Great post overall – but (coming from the other side of the world) I don’t entirely agree with this statement. I think it is often more about the dominant culture/power oppressing those in the minority – hence (for example) brown people can be just as racist against people of other races, particularly (but not always) if the ‘othered’ people are in the minority. I have a mixed race background (Malay/white NZ) and have seen the outcome of this kind of racism being played out in Malaysia by the Malays against their Malaysian Indian and Chinese citizens. But noting you’re writing from a white-dominant American culture standpoint, and about a certain issue/attitude in particular, I certainly get your point. It’s just the issue becomes more complex, when looking from the perspective of countries with non-white majorities. (And I’ll put aside the issue of colonialism for the moment – as that brings a whole other level of complexity and trauma!)

And I love your point that most (if not all) of the goddess creator mermaids come from black or brown cultures, and personally, I’d love to see mermaids of all colours! 🧜🏼‍♀️🧜🏽‍♀️🧜🏾‍♀️🧜🏿‍♀️🧜🏻‍♀️🧜‍♀️