I believe there's a way to reconcile "colorblind" with "color-conscious." Just like you, I recognize there are a lot of people who use the term "colorblind" with good intentions. I know what they're TRYING to say. And, on the flip side, I recognize why it's offensive to many people if they hear the term "colorblind" used, as though there's an attempt to diminish their identity. I know what they're TRYING to say, too.

I personally stray away from using the term "colorblind" because, as a person with autism, I often find literal references to be unsettling. I like the term "color-conscious," or even "color-savvy" or "color-aware."

But let's use "color-conscious," for our purposes today. Here's how I'd look at its usage.

To view others in a "color-conscious" way, you would:

A.) Recognize somebody else's skin tone/pigment

B.) Acknowledge they've endured specific life experiences related to their skin color

C.) Do one's best NOT to make assumptions about another person's beliefs/philosophies/intent, even while acknowledging their skin color itself

D.) Assess the individual based on their words and actions, taking into account their skin color when relevant

E.) Ask questions, rather than stating "Oh, I just ASSUMED this about you..."

F.) Remind oneself that NO GROUP is ever a monolith

G.) Don't be afraid to admit if your assumption turned out to be wrong (if that's what they confirm, for you), and acknowledge your willingness and appreciation to learn from it

Not all of this necessarily always has to be done verbally (out loud). This is the approach that should be taken with any human being.

If a person doesn't wish to engage, respect that. When a person appears combative, take a step back and make a good faith effort to ask thoughtful questions (about their reaction) in a conversational manner (i.e. getting to know them, as a person)

If they resort to personal attacks and character assassinations against you -- make an example out of them, for the benefit of bystanders (this obviously wouldn't apply to conversations held in private). This is my version of "tough love." It may not spur introspection in them, but it will help to bring the peanut gallery back down to earth.

That's *MY* definition of being "color-conscious." If anyone considers it to be "colorblindness," then we're on a similar philosophical wavelength but we're miles apart when it comes to our application of language.