When you think about the world's most intractable problems, racial inequality is among the most challenging. Societies have grappled not just with how to treat community members equitably in public spaces, but how to judge individuals based on qualities that extend beyond race in personal interactions. For many decades, some have pointed to "color blindness," or treating people without regard to race or ethnicity, as the best way to promote equal opportunity. But, there are many who believe the approach downplays racial bias and silently maintains discrimination. In this special event hosted by TED and nonpartisan media group Open to Debate, moderator John Donvan leads a discussion between writer and podcast host Coleman Hughes and New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie, with additional contributions from Candis Watts Smith, Thomas Chatterton Williams, Monnica Williams and Robert A. George.

Coleman Hughes and Jamelle Bouie: Does color blindness perpetuate racism?

Does color blindness perpetuate racism?

social change

history

race

United States

society

identity

policy

equality

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