We must deny the idea that racism, sexism, and other identity-based violence are things of the past. When we accept each other’s lived experiences as truth, we can begin to rationalize injustices around us. But first, we need to see.
A color-blind workplace is not one that supports its employees. It may come in the form of promoting equality, and ignoring the cries of those who need more thorough support. Color-blindness nowadays is not only about race & ethnicity. The same concept is used to erase gender inequities.
Identity blindness states that we are all equal here, and those bad things can’t happen here – because Jim is a good guy. He doesn’t care if you’re black, white, male, or female. He would never do that thing. Don’t accuse him of that thing, because he could never.
Color-blindness is not acceptance. It is blatantly denying one’s identity and their experiences, intentionally or unintentionally so. When stories are shared in large numbers across various regions – a community’s truth cannot be erased. Many marginalized groups have been historically silenced by lawmakers and historians, yet their truths are amplified by every new generation.
Believe in the possibility of harmful behavior. Take the initiative to protect your employees from harmful behavior – and when BIPOC employees, LGBTQ+ employees, young people, elders, men, or women tell you something has gone wrong – investigate like your life depends on it.