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.
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.
“Claiming that chess is racist because the white pieces move first is just another case of RES.”
“She said that a coffee shop menu was racist because it uses the term ‘black coffee.’ She definitely suffers from Racism Everywhere Syndrome (RES).”
“She said that a coffee shop menu was racist because it uses the term ‘black coffee.’ She definitely suffers from Racism Everywhere Syndrome (RES).”
by PhraseSmith August 16, 2025
Get the Racism Everywhere Syndrome (RES)mug. To discriminate, harm, or stereotype someone for the color of their skin or for the color of their skin compared to the situation their in. This definition applies to every color, despite popular belief that only white people can be racist.
Racism is everywhere. Just the other day, someone assumed that since I had a nice car and I'm black that me or my daddy were selling drugs😒
by Clementina ( Check Roman gods) July 26, 2021
Get the Racismmug. by PBredellAnony April 12, 2022
Get the Racismmug. i love racism stupid nigger
by ilovewhitelittlekids March 10, 2024
Get the racismmug. Generational racism found in the middle aged and elderly. They are honoring hate their parents gave them. Like any fossil, they try to hide - only to show up in weird places.
by Angiece June 23, 2020
Get the Fossilized racismmug. by Shepherd Guy April 23, 2023
Get the Space Racismmug. When you don't have power but you do have prejudice and judge an entire demographic on the color of their skin to feel better about your lack of agency and success in life.
Most definitely due to being held back by invisible micro forces rather than one's own personal shortcomings.
Most definitely due to being held back by invisible micro forces rather than one's own personal shortcomings.
"I judge people based on their skin color, but it's okay because I do it the right way! :D"
"Careful with the Revenge Racism man. If you can accurately judge one race of people, then you can do so to all races, and we've already seen how that kind of thinking ends. Let's try and grow our mindset a little."
"Careful with the Revenge Racism man. If you can accurately judge one race of people, then you can do so to all races, and we've already seen how that kind of thinking ends. Let's try and grow our mindset a little."
by yung pistachio January 25, 2021
Get the Revenge Racismmug.