I Do See Color 2020 (on Substack)
“Seeing” color is no more a problem than “seeing” height. Disrespect and discrimination are bigger issues.
Subscribe to this Substack column for $5 per month or $50 per year to read race- and culture-related posts. For $90 as a founder, get full access to “Black Girl In a Doggone World™,” “Homegrown Tales,” "Tickled," “We Need to Talk” and “Window Shopping” too.
(Looking for IDSC 2019? Click here. 2021? Click here. 2022? Click here. 2023? Click here.)
Subscribe to this Substack column for $5 per month or $50 per year to read race- and culture-related posts. For $90 as a founder, get full access to “Black Girl In a Doggone World™,” “Homegrown Tales,” "Tickled," “We Need to Talk” and “Window Shopping” too.
(Looking for IDSC 2019? Click here. 2021? Click here. 2022? Click here. 2023? Click here.)
71. I grew up on 2 Live Crew songs but knew not to twerk in restaurants ~ True Kitchen Kocktails restaurateur wants guests to stay in their seats
70. Meeting ‘others’: The other reason to go to college ~ Multiculturalism is the extra credit in your tuition rates
69. Stash app: The apology to my economics teacher ~ ‘Straight from the Hart’ made me want to pay attention to stocks and IRAs
68. PODCAST: Rich black men, politics and ‘hostage’ votes ~ Will famous black men speaking out against presidential candidate Joe Biden help Trump win?
67. I’ll never wear weave but relaxers don’t bother me ~ Why I keep walking the straight-hair tight rope
66. Is social media going to ruin black ’90s sitcoms? ~ Twitter is making the teen version of me fight with my adult self
65. Newsroom editors can cripple or embrace reporters ~ Stories you want: Holding local and national news accountable
64. Denzel made journalist Katie Couric ‘uncomfortable’ with her questions ~ Should journalists feel ‘shaken’ when interviewees challenge their questions?
63. Don’t weigh in on positive black shows if you only support ratchet TV ~ How “The Photograph” supporters made me reevaluate my take on African-American entertainment
62. The most efficient way for black businesses to never succeed … is to let self-hate and self-doubt get in our way
61. Does My Editor Understand My Audience? ~ Know your marketing deal-breakers ahead of time
60. The Diversity Question All Graphic Designers Must Answer ~ Does this material match our target client base?
59. Retailers, hire minorities in management and mid-level positions ~ Why entry-level positions simply aren’t enough
58. When self-checkout feels more like racial profiling ~ Whether working or shopping, everyone black is not a thief
57. Store closings: Complex reaction to protesting versus looting ~ Protesters force retail America to speak up on social justice issues
56. BIPOC, we don’t have to be in competition ~ It’s OK to applaud one group while wanting more exposure for your own group
55. Black Santa has his ear to the street ~ What does Santa do the rest of the year?
54. The one piece of advice car salesmen often miss ~ Whether new money or old money, don’t treat people like they have no money
53. To white parents, one size does not fit all ~ Five tips for white parents trying to raise non-racist children
52. In 2023, pick anyone but Mayor Lori Lightfoot ~ Judging from Anjanette Young hidden video & onward, being a ‘first’ does not make her the ‘best’ political candidate
51. Scary factor: Sasha Obama and black boys with locks ~ Internalizing the intimidation factor hurts dark-skinned black men forever
