Color blind or Color Brave

"Color blind or Color Brave" a Tedtallk documentary by Mellody Hobson; an inspirational discussion about "race"
When Mellody mentioned that for a moment she felt uncomfortable talking about race during this conference, I knew the feeling. For me, I do not like to necessarily talk about race or point it out. I think there have been a couple of moments in my life where I would go to a place and feel uncomfortable because I didn't see people who "looked" like me. But that did not change the way I interacted or how I felt. I honestly can' recall a time that I have ever felt ignored or unwanted because of my race. HOWEVER, with that being said, people have noticed my race and my personalty. People have seen my color and instead compared it to the attributes of how a "black" woman in our society should act. Many people, have called me an "Oreo" or a "Black White Girl".  They would say that I'm not as aggressive and "ghetto" as most black woman are. Honestly, I did not know how to take this information. In my mind, I am just me. I act how I act. I talk how I talk. No one in one race is exactly the same; talks the same; looks the same, therefore how can I not be black?

It's so funny that I watched this Tedtalk at this time because I even had an issue today at work. My co-worker and I were discussing meats. I do not eat any. She asked me if I have ever ate fried chicken. Back when I ate meat I said yes, but it isn't that serious to me. She responded by saying, "you're not really black" and this is not the first time I have heard someone say this because I do not exhibit the criteria of a "real" black female. So people do see color. I think relating to the tweet below, people believe that if you do not see color, that is a good thing. But it's not. It is just way to avoid race. As Mellody Hobson says in her Tedtalk, "The first step to solving any problem is not to hide from it." I believe by saying you do not see color is ignoring the "problem" of race. It is like someone saying "I do not see you as black, I see you as you" Although they may mean well by this statement, at the end of the day, I am black, that is apart of who I am and that cannot be disowned.

nayyirah waheed‏@nayyirahwaheed

never trust anyone who says they do not see color. this means to them, you are invisible. — is

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10:10 AM - 10 Dec 2014

 

 

I think Mellody Hobson makes a huge point that we need to talk about race. As I mentioned, I personally never wanted to talk about it. People ask what I am and although I have more than one race I just say that I am African American because it is simpler and I do not have to explain myself. I think this is one of those issues Mellody wants us to avoid. Just like with any issue, we need to talk about it and not feel afraid and uncomfortable.

And I think this is something that we are afraid of to discuss with the youth. What topics are off the limits to discuss with the youth? I believe that race has been a topic that we try to avoid, but as adults, we avoid the topic as well. The world is always evolving, the youth is growing and the topic of race is powerful and useful to be discussed and mentioned. More friends and less discrimination is key to a peaceful world. Youth have a very powerful mind and this connects back to them having their own voices. Being able to speak about who they are, proudly, and not shaking because they are uncomfortable about speaking about, is what we am for. Youth in Action seems to be a great organization that knows what it means for kids to have their own voices. YIA is a great place to get the youth talking and more involved with their surroundings; issues going on inn the world around them. This includes race.