Answer:
'Well-meaning racism' is a term used to describe racism that is not intentional or malicious, but nevertheless has a negative impact on people of color. It can take the form of microaggressions, or subtle but offensive comments or actions that are often unintentional but nonetheless reinforce racist stereotypes.
Some examples of 'well-meaning racism' are:
- assuming that a person of color is not as capable or intelligent as a white person
- surprised that a person of color is well-spoken or educated
- making assumptions about someone’s abilities or interests based on their race
- using racial stereotypes to explain away behavior
A white person may tell an Asian person that they are 'articulate' or 'very well-spoken.' These compliments may be meant as compliments, but they also suggest that the white person is surprised that their race can speak English properly.
Similarly, a white person may ask an Asian person where they 'really' come from. This question implies that the white person does not believe that the Asian person is really an American citizen.