DIVERSITY TIP OF THE WEEK: Don't Be Colorblind

Many of us were taught by our parents to be colorblind--not to pay attention to race or ethnicity.  While the intent is positive --to be unbiased in our treatment of people -- what often results is blindness to the fullness of a person's identity.  When an acquaintance once said to me: "I don't see you as Black", I realized that she didn't get me.  Most people feel valued when they feel visible, when there's no closet, no pressure to hide or play down their ethnicity or sexual orientation or religion or disability.  So, although it's important not to make assumptions or to stereotype others, we should also create space for people to share their "true colors".

--Contributed by Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Ph.D.

For more information, contact:

Jenny Denton

Office of Diversity and Inclusion

+1 301 405 6810

denton@umd.edu

www.diversity.umd.edu