Dr Zuleyka Zevallos

Those questions White people ask #POC, we have to decide whether we waste time explaining why you're racist & then deal with your fragility.

As for thinking #POC owe White people one-on-one tutorial on race, or a cookie for "allyship," that's racism at work.

The fact that there are patterns to these DMs from White people show the link between everyday racism on Twitter & structural racism.

Have the courage to ask in public; #POC may or may not answer if we have interest/time/emotional energy. But don't abuse generosity via DMs.

Related: I rarely follow back White people nowadays. Even if they seem to have related interests. Can't risk more opening for microagression

Why this is a pattern of Whiteness? Because #POC seldom DM asking for personal tutorials; if they DM, conversationis completely different

#POC who DM other POC don't ask with expectation of service. They spell out work they've already done & look for ways for mutual support.

#POC don't DM with questions for personal benefit. They look for ways to form solidarity in *communal* causes. That's a diff dynamic to WP.

#POC aren't perfect, & we all make mistakes, BUT it's the expectations behind DMs, & their broader context, that need deeper reflection.

DMs are also the place where White people will harass #POC in ways they don't in public. They feel more liberty to get upset & demanding.

There are power dynamics on Twitter same as every other social interaction. Race is a mediator of how & why DMs play out how they do.