Do Color Blindness and Multiculturalism Remedy or Foster Discrimination and Racism?

Abstract

This article offers insight from psychological science into whether models of diversity (e.g., color blindness and multiculturalism) remedy or foster discrimination and racism. First, we focus on implications of a color-blind model. Here, the literature suggests that while color blindness appeals to some individuals, it can decrease individuals' sensitivity to racism and discrimination. Furthermore, the literature suggests that, with some exceptions, color blindness has negative implications for interracial interactions, minorities' perceptions and outcomes, and the pursuit of diversity and inclusion in organizational contexts. Second, we examine circumstances under which a multicultural approach yields positive or negative implications for interracial interactions, organizational diversity efforts, and discrimination. The research reviewed coalesces to suggest that while multiculturalism generally has more positive implications for people of color, both models have the potential to further inequality.

Mixed Signals: The Unintended Effects of Diversity Initiatives

“…Although diversity initiatives are meant to signal inclusion to underrepresented groups, several investigations indicate that diversity initiatives, and indeed the concept of diversity itself, can signal exclusion and threat to members of traditionally advantaged groups. The way diversity is framed can also affect feelings of inclusion and fairness of advantaged groups, which can have important implications for intergroup relations (see Plaut, Thomas, Hurd, & Romano, ). Plaut et al.…”

Forging Diversity‐Science‐Informed Guidelines for Research on Race and Racism in Psychological Science

“…Several scholars have noted individual ways in which researchers contribute to the generation of knowledge on issues surrounding race and racism, including the use of racially diverse samples (e.g., Richeson, 2018;Stewart & Sweetman, 2018) and examining the effects of racial diversity on individual and collective outcomes (e.g., Bell, Leopold, Berry, & Hall, 2018;Craig, Rucker, & Richeson, 2018;Plaut, Thomas, Hurd, & Romano, 2018;Richeson & Sommers, 2016). Each of these elements is important.…”

Police endorsement of color‐blind racial beliefs and propensity to interact with youth of color

“…Power evasion is characterized by a denial that racism still exists, minimization of the need for institutional policies meant to increase diversity or representation, and denial of racial privileges (e.g., White privilege) (Neville et al, 2013). Strong endorsement of color-blind racial ideology correlates with racial prejudice and racist ideology, and it predicts a greater likelihood of engaging in racially insensitive behavior (Offerman et al, 2014;Plaut, Thomas, Hurd, & Romano, 2018).…”