise their freedom to seek happiness. A country devoid of second-class citizens and where democracy thrives and politicians remain answerable to the people they represent. [5]14-15
[1] Coleman Hughes, The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America,(New York: Thesis, 2024). 16
[2] Hughes, 21.
[3] Hughes, 19
[4] Hughes 83
[5] Hughes 14-15
About the Author
Daren Jaime
23 responses to “Oh To Be Colorblind”
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Daren, thanks for sharing your experience and the experience your son had. Such challenging situations to navigate.
As a parent, how have you helped your son navigate through these, helping him forgive and extend grace?
Hey Graham! In all seriousness, he and I had a talk about Jesus and the call to forgive 70 x 7. This led to a poolside chat, and I had to unpack my personal experiences. Some were revelatory to him, and how I handled them as a child of God. Forgiveness becomes challenging, mainly when the same type of incident occurs repeatedly. To the hotel’s credit, the concierge and General Manager took us to dinner and learned more about us, and they both were moved by our father-son bond. It became a lesson on how our witness spoke naturally, leading them to reflection and conviction. My son and I both grew more spiritually and relationally through the experience.
Daren,
Thanks for your insights. What a frustrating time for you and your son as you were hoping to be on vacation. The thing that most stuck out at me was that you were beginning to sit and write after midnight. I have hit the third cycle of REM by that point! How have you navigated this and other issues with your son so that he grows up with a hopeful attitude?
Hey Adam! Yes, based on travel and the academic requirement, I was forced to settle in and get my assignment completed. In my son’s earlier years, I avoided hard conversations in the hopes that some things would grow to be better. As he matured, I addressed issues matter of factly with dialogue while giving space for him to share without restriction or an attempt to redirect. Listening has been an effective practice, and understanding Gen Z has seen a lot in their lifetime.
My son is saved, a worship leader and a music director for one of the campus choirs at Syracuse University. Faith is important to him. He often says in difficult times when he can get to an instrument or choir, these are spaces where can commune with God for revelation and direction. We have since grown to a place where he comes to me to initiate tough and delicate matters after prayerfully reflecting. The conversation begins from there, with him leading and expressing his thoughts, and we unpack.
Daren, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. I honestly don’t have a lot of proximity to people who don’t look at least a little like me. (Acknowledging that we are all unique!) I appreciate you and your willingness to share your experiences so I am not “blind” to the truth of what you live with every day. God bless you and your precious family.
Hi Debbie! Thanks for sharing. There is a motto I have come to live by concerning people and life.
We Learn, We Grow and We Go- By God’s Love and His Grace!
Hi Daren, I’m so sorry about the terrible situation your son experienced.
I agree that if God wanted us to be colorblind, he would have given us all the same color. Do you have any favorite Scriptures that show you that God values diversity?
Hi Christy, I do have a couple:
Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Takeaway-
Christ unites us as one despite our gender, cultural, racial, or socio-economic makeup.
Revelation 7:9 – After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.
Takeaway
This scripture blesses me with a glimpse of God’s glory. Heaven is envisioned as a transcendent place where individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds engage in the beauty of collective worship.
Hi Daren, I am very sorry you and your son had to go through that. As a medical professional, I consider things about a diagnosis based on demographics, race, gender, age, and other categories. What are ways that the medical field can consider predispositions of disease concerning race but being colorblind-ish?
Hey Kari! I’m no expert, but here are my two cents and reflective thoughts. First, let me say that you are on target in how you carry out your duties. Sometimes, I am alarmed by health disparities fueled by racial characterization. Social determinants should be bought into the conversation and genetic makeup rather than a generalization.
One issue that I thought missed the mark was COVID-19, as it was pretty decimating across communities of color in the US with a record death toll. This was widely broadcast. However, pre-existing conditions were a significant factor in many of these fatalities. The medical community and beyond that speaks not just to ridding COVID, but fails to talk to attacking and ridding of the causes of pre existing conditions is doing a disservice to the more outstanding issue that still lingers today.
Additionally, the healthcare network must be proactive about working to dismantle implicit biases. Looking at how research is done with diversity, strengthening medical education, and ensuring equitable health care access could be a healthy start.
Hi Daren, Thank you for sharing your son’s experience and yours. How very sad that someone could be so mean. I truly pray your son fully recovers from the sinfulness that disrespected him. Was there any lesson that your mother or father taught you that was especially helpful in your journey?
Hi Diane, My mother and father taught me that character always wins. Their lesson was; “focus on your character, and it will forever hold you together when the forces of evil try to tear you apart”. They said, “When others mistreat you, your character will stand for you even if you have to stand alone.”
Two lessons I still live by.
Hi Daren,
I’m sorry you and your son have had those experiences. Perhaps they were part of what established your foundation of integrity and character.
For civil rights activists, such as the late John Lewis, how would he respond to Hugh’s position on colorblindness?
What efforts do you make in your ministry setting to encourage racial equality?
