Wonderful and thought-provoking article, Danielle! I agreed so much with some of your points, and found myself questioning others. I think intent and knowledge play a huge part. The intent of the fox eye make-up I think is largely one of appreciation of artistry and beauty (and of a type that historically has not been celebrated by non-Asian ethnicities--progress!). But pulling ones eyes is back to enhance it does strike me as insensitive (mostly out of ignorance I suspect...as you stated too). I think to display care towards how this may land with others who have been mocked with this same gesture is just plain good, empathetic citizenship in a diverse world.

The question then to me becomes how to react. Calling an individual racist tends to be a conversation ender, instead of making a person stop and consider (and to be fair, I think your use of this specific accusation is limited). Sharing that something is causes you pain and why...this to me is a wonderful way to cause someone to consider it. As Brene Brown says better than I can: "“People who wade into discomfort and vulnerability and tell the truth about their stories are the real badasses.” Confidently sharing vulnerability is so powerful and invites empathy. You do this in your piece, and I applaud it and encourage you to double-down on it.

Thanks for the piece, and helping me dig into my reaction on the fox-eye part in particular, and considering my response. I look forward to more!

(P.S. Whether the concept of "evil" is something that actually exists or is a fabrication of religion is a topic for another day, so I will spare you, and everyone else, my ramblings about that ;))