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Racism Everywhere Syndrome (RES) is an informal term used to describe a phenomenon in which an individual interprets neutral or innocent subjects as racist due to their own subconscious associations. Instead of recognizing the thought as originating from themselves, the person externalizes it and labels the subject as racist.

Definition

RES has been described as a type of cognitive projection, where one’s own implicit associations are attributed to an outside object, character, or symbol. Proponents of the term argue that a truly non-racist individual would not make such associations in the first place.

Characteristics

Typical features of RES include:

Overinterpretation: assigning racist intent to symbols, colors, or characters with no evidence of such intent.

Projection: transferring one’s own subconscious thought onto an external subject.

Moral signaling: publicly accusing neutral subjects of racism as a way of demonstrating personal anti-racist values.

Examples

Interpreting a fictional character’s dark fur, clothing, or traits as racist stereotypes, despite no evidence of authorial intent.

Viewing ordinary colors, shapes, or symbols as inherently racist.

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