Document and Threaten Them
Whether it’s a video, a collection of emails or tweets, or any documentation of the incident, evidence that exposes the racist person can be used against them in the court of public opinion. This is especially useful for online racists.
When a Twitter user racially abused one particular person of color, he hunted down the man’s business name, street address and phone number and took screenshots of the troll’s tweets. Then he sent the man a message, threatening to send all that information to his local newspaper. The troll went quiet.
Don’t Get Triggered, React Calmly
Racists want to push your button to get you angry. Don’t give them the pleasure. Know that resorting to violence, while it may bring temporary pleasure, is an extremely short-term solution. But surely you must convey your disapproval or discomfort with what has just happened. Perhaps one way to do so is question their use of the words or action so you can gauge their intent: “Why do you say/do that?”
