Color Blindness Essay

In the United States, its population consists of variety of races, ethnic and mixed groups including White Americans. Although the U.S is considered as a modern day melting pot country, White Americans are still considered the majority. Not only are they the majority in population, but they are also best known as the privileged population as well. Considering the diversity in the U.S, each person typically goes through a process of shaping their identity including White Americans. This process consists of experiences and influences from an individual, group and universal level. To be more in-depth regarding white racial identity development, the goal is to create an identity that is consistent of an individual’s increasing critical conscience

As these concepts are the common default of thinking among the White American population, the film “What it is to be White?” led by Derald Wing Sue investigated the color blindness thought processes and evaluated its distorted cognitive thoughts. According to Mr. Sue, “To be color blind not only denies the central importance of racial differences in the psychological experiences of minorities, but also allows the White person to deny how his or her whiteness intrudes upon the person the color.” Taken into consideration this revelation about color blindness, it would be significant for a White person to conquer this concept and embrace their racial individuality during their identity development process. Not only is it important for the person to be in tuned with themselves and increase their self-awareness, but it is imperative as a White counselor is aiming to be an effective counselor. If the counselor is in denial about the significance of their whiteness or cannot identify the invisible whiteness in themselves or society, the client of color will struggle to connect and trust the counselor which will affect the therapeutic relationship. As the White counselor will have the empathy and understand a client of

Unfortunately, the invisible nature of White privilege continues to have a huge impact on racism on individuals and society. By admitting the realities of White Privilege and striving to break down the barriers, will not only strengthen one’s abilities to embrace a healthy White identity development, but it will also encourage a healthy and safe atmosphere to build therapeutic relationship rapport with a client of color. In reflection to Mr. Sue, he clearly insinuated the White privilege automatically confers dominance, control and power to the White community as it automatically disempowers and oppresses the minorities. Therefore, the perspective of White privilege will not be easily welcomed in a counseling session with a client of color. The lack of awareness of White privilege potential damage the counseling relationship as the client may feel inferior and intimidated to share their feelings, thoughts and