Effects of Service-Learning on White College Students' Racial Attitudes, (The): Implications for Achieving Better Outcomes

Color-blind racial attitudes represent another counter-productive reaction students may have to multicultural service experiences. Color-blind racism is a modern form of racism in which the recognition and thus value of multiple races and cultures is denied (Gallagher, 2003). This philosophy is based in the belief that ignoring racial differences is the best way to deal with race. Service-learning researchers, Chesler and Scalera (2000), report, "Many white students participating in these programs adopt a 'color-blind' ideology regarding race relations, often failing to see or be able to deal with significant differences among racial and class groupings" (p. 22). They argue that service-learning students will fail to learn "race lessons" unless they engage in significant reading, reflection, and peer dialogue. Instructors must counter misconceptions by posing challenging questions and providing critical feedback, lest the students rely on their (mis)understandings of racial dynamics.