Color-Blind Society - Essay Example

Year after year government statistics and census data reveals that people of color are indiscriminately affected by poverty and unemployment, that they are more likely to be stopped and searched; frisked at airports; denied jobs; lack adequate access to health care, housing or education. Despite positive measures taken by the government in favor of the racial minorities, they continue to be one of the most vulnerable sections of the society. Thus, although it can be argued that the era of overt racism is a thing of the past, the assumption that racism and discrimination against people of color is over as well, is nothing more than wishful thinking (Bonilla-Silva, 2006).

Racial issues have historically been highly discomforting for the majority population, often surrounded by allegations and counter-allegations, and mired in controversy. Social and political thinkers, over the years, have proposed various ways to address and deal with the issue and help eliminate or mitigate the tension that accompanies it. One of the most widely and aggressively promoted concepts in recent times, to deal with racial issues, is colorblindness. Popular opinions hint at the benefits of the ideology, arguing that it promotes equality and eliminates racial discrimination and bias, making it look like a good thing, and it may appear so at face value (Boston, 2002).

However, color blindness and opting not to see color, is not adequate enough to heal the ages of discrimination and oppression suffered by the minority. Contrary to popular opinion, it does not eliminate racism but perpetuates it. Ignoring color or choosing not to see it, only seeks to benefit the privileged white population, who have and continue to enjoy a relatively comfortable and secure standing in the society (Fryberg, 2010). For the disadvantaged lot i.e., the people of color, colorblindness only leads