50. Is Santa black? Or does it matter? ~ If kids ask the race question about Santa, what's your response?
49. Black people didn’t ask you to ‘save’ them ~ Why the savior complex is so exhausting to those who didn’t ask you to be
48. Why black women have mixed opinions on black men in interracial relationships ~ How my opinion went from indifference to frustration to acceptance
47. Know what FAST means, not just one sign of a stroke ~ Strokes are 2xs higher for black people
46. 10 ways to figure out if (s)he really has ‘a black friend’ ~ Note: May not apply for all black people, but it applies to enough
45. 48 hours after Biden wins, black women get shunned again — Eva Longoria, know your stats before you dismiss black women
44. When Pennsylvania and Georgia prove the black vote counts ~ And all the other Blue States, we love you, too
43. Is it ‘not realistic’ or just not in your world? ~ Please stop saying positive black films and TV are unrealistic
42. HBCU graduate: Trump assists with $85 million for HBCUs and I still despise him ~ Funding black colleges doesn’t change America’s history
41. The invisible visibility of black women and police ~ Roll the dice: Women and privilege, or black women and discrimination
40. Yelp is calling out racist businesses ~ As an Elite member of Yelp, this is applaud-worthy
39. Trump supporters should learn from O.J. Simpson supporters ~ Know when to shut up because your guy is so very guilty
38. Black book characters make black kids like me want to read more ~ Why Young, Black & Lit is onto something with its literature nonprofits
37. Yes, Millennials, the Holocaust actually happened ~ Almost 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust, but we’re taking selfies
36. When math class becomes a black history lesson ~ How to engage a distracted crowd of black students during the Black Lives Matter movement
35. If you’re not a minority, why are you so sure of your anti-racism tourism? ~ White people, please stop telling me to leave America to escape racism
34. Yes, I’m black. No, I don’t eat chicken. ~ Frustrating food complexities of African-Americans
33. Mixed emotions when black women call the cops on black men ~ Both groups are on the losing side when police show up, even for deck disputes
32. 62% of black women say dating has gotten harder ~ Scams, lies and physical risks are the top culprit to blame in dating woes
31. Chadwick Boseman’s acting resume could be your black history class ~ Virtual teachers, here’s your opportunity to teach what history books leave out
30. Black Lives Matter: The black heart for OkCupid members ~ Online dating site puts controversial topics front and center
29. Netflix gets it wrong again, cancels ‘Patriot Act’ ~ Who has a more valuable voice that fluidly connects African-Americans and Asians?
28. Black girls and Girl Scouts: It’s more than selling cookies ~ From girl’s guy to Girl Scout
27. Are your student’s poor grades due to boredom, laziness or racism? ~ SATs: The diversity argument that may improve a student’s grade
26. Why does your racism appear when the liquor does? ~ The real reason some of your black ‘friends’ and co-workers won’t party with you
25. You, as a minority, can relate to me — but know when you cross the line ~ The invisible line between Hispanics, black folks and racial slurs
24. Dear white people, your black colleagues aren’t required to date ~ Just because your co-workers are the same race does not mean they’re compatible
23. When a black inventor disguised himself as Native American ~ That other reason black folks say they have ‘Indian in my family’
22. Women of color, stop trying to change your hue in photos ~ The photo technician who knows you’re using skin bleachers
21. My first time celebrating Juneteenth was with Mos Def ~ Learning about Chicago’s Inner-City Muslim Action Network
20. Want to combat your prejudices? ~ Expose yourself to ‘others’ The German Shepherd question that explains my take on racism
19. The Black History Month party that made me remember the fine art of silence ~ Trump adds Juneteenth to his horrendous campaigning
18. My grandfather is not the only black birdwatcher I know of — anymore ~ Christian Cooper and Black Birders Week prove there are more
17. Coloring inside the lines with new shades of brown crayons ~ Black art teachers influence support for black artists
16. Andrew on ‘Insecure’ is Issa Rae’s middle finger to Cancel Culture ~ How we learned to love Andrew more than Molly
15. The Joe Biden outrage over ‘You Ain’t Black’ sounds suspicious ~ Pay attention to who is complaining before you shun Joe Biden
14. Dating black women: Interracial dating gone right and wrong ~ Step one: Stop talking about slavery at dinner
13. The ‘seat’ I don’t want at the resume table ~ Why hiding who you are on resumes will only get you jobs you hate
12. Black teachers, please don’t tear down your black students ~ Contrary to popular belief, words do hurt
11. White teachers, please stop judging your black students ~ The fine line between empathy, pity and casual racism in education
10. ‘Uncorked’: For black folks who love wine and Netflix ~ Can we get another round of ‘Uncorked’ comedy + drama films?
