That's overcompensating, and that's just as bad," I say. "Your say you don't see color … but that's all you see. You're so hyperaware of it, and trying to look like you aren't prejudiced, you can't even understand that when you say race doesn't matter all I hear is you dismissing what I've felt, what I've lived, what it's like to be put down because of the color of my skin.
The quote from Jodi Picoult's novel "Small Great Things" speaks to the complexities of racial awareness and the impact of prejudice. The speaker points out that attempting to ignore race under the guise of equality can actually be a form of denial that disregards the lived experiences of marginalized individuals. This hyperawareness highlights that an aversion to discussing race can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of empathy for those who face discrimination.
The speaker emphasizes that when someone claims not to see color, it inadvertently invalidates the realities of racial struggles. It suggests a superficial approach to addressing racism, failing to appreciate the depth of personal experiences shaped by skin color. The message underscores the importance of acknowledging and understanding racial issues rather than pretending they don't exist.
