Colorblindness

The concept of being colorblind(in terms of race) has come up several times over the last few weeks whether in discussion or in books that I am reading. I have to say my feelings towards this concept has changed dramatically since I was an 18 year old at Gordon. I think back then and how I wanted to assimilate and not shake up the majority culture, so the concept of colorblindness was welcomed. When people would tell me, "Hey man, I don't see you as Asian or a minority I see you as my brother Christ" I would answer, and sincerely say, "thank you". I didn't realize that 'yes I do want you to accept me as a brother in Christ and for what's inside of me, and not how I look on the outside', but what is on the outside also defines who I am as well.

For one to be colorblind would be to deny my culture, my heritage and those who have come before me. It denies the culture that my Mother and Father raised me in, and their parents and the parents before them. It denies the trek that my Mother and Father made from Korea and the sacrifices they made working their butts off to provide the best for me. It denies the racism and hate that they went through because they looked different or because they didn't understand English that well. I know this sounds extreme, but it's the truth. I guess you could look at it as someone denying your last name. If they would only recognize your first name. How would that make you feel?
Other: You're name is Scott isn't it?
Me: Yes it is, but I also have a last name as well.
Other: Well that's not important, because you're Scott.
Me: That's true, but there are also a thousand other Scott's. My last name Hwang has a long line of heritage and history behind it.
Other: That's great but I just see you as Scott, so don't worry about it.

I get the reasoning behind colorblindness. It's a way of saying, hey I'm not judging you for the color of your skin, but if you don't see and recognize the differences in people, then there is no way you can fully respect that person for who they are. No person can control what ethnicity they are, you are what you are. You can spend a lifetime ignoring it and denying it or you can try to embrace the way God created you to be. There are two sides to this sword because ethnocentrism can be just as hurtful to people, but that topic is for another post.

Colorblindness is a step in the right direction, but it's not enough. Racial Reconciliation is tricky and hard, and it can't be that simple, which is why colorblindness fails. It's too simple. So yes, I want you to see me as human and respect me for who I am and not how I look, but once you get to know me, you'll know that I am Korean, I am Asian American, and I'm no ashamed of it.