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34 Reasons Why an Author Reflecting on Bigotry Might Not Name the Bigot
The author’s real reason isn’t always obvious
Now and again (and again, and again, and again), a person notices that a certain remark or screed is bigoted. Sometimes, the wisest course is to ignore and forget the bigotry and thereby starve it of oxygen — but not always. Often, the affected person wants or needs to think about what they just heard or experienced, and furthermore, sometimes, they decide they ought to respond.
More precisely: When someone uses a monetized blogging platform (like this one) to make harmful policy recommendations toward Identity Group X, a member or ally of Identity Group X might read their damaging essay and decide to publish their own essay on a similar theme, reflecting on some facet of the overall situation and what it means to them.
The second person might choose not to name the original author. Off the top of my head, I can think of 34 reasons why. Any combination of these reasons might apply in any circumstance. Undoubtedly, there are more I haven’t thought of. I’m limited by my own perspective and life experience.
These are reasons and motivations that a person might have; I am describing how a person might actually think or feel, not prescribing how they ought to think or feel…
