Colorblind Racism in "Blazing Combat"

      Blazing Combat is a series of comic books that came out in the late 60's amidst the controversial Vietnam War.  While many comics of the time avoided 'hot topics' such as the war and racism, Blazing Combat made it its focus.  Blazing Combat No. 4, released in January of 1966 is made up of multiple short narratives. The first story titled Conflict!, written by Archie Goodwin and drawn by Gene Colan, spotlights racism within American troops.  However, while attempting to express inclusion, a soldier unintentionally exhibits colorblind racism in the second to last panel.  According to our course reading, colorblind racism allows whites to imagine a society where institutional racism no longer exists and disregards racial hierarchy.  It ignores the uniqueness and abilities of individuals of different races, erasing their history.

          Blazing Combat No.4 p.143 Goodwin & Colan

      The Black soldier's statement that, "I don't go out after a man cause he's black, white, or purple...I go out cause he's wounded" (Goodwin & Colan, 1966, p.143), is colorblind because he refuses to acknowledge the difference in race between soldiers.  The comic exhibits how even when you have good intentions, colorblind racism can still arise.  Also, because a Black soldier said it, it shows how colorblind racism is not just reserved to the majority, it is built into society, incorporating itself into the minds and customs of the minority as well. While this comic was most likely perceived well by the Black community, it was written and drawn by white men who were influenced by society's subtle racism.

Concept Reference:
Gallagher, C. A. (2003). “Color-blind privilege: The social and political functions of erasing the color line in post-race america.” In M. L. Andersen & P. H. Collins (Eds.), Race, class, & gender: Intersections and inequalities (pp. 62-66). Boston, MA: Cengage.