This is in response to a comment on the entry Colour-blindness and its effects
Colour-blind for the most part is a misnomer. A more accurate description is colour weakness or colour impaired. While there is a small portion of the colour-blind population that can see only in black, white and shades of gray, the majority do see colours. However, what we see is not what you (non colour-blind populace) see.
There are two major forms of colour-blindness: red-green and blue-orange. What does this mean? Simply put a red-green colour-blind person has difficulties discerning reds and greens (and likewise with a blue-orange colour-blind person). “Pure” red and green are perceptible but as the colours move into the various tints and shades it becomes more difficult to perceive their “true” colour.
An example seems appropriate: light-green (graviating toward white) colours appear gray to me. I drive a Ford Contour. When asked what colour it is painted I respond gray, however according to other people it is teal (green).
This leads to much confusion, especially when I describe something to people, or provide directions. Because I cannot rely on colour perception being the same I often need be more observant to relay the information accurately, without the use of colours. This is not always successful :)
To get a sense of what it feels to be colour-blind find a colour-blind test. Specifically one that details what a colour-blind person sees or does not see. It can be quite enlightening.
While none of this information is scientifically accurate, it hopefully helps non colour-blind people understand.
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