Introduction
When we talk about advocacy, it can range from issues around the world: poverty, corruption, police brutality, inflation, hate crimes and more. But what happens when we look at the root of all of them? The answer is defined in the basic middle school classroom, known as colonization. This term is the cause of other processes such as gentrification and racism.
Over the last year, with monumental elections, the political landscape has grown more and more divided, with a range of opinions being spread on abortion, immigration, and the economy. And when individuals seem to exhibit apathetic and uncaring behaviour for attention and likes, this puts humanity on a pedestal. People may have been mocked for their appearance, their culture, or their interests, with people choosing “dark humour“ over basic empathy. But has social media also played a role in this? Has it also challenged negative perceptions of different races?
The Tiktok Controversy
Even if you’re not active on TikTok, a popular video surrounding mixed White and East Asian Americans is sparking debate and support from the African American community. On September 4th, 2025, the user @say_qis, who goes by the name Madeline, posted a video talking about how she can’t stop giving snark to white people at East Asian grocery markets, giving them the side-eye or the look of being displeased and rather annoyed with their presence.
There were two sides on the spectrum of opinions. On one side, people found it disrespectful given that she is mixed with white ancestry and she pretends she doesn’t identify with them. On the other, people are not taking it as seriously. Many East Asian content creators felt compelled to talk about their personal experiences with racist remarks and the obsession with proximity to white people to feel accepted. Their food and monolids being mocked by white people have caused them to not be as vocal for social issues, resulting in such cases going unnoticed, for the sole purpose of appearing more obedient.
Once again, these stereotypes and judgements have further separated their community and given them a weaker backbone. African Americans have come to support this discussion of negative behavioural patterns that have set their respective communities back, as inequality and injustice within judicial and legal systems continue to exist.
An Analysis on Digital Decolonization & Moving Forward
So, what does happen when people see how their lack of awareness, such as their proximity to white people, negatively impacts others in their community? Decolonizing thoughts that are filled with hurtful stereotypes and stigma around individual cultures arise.
For a long time, black people have been reduced to nothing but gang violence, sexualization, and slurs, but not enough people are educated on the reasons why. Seeing that the most common example of racism involves skin colour, black people have felt alone in their struggle to fight against the systems that don’t allow them to prevail.
However, this and the quarter zip trend have led to covert accounts of racism, but people of colour can learn to realize their worth and potential and advocate for issues surrounding them. This may mean taking the time to mention that their culture is of great importance and not just a trend in the media, or something for rich corporations or businesses to profit from, or for appropriation. It should be represented wholly and truthfully with no distortion.
Sometimes, we should be asking why inequality and other overlapping and recurring problems occur. We need to dig down the rabbit hole and not disregard things by assuming that it “isn’t that deep”. Because only then will things begin to change, and that’s what makes our world a better place. Let people be uncomfortable and disturbed while talking about history, since that’s the only way unprivileged communities can move forward. Making the top 10% accountable for unethical decisions is integral to the growth and rebuilding of a society where everyone can be equal and not tripped up by systems that outgrow them.
Colonization is still real and very much prevalent in identity. We remember the past to make the future a little easier and less burdensome for others.
Thank you for reading my opinion piece! Please provide your thoughts below on this topic or anything related to it. What other questions can we ask to beg for change? What things are currently stopping us from achieving complete support and advocacy? What kind of unity can we see between people of colour?