Here’s an idea: if you think you’re being unfairly looped in when someone calls out white people for racism, hetero people for homophobia, cis people for transphobia, TAB people for ableism, financially secure people for classism, men for sexism and think it’s necessary to pop up to holler “we’re not all like that” stop.

Stop and think.

Think about whether that protest adds anything to the conversation, or whether it derails it.

Think about whether that protest is really about fairness or if it’s about using your privilege to silence.

Try thinking about what’s more important to you, clearing your own name by making sure to exclaim how the particular accusation doesn’t apply to you…

Or…

Expressing solidarity, by acknowledging that in fact, too many [whatever] people exhibit exactly the characteristic being called out, and working to counter that behavior when you see it, rather than trying to gain reassurance or ally points or headpats that you’re one of the “good” ones.

Your protests in your own behalf? Aren’t helping anybody but you. And our call outs of the privileged behavior of your peers? Aren’t about you.

Quit centering yourselves. Help or have a seat and be quiet.