9. If Bloomberg wins, I write in another candidate ~ Why my first time being racially profiled put me in the #NeverBloomberg campaign
8. Why are you rating black churches on Yelp? ~ Should churches receive travel reviews?
7. Stop using the term ‘racist’ unless you’re sure it is ~ Empty accusations on race can make you lose all credibility
6. From childhood to adulthood: Simplest way to stop cultural appropriation ~ When imitation is more offensive than flattering
5. This black vegetarian is so tired of PETA ads ~ The 2020 Super Bowl ad from PETA that deserved a block from Fox Sports and the NFL
4. Harriet Tubman’s legacy made me lose a job ~ My proudest moment of being dismissed as an editor
3. ‘Stop acting light-skinned’ and other stupid colorism comments ~ Why black folks need to knock it off with skin color jokes
2. Stop doing these 5 things to your new black employees ~ I know you think it’s harmless, but it’s usually offensive
1. Why I filter new friends in this tense political world ~ The one thing Drake should’ve said about 'no new friends'
70. Meeting ‘others’: The other reason to go to college ~ Multiculturalism is the extra credit in your tuition rates
69. Stash app: The apology to my economics teacher ~ ‘Straight from the Hart’ made me want to pay attention to stocks and IRAs
68. PODCAST: Rich black men, politics and ‘hostage’ votes ~ Will famous black men speaking out against presidential candidate Joe Biden help Trump win?
67. I’ll never wear weave but relaxers don’t bother me ~ Why I keep walking the straight-hair tight rope
66. Is social media going to ruin black ’90s sitcoms? ~ Twitter is making the teen version of me fight with my adult self
65. Newsroom editors can cripple or embrace reporters ~ Stories you want: Holding local and national news accountable
64. Denzel made journalist Katie Couric ‘uncomfortable’ with her questions ~ Should journalists feel ‘shaken’ when interviewees challenge their questions?
63. Don’t weigh in on positive black shows if you only support ratchet TV ~ How “The Photograph” supporters made me reevaluate my take on African-American entertainment
62. The most efficient way for black businesses to never succeed … is to let self-hate and self-doubt get in our way
61. Does My Editor Understand My Audience? ~ Know your marketing deal-breakers ahead of time
60. The Diversity Question All Graphic Designers Must Answer ~ Does this material match our target client base?
59. Retailers, hire minorities in management and mid-level positions ~ Why entry-level positions simply aren’t enough
58. When self-checkout feels more like racial profiling ~ Whether working or shopping, everyone black is not a thief
57. Store closings: Complex reaction to protesting versus looting ~ Protesters force retail America to speak up on social justice issues
56. BIPOC, we don’t have to be in competition ~ It’s OK to applaud one group while wanting more exposure for your own group
55. Black Santa has his ear to the street ~ What does Santa do the rest of the year?
54. The one piece of advice car salesmen often miss ~ Whether new money or old money, don’t treat people like they have no money
53. To white parents, one size does not fit all ~ Five tips for white parents trying to raise non-racist children
52. In 2023, pick anyone but Mayor Lori Lightfoot ~ Judging from Anjanette Young hidden video & onward, being a ‘first’ does not make her the ‘best’ political candidate
51. Scary factor: Sasha Obama and black boys with locks ~ Internalizing the intimidation factor hurts dark-skinned black men forever
50. Is Santa black? Or does it matter? ~ If kids ask the race question about Santa, what's your response?
49. Black people didn’t ask you to ‘save’ them ~ Why the savior complex is so exhausting to those who didn’t ask you to be
48. Why black women have mixed opinions on black men in interracial relationships ~ How my opinion went from indifference to frustration to acceptance
47. Know what FAST means, not just one sign of a stroke ~ Strokes are 2xs higher for black people
46. 10 ways to figure out if (s)he really has ‘a black friend’ ~ Note: May not apply for all black people, but it applies to enough
45. 48 hours after Biden wins, black women get shunned again — Eva Longoria, know your stats before you dismiss black women
44. When Pennsylvania and Georgia prove the black vote counts ~ And all the other Blue States, we love you, too
43. Is it ‘not realistic’ or just not in your world? ~ Please stop saying positive black films and TV are unrealistic
42. HBCU graduate: Trump assists with $85 million for HBCUs and I still despise him ~ Funding black colleges doesn’t change America’s history
41. The invisible visibility of black women and police ~ Roll the dice: Women and privilege, or black women and discrimination
40. Yelp is calling out racist businesses ~ As an Elite member of Yelp, this is applaud-worthy
39. Trump supporters should learn from O.J. Simpson supporters ~ Know when to shut up because your guy is so very guilty
38. Black book characters make black kids like me want to read more ~ Why Young, Black & Lit is onto something with its literature nonprofits
37. Yes, Millennials, the Holocaust actually happened ~ Almost 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust, but we’re taking selfies
36. When math class becomes a black history lesson ~ How to engage a distracted crowd of black students during the Black Lives Matter movement
35. If you’re not a minority, why are you so sure of your anti-racism tourism? ~ White people, please stop telling me to leave America to escape racism
34. Yes, I’m black. No, I don’t eat chicken. ~ Frustrating food complexities of African-Americans
33. Mixed emotions when black women call the cops on black men ~ Both groups are on the losing side when police show up, even for deck disputes
32. 62% of black women say dating has gotten harder ~ Scams, lies and physical risks are the top culprit to blame in dating woes
31. Chadwick Boseman’s acting resume could be your black history class ~ Virtual teachers, here’s your opportunity to teach what history books leave out
30. Black Lives Matter: The black heart for OkCupid members ~ Online dating site puts controversial topics front and center
29. Netflix gets it wrong again, cancels ‘Patriot Act’ ~ Who has a more valuable voice that fluidly connects African-Americans and Asians?
