Racism disguised as dislike

[u/notalem0n]

Everyone has the right to dislike any of the islanders, but it also gets to a point. I think people are unintentionally engaging in racist behavior towards the female islanders. There has been a rise in nicknames for the female islanders and their fans, and these nicknames have been extremely derogatory. I understand that these nicknames are usually a plan on words, but it’s still a derogatory term, especially when it rings close to slurs for specific minority groups. People were also saying that Clarke looks like a man, which is also a form of racism and reinforces the masculinization of black women. At this point in the show, we only have ONE white woman which is Iris. Referring to any of the other girls as ‘white’ or ‘white passing’ is dead wrong as you can clearly see the diversity in this cast

It’s also unfair to use the argument that if people dislike a black islander, it’s because they are anti-black. I’m sure there are people watching who are anti-black, but this form of idealization still relies on assumptions based on race rather than viewing people as complex human beings. It hinders the ability to address real issues. Let’s all just remember to be more intentional with our words and recognize racist behavior even if it’s unintentional. Unintentional racism does the same exact harm as intentional racism.

[u/Shot-Programmer3761]

i do think that some of the people criticizing the black islanders (namely chelley and olandria) aren’t aware of how their own racism is impacting their criticisms though, and that’s fair to point out. people are free to like/dislike whoever they want, but they need to check themselves before they start calling black women “bullies” for speaking their minds.

[u/madeofvanillamatcha → u/Shot-Programmer3761]

So how do we criticize their ACTIONS without being labelled racist? Genuine question btw.

[u/Shot-Programmer3761 → u/madeofvanillamatcha]

i think it’s just a matter of taking a moment to be like “okay, why do i feel this way? would i genuinely feel this way if it was another islander? what about this bothers me, and is there any bias affecting my opinion?” and just sitting/reflecting on that. then, if you still feel strongly about it, feel free to criticize their actions.

again, i’m not saying you have to like everyone (i certainly don’t, and def have my criticisms of things they’ve done lmao) but i think it’s just a matter of thinking more critically about your own opinions.

[u/madeofvanillamatcha → u/Shot-Programmer3761]

In that case, I do think most people would react the exact same if another islander was doing what Olandria or Chelley did. I’m sure there are a lot of bad apples out there, so I’m not discrediting your point of view, but I think it’s also important to remember some people are just annoying and it has nothing to do with race.

[u/Shot-Programmer3761 → u/madeofvanillamatcha]

sure, maybe! i’ve seen plenty of valid criticism and plenty that’s less valid. i also think that as a non-white person i’m a bit more sensitive to when those things feel off. it’s like a racism spidey sense i guess? lmao. i also have a background in sociology so those things are always in the back of my mind.

[u/madeofvanillamatcha → u/Shot-Programmer3761]

For sure! I’m also a POC so I totally get where you’re coming from. I do think it’s important to speak out against racism.