color blind

When referring to a vision disorder involving ability to see or differentiate color, use color vision deficiency, color vision disorder, or the specific type of color vision deficiency with an explanation. This is to be both specific and to avoid confusion with and stigmatization around the Blind and Low Vision community. Also avoid using the term color-blind as a compound adjective around race policy or beliefs.

As the American Psychological Association explains:

Color-blind beliefs in a racial sense purportedly are based on the assumption that acknowledgment of race reifies racial divisions in society. People who endorse color-blind beliefs believe that individual effort is sufficient for achievement in a meritocracy predicated on the idea that everyone has equal opportunities for life success. People who hold color-blind attitudes believe that doing so reduces racial and ethnic prejudice and that acknowledging racial and ethnic differences promotes racial division. However, research shows that holding color-blind beliefs allows racial and ethnic prejudice to fester (Pahlke et al., 2012; Richeson & Nussbaum, 2004). Likewise, scholars are beginning to acknowledge the inherent ableism in the term color-blind to describe beliefs and policies that promote a deficit orientation toward disability.

The APA Inclusive Language Guide suggests using color-expansive instead. However, because this term is not in wide use and can be confusing, it is best to write around it. Where one might use color-blind policies, try policies that avoid race. Instead of saying color-blind beliefs, try beliefs that ignore race.

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