Essay Sample on Race in America: Colorblindness vs Multiculturism

Introduction

The race is a very sensitive topic in America. It is always frowned upon when mentioned in a discussion or an audience (Mellody Hobson, 2014). In a contemporary, diverse society, individuals are bothered by one question, How to best approach diversity? Various approaches have been proposed to address the topic, with the main ones being color-blindness and multiculturism. The paper will analyze both colorblindness and multiculturism and the possible drawbacks attached to each approach.

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Color-Blindness

Color-blindness revolves around, ignoring group differences (Sasaki & Vorauer, 2013). Choices and decisions on this approach are made without the considering features like racial background and ethnicity. Color-blindness is all about focusing on what unites diversity, i.e., concentrate on the similarities rather than the differences (Mellody Hobson, 2014). Although it embraces the principle of what is best, color blindness might introduce the culture of ignoring the groups' real disparities e.g., at what point will we acknowledge intergroup prejudice if we mask off the differences? Studies have shown that a majority of people who embrace color blindness are susceptible to harbor intergroup bias.

Multiculturism

Multiculturism, on the other hand, revolves around the notion that the differences within a group should be appreciated rather than ignored. Thus, society should be considerate of the significant role the culture and background play on our daily lives (Sasaki & Vorauer, 2013). The proponents of this idea argue that knowing and appreciating the distinctive cultural heritage should be used as strength, not a weakness. That everything, including language, is tightly knitted within the culture. Therefore, not appreciating such is backward and wrong.

A significant percentage of the majority group are drawn to the idea of color blindness compared to the population drawn from the minority group (Sasaki & Vorauer, 2013). However, when it comes to multiculturism, groups drawn from minority and, the majority tend to support it in equal measures. Although colorblindness is widely accepted, it fails to address issues revolving around prejudice and discrimination. There are more benefits tied to multiculturism, including cultural diversity appreciation. However, it is also prone to stereotyping. Unlike, colorblindness, multiculturism is less prone to prejudice. However, groups from the majority might feel left-out, hence, the rejection.(Mellody Hobson, 2014).

References

Mellody Hobson. (2014). Colorblind or color brave? Retrieved from Ted.com website: https://www.ted.com/talks/mellody_hobson_color_blind_or_color_brave

Sasaki, S. J., & Vorauer, J. D. (2013). Ignoring Versus Exploring Differences Between Groups: Effects of Salient Color-Blindness and Multiculturalism on Intergroup Attitudes and Behavior. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 7(4), 246-259. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12021