Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Color blind or color brave?

Although racial diversity has become a little bit less of an issue in the present, it still seems to be a topic that we avoid.  Many of us may not be considered "racist" and in order to not be considered this so called word, many will avoid the topic altogether.  I am also very guilty of this.  I have fallen into the trap of not acknowledging race because as young ones we are usually brought up to accept differences and not to publicly acknowledge them.  I am sure many of us have heard the words "DON'T POINT" in our lifetimes, especially when we were children.  During many of these occasions we were probably wrong to point out the differences but the fact still remains, we are born to naturally notice things such as this.  The question is, why not acknowledge it and move on to other issues?

I have been guilty of using mindsets to avoid the difference in race and color altogether.  I convince myself that color does not matter, only character does.  While this may be true, it ignores the true matter at hand.  We should not be ashamed to say who we are out loud in public.  Who can honestly say that they would be comfortable discussing their race publicly, if they are considered a minority?  Maybe some would be, but there would be many that would not feel comfortable.  This is the issue, there should be pride in pronouncing who you are in every aspect.  Mellody Hobson hits the nail right on the head with many of these dilemmas.  She states that we must be comfortable leaving our comfort zones in order to change things.  We must face these issues head on and become familiar without our comfort zones before we are able to feel comfortable again.  If we deny this way of thinking, there will never be any leaps in positive ways of thinking or any changes.
Youth In Action seems to be a place that would show this type of thinking perfectly.  Since it is located in an urban area, it is bound to have a wide array of race.  Although I have never been to YIA, I would like to think that they address race openly.  Since the youth there are focused on change, this should be an issue that is spoken about quickly to ensure bonding between the youth and leaders.  If this is spoken about, it would make teamwork that much easier!

4 comments:

  1. I agree that YIA seems to focus on the idea of race. I think they are a great organization that talks about the important things in their society!

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  2. I agree that YIA seems to focus on the idea of race. I think they are a great organization that talks about the important things in their society!

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  3. Thanks for this thoughtful self-reflection.

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  4. Hi Kyle,

    I completely agree with you about what you said about growing up and being taught not to "point", that we are brought up to "accept differences and not to publicly acknowledge them." But as you said, and from the video, it's natural to notice and why not take it head on.

    -Brittany

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