by Penka Arsova
LaCorte News
Merriam-Webster has added an explanation for the word “color-blind” to warn people that it can be perceived as racist.
The story: The dictionary currently lists three definitions for the word “color-blind,” including “affected with partial or total inability to distinguish one or more chromatic colors,” “not influenced by differences of race … especially : treating all people the same regardless of race” and “INSENSITIVE, OBLIVIOUS.”
But, two months ago, according to Just The News, Merriam-Webster attached an explanatory note to the second definition that pertains to race. The note explains that while some people would believe that being “color-blind” means they’re not racist, others might find it offensive, dismissive, and in fact, racist.
“NOTE: While sense 2 can be used with positive connotations of freedom from racial prejudice, it often suggests a failure or refusal to acknowledge or address the many racial inequities that exist in society, or to acknowledge important aspects of racial identity,” the note reads.