Things Black People Confuse as Racist
Describing Someone as Black
You’re talking with Bob from accounting and he’s trying to get you to remember someone from the holiday party, “you remember Jerry, the tall black guy.” And now you’re thinking, “I knew Bob was racist.” But simply mentioning someone is black isn’t the hallmark of a racist. Sometimes, it’s an effective way to remember someone.
Consider the opposite, which often happens in a mixed-race conversation. A white person, who wants to remind you of a black person without mentioning that key detail for fear of being considered ignorant. She’ll use a load of adjectives that are ultimately unhelpful. You may even be left with the burning question, “is she white or black?” but leave it out to avoid going “racial.”