Let's stop perpetuating anti-Blackness in our media consumption

the absolute easiest first step: fix your language

So, you say you're anti-racist BUT you continue to fall back on using the word “dark” when describing negative aspects in media? Let’s unpack that!

Dexter: Original Sin, episode 101

Evoking darkness as a metaphor for things that are scary, disturbing, creepy or upsetting is not only lazy, it perpetuates racism. Specifically: it perpetuates anti-Blackness. As lovers of horror and mystery, and as regular consumers of true crime, your language absolutely matters. Your words have power, which means you have power! And how you wield your power (and privilege) on a daily basis is the ultimate test of your beliefs, wouldn’t you agree?

Non-Black folks: do you ever stop to think how it may feel for your Black friends when you talk about your favorite media, and drop the word “dark” as a negative descriptor? Do you really think that language isn’t harmful to them, and other dark-skinned people who wish to escape via the same media you do?

Darkness is not inherently bad, and continuing to choose that language without digging deeper is actively racist. Know better, do better, right? Well, now you know! So let’s explore some better language options.

When you use “dark,” here are some words you may actually be searching for instead (in alphabetical order):

• Bad

• Chilling

• Creepy

• Depressing

• Disturbing

• Evil

• Grim

• Grotesque

• Horrible

• Intense

• Morbid

• Sad

• Scary

• Spooky Just kidding! This is a slur - please stop using it if you are not Black.

• Tragic

• Twisted

• Unimaginable

• Unsettling

• Unthinkable

• Upsetting

Horror & mystery fandoms are already rife with casual racism and constant microaggressions. As Black & brown people, entering these spaces can be intimidating and unwelcoming. Do you really want to contribute to that? Changing your language takes practice, and you will absolutely make mistakes. But it’s actually pretty easy to do once you make the choice and commit to it. We recommend holding yourself accountable by asking your loved ones to hop on the darkness train with you. That way, when you inevitably slip up in conversation (again, just accept that it will likely happen), someone else can chime in with a loving correction - everybody learns, everybody wins.

Do you have any suggestions to add to the list? Feel free to share them in the comments!