"I don't understand why you're walking around this neighborhood w/ a bunch a packages" to black UPS

[Alithea]

25. Your analogy seems to apply but it doesn't actually fit well here.

The adage is used to explain the discriminatory assumption that is unfortunately often applied to people who commit violent offences: the assumption that a black, Hispanic, or Muslim perpetrator committed the offence because of some personal choice (or identity group flaw) for which he should be held accountable, while not considering the possibility of mental illness, - but that a white person is readily offered that possibility and excuse of mental illness. That is true and a very fair criticism. I agree with it entirely.

The reason the adage is true is because it is equally possible to accuse or excuse a black, Hispanic, Muslim, or white person for a violent offence (Eg. a shooting spree, domestic violence). Violent offenders come in all colors and religions.

That’s also why it doesn’t apply when the offence is an accusation of racism. No black, Hispanic, or Muslim person could be similarly accused.

When the supposed racism manifests as “a completely unwarranted suspicion”, it’s important to remember that paranoia is a central feature of several mental health disorders. The more unwarranted the suspicion and the more bizarre the behavior, the more likely it is that it’s caused by a mental health issue.