The phrase “I don’t see colour” is commonly used in discussions about anti-racism, equity, and inclusion. Although the intention behind the statement is often good, it is problematic and communicates the opposite of what people are often trying to convey.

While most people use the statement to express that they do not judge a person based on their skin colour but rather see people beyond the colour of their skin, the statement can come across as naïve or dismissive of the realities of exclusion that people of colour face, precisely because of their skin colour.

Acknowledging the reality of racial differences does not equate to exclusion. However, failing to acknowledge the everyday exclusion that people of colour experience due to their race, is excluding. This statement is also problematic because it communicates a sentiment that race does not matter or that the impact of race on people’s lives should be ignored or minimised. For those who experience exclusion while navigating systems such as education, health, and employment, this statement does more harm than good.

The reality is that many people want the injustice of racism to be acknowledged, for their experiences to be validated and recognised. “Not seeing colour” does not achieve this; rather, it contributes to the problem in a number of ways. It contributes to the ongoing denial of racism, which is one of the biggest barriers to addressing racial injustice. It also contributes to the reluctance of people to speak up about their experiences.

When people disclose racism, a common response is one that often tries to deny, excuse, reframe, or minimise their experience. There are countless stories of people reporting racial exclusion in their workplace to human resources staff, only to receive responses that add insult to injury. Statements such as “perhaps you have overanalysed the situation, they did not mean it that way” or “we have a [insert name of relevant policy here] and we do not condone such behaviour” followed by no action. Such responses fall short of acknowledging the injustice of what has happened, or the strength it takes for people to speak up about such painful and dehumanising experiences. These responses also ignore the psychological impact of racial exclusion on people’s overall health and well-being.

What many people want is for others to acknowledge the reality of racism, for people to “see colour,” and recognise that people face everyday exclusion due to this. People also want to be believed when they speak up. People are not looking or anyone to try and save them. Instead, people want others to listen through the discomfort long enough to learn from those at the centre of these experiences.