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

Guy: Who's going to end racism?
Guy 2: I don't know
Guy 3: Racism won't die, but you should watch Skipper Ends Racism. It's the best movie I've ever seen
Guy 2: I don't know
Guy 3: Racism won't die, but you should watch Skipper Ends Racism. It's the best movie I've ever seen
by pejafme November 4, 2020

When a person's skin colour or ethnic background determines or negatively affects how you treat or interact with someone or a group of people. Generally if it isn't negative it isn't racist. It's also over used to describe when something doesn't go the way a black person wants or thinks it should.
by Galawh September 29, 2022

by ValIsDesperate October 26, 2019

by a literal dumbass October 27, 2022

I have sexual racism. I like sex with Asians and whte people. But not black people or Indian people.
by KateyLove22 March 21, 2023
