CW: rape, sexual harassment
In today’s world, racism and oppression is usually seen systematically, like police brutality against the African-American community and unfair sentences given to Black men and women in court. However, there are many other circumstances where racism happens in subtle ways, much like microaggressions. An example is in dating and romantic situation.
Origins Racial stereotypes and fetishism started in the Colonial Era, in slave households where Black women were sexually harassed and raped. Later on in the 70s, during the peak of American feminism, Asian women were seen as people who enjoyed subjugation and being subservient, basically a contrast to white women in the white man’s eyes. This also applies to other WOC, such as Middle Eastern/Arab and Latina women being seen as exotic.
"Trickle-Down" Stereotypes
Sadly, these stereotypes originating from white people spread out to all POC communities. For example, Black men and women are hyper-masculinized, they are seen as primitive and dominant, while Asian men and women are hyper-feminized. Due to this, some races become less desirable than others in dating situations. Studies prove this by showing that men on dating apps are more likely to choose certain races of women than others.
It's Not A Compliment
Many people see racial fetishes as a compliment to certain POC. It’s not. Calling someone ‘’chocolate skinned’’ or ‘’mami’’ isn’t flattering at all. Some people also hide their fetishes by using the word ‘’preference’’. It’s hurtful, and it enforces the racism we strive to and work so hard to eradicate. It’s one of the types of racism that might seem positive, but really isn’t.
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