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.<\/p>\n
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]\u00a0 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Hughes also makes another compelling assertion\u2014one that I have long believed to be true\u2014that 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2014embracing a truly colorblind approach in their interactions and perceptions.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t 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.\u00a0 Neo-racism has risen to peak levels today with viral videos and rhetoric filled with race-baiting.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019s character, values, or potential. But unfortunately, not all see from this lens.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [1] Coleman Hughes, The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America,<\/em>(New York: Thesis, 2024). 16<\/p>\n [2] Hughes, 21.<\/p>\n [3] Hughes, 19<\/p>\n [4] Hughes 83<\/p>\n [5] Hughes 14-15<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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. 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