A case for color blindness | Coleman Hughes | Ted Talks Daily

Intro

In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, writer and podcast host Coleman Hughes makes a case for color blindness. He argues that by looking beyond race and focusing on class-based policies, we can reduce inequality and ease racial tensions. Hughes explores the concept of color blindness, its historical roots, and its potential to create a more equitable society.

Main Takeaways

Embracing Color Blindness

• Color blindness is the idea that we should look beyond race when thinking about equity.
• Replacing race-based policies with class-based ones could reduce inequality and ease racial tensions.
• Color blindness is not about pretending not to notice race, but treating people without regard to race in our personal lives and public policy.
• The philosophy of color blindness comes from the radical wing of the anti-slavery movement in the 19th century.
• Eliminating race-based policies doesn’t mean eliminating policies meant to reduce inequality, they should be executed based on class instead of race.

The Effectiveness of Color Blindness

• Colorblind policies can be effective in eliminating bias from systems that affect people’s lives.
• Traffic cameras can reduce racial bias in policing, but some oppose them because they don’t yield statistically equal ticketing rates by race.
• Class is usually a better proxy for disadvantage than race when it comes to policies meant to address inequality.
• Race-based policies can lead to disastrous consequences, as seen in the case of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Guiding a Multiracial Democracy

• Colorblindness should be the guiding principle to govern a multiracial, multi-ethnic democracy.
• Embrace color blindness, support class-based policies, and create colorblind processes to fight racism.
• Maintaining colorblind standards while addressing the root causes of the problem is crucial.

Importance of Acknowledgment and Discussion

• Courage is needed to address this issue.
• The importance of acknowledging and discussing this topic is emphasized.
• The speaker expresses gratitude towards the book and the opportunity to make their case.
• The speaker thanks Ted for his involvement and wishes him luck with the book.

Summary

Color Blindness: Beyond Race for Equity

Coleman Hughes presents a compelling argument for color blindness as a means to achieve equity. Color blindness is not about ignoring race, but rather treating individuals without regard to race in both personal interactions and public policy. This philosophy has its roots in the radical wing of the anti-slavery movement in the 19th century. By replacing race-based policies with class-based ones, we can address inequality more effectively, as class often serves as a better indicator of disadvantage. Hughes highlights the potential dangers of race-based policies, citing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund as an example. He also explores how colorblind policies can eliminate bias from systems that impact people’s lives, such as traffic cameras in policing. Embracing color blindness is crucial for governing a multiracial democracy, and it requires maintaining colorblind standards while addressing the root causes of racial disparities. Courage and open discussion are necessary to tackle this issue, and Hughes expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his perspective.

Conclusion

Color blindness offers a path towards a more equitable society by shifting our focus from race to class-based policies. By treating individuals without regard to race and addressing the root causes of inequality, we can create a fairer and more inclusive future. It is important to acknowledge and discuss this topic openly, fostering understanding and progress. With courage and a commitment to colorblindness, we can work towards dismantling systemic racism and building a society that values equality for all.