"I Don't See Color" And Other #BlackLivesMatter Misconceptions
The year 2020 is an extremely sensitive time in America. News outlets are regurgitating what seems to be the same information with a different name inserted to the victim list almost every day. If anything is going to change with the future of this country, it has to begin with the heart and mindset of God's children. Start with an open + honest conversation about misconceptions circulating around the black community.
"I don't see color."
In an ideal world, every single individual is treated with the utmost respect. Call me sheltered, but it is so foreign to believe some have been conditioned to see themselves as superior or inferior. Prejudice behaviors are not embedded in DNA; unfortunately, outside influences or past experiences result in a new (and negative) way of thinking. "I don't see color." is such an aggravating statement. Unless you are literally blind, of course, you see color. God's creations are so unique. Skintones range so beautifully, it is almost offensive to claim you do not see it even in a metaphorical sense. To say you don't see color means you are actively choosing not to acknowledge or understand the genetic makeup of those around you. Recognize a man (or woman) for who he is. If you see a black man, see a black man. Try to acknowledge and understand a person as an individual first. Pair that mindset with a caring spirit and the love of Christ as we are commanded. Not only will you see color, but you will also learn to love with no stipulations unconditionally.
Other ethnicities don't matter
Picture this: You see a parent of five at the park. One child gets hurt in a significant way. The parent is not going to hand out five band-aids, one to each child; they are only going to cater to the injured one. Saying #BlackLivesMatter does not mean other ethnicities do not matter. The Black community has been hurt significantly. We are coming together to heal as a culture, and support those suffering along the way. It is time for all of God's children to step up and help heal the hurting.
It’s Black vs. White
A common misconception is two sides are against each other for some prize we have not quite figured out yet. The bottom line is the media is circulating news of someone being mistreated at the expense of someone else. That should not be the case, no matter what the people look like. Categorizing by ethnicity is only beneficial for the person relaying the information. It truly makes no difference in the shade of skin tone; the most disappointing part is the fact there is a ranking order in the minds of men. It is not black vs. white (or any ethnicity); it's prejudice vs. love.
Sincerely try to understand the hurt of people around you. One fundamental way to step up and exude the love of Christ is to have an in-depth interaction with others. It is vital to approach a conversation with an attitude of empathy rather than defense. If you do not quite understand everything that is happening in the media (or just in general with someone you care about), be as open and as vulnerable as you can be- that is the only way to build strong relationships on a firm foundation.
