In Response To “Seemingly Harmless Racist Phrases to Avoid Around Your BIPOC Friends”

Dear friend,

I agree with the author that racism is pandemic, but I disagree that it’s because we say things. Photo by Dyana Wing So on Unsplash

I know that you are well-meaning with this, but unfortunately, I don’t believe it will help cure racism or offer any benefit to people of color. Mostly because the audience that you are appealing to is already your ally, yet the ones with the problem will never consider your story in the first place.

When people who are indeed on the same page with you do try to follow your advice, it only causes more issues. It leads to uncomfortable awkwardness where before there has been genuine curiosity. It leads to the lack of meaningful interactions where there has been open space for discussion and exploration of our human selves. It leads to stalling conversations and hidden aggravation versus honest exchange of thoughts and transparency. Trying to accommodate similar opinions triggered America into a state where every progressive individual walks on eggshells daily, whether it is a TV personality, your acquaintance from Facebook friend list, or a business owner.

Walking on eggshells is a hallmark sign of a toxic relationship. Do you really want me to walk on eggshells around you? I’m sure you don’t, because that diminishes any chance of us developing a healthy human connection. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and…