Bless you
Hey Jennifer! Thank you! Interestingly enough, I was fortunate to have lunch with John Lewis and my congressman at Lewis’s invitation. On that day, we laughed, talked, received history lessons, mentorship, and the passing of the mantle all in one in a two-hour-plus unforgettable experience. He told me, as a pastor, to keep the torch burning. His passion mirrored Hughes’ principle for Colorblindness. I know he believed that when it comes to policy- it should be rooted and entrenched in fairness, justice and equity. He believed opportunity should be available to all, and race should not be the prevailing factor in obtaining justice and dignity for any person in America.
On the homefront, we set out to be intentional when someone comes through our door. We have signage and greet people weekly with a welcome statement every Sunday: Welcome to The People’s Church, where God’s People are our priority, and you are somebody! We attempt to be intentional in engagement and fellowship.
Although we are located in the heart of the inner city, every year we host an interracial dialogue attracting people from all parts of our city. These discussions are authentic and rich, and many new relationships are formed.
We also do monthly food distribution. We have seen an increase in the number of Syrian and Afghan refugees and have created cards in Arabic to invite them where they have come from. We have given out free bookbags, hamburgers, and hot dogs for them and their families. creating a unique fellowship opportunity for connection..
Knowing there is a vast divide within our police department, which is 90 percent white, while the inner city is comprised of more than 60 percent communities of color. I have utilized my role as chaplain for the police department in using our church as the site for our police/ community dialogue. This is God’s work for sure! However, some of the fruit off of the tree includes cultural competence on all sides, and a new appreciation and relationship from all parties has formed in several ways. Now, when officers respond within the community, they have a name, face, and relationship as they respond. This has worked in bringing down some of the tension, but we are a long way from there.
Daren, what an incredible story! Why did you wait so long to let that out of the bag? Lol – look at God! He clearly has a very special assignment that only you can accomplish. It sounds like with the faithful work you are doing in church, you are right in line with where he needs you to be. Bless you, friend. Keep on keeping on. And share more stories!
Jennifer, LOL! I keep alot in the bag. It is just how I am. John was amazing! When we get together again, Ill show you the pictures.
Hi Daren, If you ever start a colorblind identity group, I hope you will consider inviting me.
Hughes referred to missed opportunity with the 14th amendment and Plessy vs Ferguson (and there are others..) The question: Would different language in those instances significantly altered attitudes leading up to the civil rights movement? What, if any, legislation could or would be significantly helpful today? I’m deeply sorry for what you and Chris experienced. May it be that his future son is never in a similar situation.
Hey Julie, I know you would. We have journeyed through so much together. If I did, I know you would be a valuable voice. I shared with my brothers Glyn, Ryan, and Chad during our intensive in DC, how triggering it was to see the constitution that still declares Blacks/ African Americans as 3/5’s of a man.
To amend the U.S. Constitution, a proposed amendment must be passed by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures, then ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions. Translation, not in our lifetime. I think this is classified as a wicked problem. Legislation that removes this would be a start. I think it stains our country and further emboldens the racial divide.
From my perspective, if the 14th Amendment had stated unequivocally that racial integration was required in all public spaces and institutions, it would have left no room for “separate but equal.” But it did not.
Instead, vague language allowed segregationists right of way, twisting the law and reinforcing a racial hierarchy that fueled decades of systemic oppression, which we still feel and experience today.
Daren, you highlight Hughes’ point that the decline of Christianity has contributed to the rise of neoracism, as it leaves a moral and ideological vacuum that race-based ideologies fill. Given that Christianity teaches the inherent dignity of all people as image-bearers of God, how can Christians practically counteract neoracism in today’s cultural climate? Do you see potential for a renewed emphasis on faith-based identity, rather than race, as a means of moving toward a truly colorblind society?
Hey Chad! That’s a great question. An emphasis on faith-based identity could serve as a great launching point. I think the Christian witness has been severely compromised by culture and convenience.
Seeing color is not the problem; seeing it while not allowing it to breed hatred, violence, bigotry, and racism is the real challenge. I believe race has a space and place, but the more excellent ascent takes us to loving God and our neighbor as ourselves.
As Christians and as a community, intentionally engaging with people from different racial and cultural backgrounds in genuine fellowship is a start. I mentioned Revelation in an earlier post, reflecting heaven on earth.
We are also people who listen to speak without listening to hear. Cultivating listening with no defensiveness and judgment is an asset. Doing this
without reducing or rejecting the lived and practical experiences of others without assuming racial stereotypes would move us forward greatly.
Daren,
No questions, I just wanted to make sure I read your post. Thanks for sharing. My heart cries for the discrimination you and your family have experienced over the years. Praying for a colorblind world
Jeff! Thank you and blessings my brother!!
Daren, I’m so thankful for you, your character, your approach. I sense that you’re making a significant difference in the life of your son and your community.
You do all this in the face of racial injustice and inequality, and are living through the rise of anti-racist philosophies on the rise.
From a 30,000 Ft level, is there anything specific in Hughes that you think might actually make a positive change in the American race relation story? Why or why not?