“This whole idea that Americans are implicitly biased or racist against other human beings is hard to accept because I see counter examples every day in interracial relationships, marriages, friendships, teaching relationships, workplaces – the examples are everywhere.”
“But that idea is so critical to the worldview of some people that they’ve built an entire industry around it. That’s why I founded Colors United. We’re uniting to fight for this idea that we actually are a tolerant, loving country. Talking about racism in the way some people do actually hurts the true cause of being a colorblind country, where people can get along as neighbors and friends and not have to worry about each other’s race.”
“The truth about Americans – and most people in the world – is that we have mostly gotten along and gotten to know each other beyond race. Any dichotomy on the basis of race reduces a person to a stereotype. You are not really going to get to know your neighbor unless you talk to them and ask them about their story. Then, if they want to talk about how their race or their ethnicity influences their background, that’s fine. For some people, their minority status is critical to who they are. And for some people, it’s not critical but who they are. People should respect that.”
“The best way to build a friendship with someone is by listening and showing respect. Ultimately, it’s the best way to build a more unified country and to heal the divides that are raging across America right now.”
“You need to get to know me for who I am, and you for who you are. Just sit down with somebody, get to know who they are, what they believe and what they care about – chances are you’ll find a lot more common ground than you think.”
Kenny Xu
Raleigh, North Carolina
Kenny Xu is the President and primary spokesperson for Color Us United. In that role, he fights anti-Asian discrimination and speaks out on the damaging nature of divisive ideologies.