28. Black girls and Girl Scouts: It’s more than selling cookies ~ From girl’s guy to Girl Scout
27. Are your student’s poor grades due to boredom, laziness or racism? ~ SATs: The diversity argument that may improve a student’s grade
26. Why does your racism appear when the liquor does? ~ The real reason some of your black ‘friends’ and co-workers won’t party with you
25. You, as a minority, can relate to me — but know when you cross the line ~ The invisible line between Hispanics, black folks and racial slurs
24. Dear white people, your black colleagues aren’t required to date ~ Just because your co-workers are the same race does not mean they’re compatible
23. When a black inventor disguised himself as Native American ~ That other reason black folks say they have ‘Indian in my family’
22. Women of color, stop trying to change your hue in photos ~ The photo technician who knows you’re using skin bleachers
21. My first time celebrating Juneteenth was with Mos Def ~ Learning about Chicago’s Inner-City Muslim Action Network
20. Want to combat your prejudices? ~ Expose yourself to ‘others’ The German Shepherd question that explains my take on racism
19. The Black History Month party that made me remember the fine art of silence ~ Trump adds Juneteenth to his horrendous campaigning
18. My grandfather is not the only black birdwatcher I know of — anymore ~ Christian Cooper and Black Birders Week prove there are more
17. Coloring inside the lines with new shades of brown crayons ~ Black art teachers influence support for black artists
16. Andrew on ‘Insecure’ is Issa Rae’s middle finger to Cancel Culture ~ How we learned to love Andrew more than Molly
15. The Joe Biden outrage over ‘You Ain’t Black’ sounds suspicious ~ Pay attention to who is complaining before you shun Joe Biden
14. Dating black women: Interracial dating gone right and wrong ~ Step one: Stop talking about slavery at dinner
13. The ‘seat’ I don’t want at the resume table ~ Why hiding who you are on resumes will only get you jobs you hate
12. Black teachers, please don’t tear down your black students ~ Contrary to popular belief, words do hurt
11. White teachers, please stop judging your black students ~ The fine line between empathy, pity and casual racism in education
10. ‘Uncorked’: For black folks who love wine and Netflix ~ Can we get another round of ‘Uncorked’ comedy + drama films?
9. If Bloomberg wins, I write in another candidate ~ Why my first time being racially profiled put me in the #NeverBloomberg campaign
8. Why are you rating black churches on Yelp? ~ Should churches receive travel reviews?
7. Stop using the term ‘racist’ unless you’re sure it is ~ Empty accusations on race can make you lose all credibility
6. From childhood to adulthood: Simplest way to stop cultural appropriation ~ When imitation is more offensive than flattering
5. This black vegetarian is so tired of PETA ads ~ The 2020 Super Bowl ad from PETA that deserved a block from Fox Sports and the NFL
4. Harriet Tubman’s legacy made me lose a job ~ My proudest moment of being dismissed as an editor
3. ‘Stop acting light-skinned’ and other stupid colorism comments ~ Why black folks need to knock it off with skin color jokes
2. Stop doing these 5 things to your new black employees ~ I know you think it’s harmless, but it’s usually offensive
1. Why I filter new friends in this tense political world ~ The one thing Drake should’ve said about 'no new friends'
©2008 Shamontiel L. Vaughn | All rights reserved
