Thinking Out Loud: The Cure for Colorblindness

August 28, 2026 - 4:24 pm

By Kevin P. Henry for Thinking Out Loud

There are two types of colorblindness. Today, I am talking about the kind that can cause a person to ignore another person’s lived experience and how they self-identify.

You may say things like, “You know, I don’t see color. I just see people as human beings. We’re all the same. We’re all part of the human race.”

But if you’re not seeing color, you’re not seeing the whole person.

Yes, we’re all human beings, and part of the human race. But our race helps define who we are.  Furthermore, we unfortunately live in a world where some people attack or express hostility toward others based on their skin color.

This is not speculation or hyperbole. It’s simply a reality for many people. Remember, some people do not have the luxury of forgetting about the color of their skin. Their skin color can literally place a bullseye on their back.

Get to know others personally, hear their stories, and learn about their individual lived experiences. The best way to eradicate stereotypes and push fear aside is to learn the truth. Don’t rely solely on social media, cable news, or other questionable sources of information. Seek the truth on your own. Instead of running away from people or criticizing them, walk beside them on their personal journeys.

You will be able to understand why certain things affect them, why certain things make them sad, and why certain things make them angry.

Documentaries and book clubs are good sources of education, but they offer a very passive way of learning about people’s lives.

Nothing beats making eye contact, sitting down, and truly getting to know another person. It is the best cure for that dreaded disease called colorblindness.

This has been Kevin P. Henry for Thinking Out Loud.