Color Blind by Charles A. Stearns
The narrative follows Sukey Jones, a woman of mixed heritage struggling with her self-image in a society that idolizes pale beauty. Working at a spaceport diner, she becomes infatuated with Harry Thurbley, a senior space pilot. When Sukey loses her job after a confrontation with wealthy Venusian women, she moves in with Althea Campbell, a wealthy widow seeking to regain her youth through the rumored rejuvenating powers of Venus's rainbow gardens. As Harry searches for Sukey, he discovers that Althea has taken her to Venus, where they encounter Marjud, a native involved in the beauty trade. Althea's obsession leads them to the forbidden rainbow gardens, where she believes she can restore her youth. When Harry and his friend Chuck find Sukey, they learn that Althea has locked her away to pursue her own desires. In a climactic moment, Harry enters the garden to rescue Althea, who has transformed into the ideal of beauty she sought. The story explores themes of identity, societal standards of beauty, and the lengths individuals will go to achieve acceptance and desirability. Ultimately, it questions the true cost of beauty and the sacrifices made in its pursuit.
By Charles A. Stearns · First published 1969 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Thriller · 5,978 words
First lines
_For that elusive green-white glamour, go to Venus, the ads urged vain women. But that was only half the story -- just ask olive-skinned Sukey Jones._
Her name was Sukey Kireina Jones, and the blood of South Asia was in her veins. Mix that with the Celtic, brother, and you've got something special. Her eyes were dark, and mostly a little sad; her hair was black as the Rim, and she stood barely five feet in heels, unless you count the curves, which, if Nature had been fool enough to straighten them out, would have added quite a lot -- and taken away a lot too.
What this Textopian page supports
Color Blind is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charles A. Stearns, dated 1969 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Charles A. Stearns
- Date: 1969 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Thriller, Adventure, Political
- Length: 5,978 words
- Structure: 1 section, 159 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Color Blind by Charles A. Stearns
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Color Blind?
- How does this short story by Charles A. Stearns fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book reflects advanced technological environments and biological concepts that are rooted in scientific principles and speculative fiction.
- Dystopian — Depicts a future society under oppressive societal control, suggesting the genre of dystopian fiction.
- Thriller — Elements of suspense and tense sequences demonstrate a thriller element.
- Adventure — The protagonist undergoes perilous journeys and encounters, indicative of the adventure genre.
Tags
race · identity · prejudice · discrimination · social justice · equality · diversity · inclusion · cultural awareness · bias · empowerment · community