Colorblindness On The Colbert Report

Statements like “I don’t see color” or “We are all just people,” are good examples that one might be engaging with colorblindness. Colorblindness often acts as a person’s denial to acknowledge another’s race or ethnicity as a relevant part of their identity. One might take the colorblind stance in order to be a “neutral” player in the discussion of race. A good example of this is Stephen Colbert’s skit on colorblindness on the Colbert Report, because he illustrates both the consequences of the colorblind position and the benefits of addressing the topic as a white man.
As a white comedian, Colbert is limited because he has only been able to observe or second handedly experience other subgroups’ cultural values and their struggles. Most of his views are likely limited to what he observes (and his perception of it) or learned through media’s lense. As
During Colbert’s later segment “The Word: Colorbind” in 2013, he acknowledges that whites have the greatest power if there is any real change to occur when dealing with issues of race. Here, “white action” is a necessary condition for change in issues of race. His statement is valid if we consider that white individuals possess the societal and institutional power to oppress numerous sub-groups under their hegemony. Then, this power could also be used to stop that same oppression or to have positive effect. This is also reflected in his audience demographics, which he admits are made up of a white majority. This allows Colbert to engage and possibly influence that very powerful demographic which other comedians of color might otherwise be unable to reach (or might be unwilling to listen). Colbert’s position as a white comedian allows him to simplify complex issues of race and deliver those to powerful audiences to challenge their current