When I was younger, I used to think that was the ultimate compliment. I assumed that I was being judged solely for my character - it was more than skin deep. But I've matured and this has to be addressed. When people say they can't see color, it hinders the progress needed to combat racism. The comment sounds innocent enough, but color is involved in everything. It's the reason why Native Americans were killed in mass genocidal fashion. It's the reason why Black people were lynched, enslaved, and discriminated against. It's the reason why Asian people were placed into internment camps. It's the reason why people who "resemble" terrorists are targeted and attacked for breathing. When you don't see color, you fail to see why police officers are acquitted after killing unarmed people. When you don't see color, you fail to see why Sandra, Philando, Trayvon, and others lost their lives. When you don't see color, you fail to see the correlation - or at least, you choose not to. When you don't see color, you are aware of something truly disturbing, but you don't want to acknowledge it. When you don't see color, you want things to remain stagnant. You want complacency in a "post-racial" society. I am Black and I need you to acknowledge that. I acknowledge it every day when I hear those "jokes" that are actually hurtful. I acknowledge it when I walk down the street. There's an unwritten code that I feel compelled to follow - that others have to follow just to stay afloat. But I'm drowning and I need you to acknowledge that.