Should we as teachers adopt a colorblind lens?

The idea of being colorblind in our society is not only unrealistic but hurtful.  It assumes and takes the stand that race does not matter.  Instead of acknowledging our country’s past of slavery, racism and oppression it exclaims that there is a level playing field providing equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of race.  It denies that there are unfair obstacles and unearned privileges imbedded in our country’s institutions.  All of this week’s readings address this issue and how imperative it is that teachers acknowledge they see color.  The majority of our country’s school teachers are white middle class women, while the student population is quite racially and culturally diverse.  This means that as teachers we need to be prepared to teach children that very likely have different experiences, values and ideas.  We need to become “racially aware”.  Howard explains that, “racial awareness is the willingness of educators to listen to students talk about their racialized experiences, to probe for deeper clarity about these experiences, and to seek ways to learn from them” (122).

As teachers, it is imperative that we are aware of the privileges attached to being white.  As Howard suggests we should realize that becoming racially aware is a lifelong process which has no end point.  This is true for other differences you may have with your students as well, such as class, gender, physical abilities and or sexual orientation.  We need to be accepting and understanding of all of our students not just the ones that seem most like us.  To do this we need to, as Howard suggests, be willing to listen “to the stories, experiences, histories, struggles, and setbacks of marginalized groups” (119).  Understanding of the historical context and content of our schools and students is an extremely important journey that will lead to being a more thoughtful, compassionate, equitable, productive, engaging and effective teacher. 

As one of my professors always says, “we are all unfinished”.  This statement means so much to me because it stresses it is never too late to change or adapt who we are.  It stresses the potential for everyone to be lifelong learners, and that we all have the opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be, no matter our age.  This idea is addressed many times throughout our readings.  Howard and Ayers both stress the importance that teaching is about constantly evolving to the needs of our students; to be ok with feeling uncomfortable and not knowing all the answers.  Part of the fun of being a teacher is exploring and discovering along with your students and understanding and embracing that learning is a two way street.