Colorblindness is caused by a condition in the occipital lobe that causes challenges in recognizing and processing color. Colorblindness affects each person differently, with some experiencing red/green colorblindness and others experiencing Monochromatism, which is the inability to see any type of color, beyond greyscale. But, despite this small difference in perception, some people go as far as to discriminate against those who have it.
The majority of this hatred comes from ignorance. With many people over exaggerating the effects of colorblindness, saying it affects intelligence and even moral character. Many of this hate has been cultivated through online groups. One popular anti colorblind influencer stated, “If you see the same amount of color as my dog, you should have the same amount of voting rights as he does too.”
(Disclaimer: don’t ever say something so prejudiced against the colorblind.)
These online spaces curate apathy for those different from them. One such viewer of this content was asked to go through a colorblind simulator in hopes of gaining more empathy for those different from them. Afterwards, the viewer broke down exclaiming, “Oh my God, they’re people too! I thought they were like weird little subspecies of humans or something. I feel awful really, I never considered that they could have feelings.” Inspiring stories such as this one give us hope that people can change for the better. That empathy isn’t so far out of reach.
A large amount of this prejudice is based on misinformation. So, here are some real facts about color blindness:
-It’s rare, but possible to be colorblind in one eye and not the other, which is called Unilateral dichromacy.
-Over 300 million people are colorblind (that’s 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women)
-All babies are born color blind, they don’t develop color receptors until about six months of age
-Annoying people aren’t more likely to be colorblind
-No, color blind people aren’t faking it for attention
-Colorblind tests are not equivalent to IQ tests
-Tylenol does not cause color blindness
This colorblind prejudice has made its way out of the internet and into the real world. We were going to meet with one brave colorblinded individual, Dr. Gray, to tell their inspiring story. But, unfortunately they declined 🙁
This is what was going to be asked. If you’re colorblind feel free to share your answers.
What form of colorblindness do you have?
What challenges do you face with being colorblind?
Have you ever experienced anti colorblind discrimination?
What has been the reaction of people around you, finding out you’re colorblind?
Do you believe that colorblind people should have the same amount of rights as normal people? Like should you guys be allowed to vote?
Do you have any clue as to why you’re colorblind? (ex. Dropped on head as a baby)
How do you feel about the colorblind community?
What do you have to say to people who hold anti colorblind prejudices?
Is there anything you’d like to add?
This anti colorblind sentiment should never be tolerated. Don’t ever treat someone as less than for something they can’t control. Colorblind people are just that, people.