White people:

If you feel the urge to show that you're not just "going along mindlessly" with all the "PC diversity stuff" (or however your "edgy" little brain formulates this vapid notion) by devil-advocating over queer/BIPOC/disabled people at an event?

FUCKING DON'T.

That temptation you feel? That desire to show you think for yourself and aren't going to give in to "virtual signaling" or some other harrowing abdication of your independence? That desire to show you don't just "kowtow" to POC b/c they're POC?

That's called racism, sweetie.

2/

Deeply imbedded in your cultural identity to the point you can't suss it out by yourself. Informing all your opinions & reactions, all your choices on what to read & what to write.

You refuse to admit it, claim you're "color-blind," bent on "quality."

But you're a racist.

3/

You've been programmed to believe that you, the [ostensibly liberal-minded, often cishet] White person, are the hero of the story. You should be the center of attention. The one getting the prize. The one receiving the accolades.

When you're not, your impulse is to rebel.

4/

People are praising the [slight uptick] in representation for historically under-represented groups?

You've got to remind everyone that White people need representation, too.

As if you weren't already 90% of all representation.

That's racism.

You're a racist.

5/

And it's an insidious, childish sort of racism.

Like when a toddler begins to understand that adults aren't just dedicated to meeting their every need and desire.

When they realize people have conversations, activities, LIVES that have nothing to do with the kid.

Tantrums.

6/

Racist tantrums.

Over and over.

Squeals of "quality" and "what about" as you kick your sad little feet against the ground.

Get over yourselves already, for fuck's sake.

7/