not to throw my hat in the ring (that’s not a metaphor. shhh just let it be beautiful) but the idea that fanfiction (or, indeed, written works in general) should just be enjoyed uncritically or else you’re being “unfair” or “mean” is uh. stupid, to put a fine point on it
the reality of all media, whether created by a big name studio or by someone on ao3/tumblr, is that it does not actually exist in a vacuum, as much as you want to believe it does. we all insert our preconceived ideas and notions and beliefs into this shit we create, which ofc means that said shit can indeed be deeply problematic and even potentially dangerous. you are literally lying to yourself if you believe otherwise
there also is a distinct difference btwn “you should do more research abt this ethnic group/subject matter/etc. bc the way you’re portraying it/them is offensive/harmful” & “this character should date this other one bc i like that better” & if you are honestly out here conflating the two, you’re an idiot & an ass. full stop
and im sorry (im not) the idea that you shouldnt criticize someone’s story bc “it’s theirs, not yours” falls thru completely when that person is posting said story for other ppl to consume. especially when you’re tackling sensitive subjects like rape or abuse. you have a duty to the ppl who are reading that story to portray shit like that as accurately and seriously as the subject matter deserves. you have a duty to the ppl reading your story to not rely on offensive stereotypes for your characters of color especially when you are not of that race yourself (that does indeed fall under the umbrella of racism & there isn’t a shitty family guy episode out there that’ll excuse you)
the internet is too accessible for y’all to still be making weak ass excuses abt this shit. stop being fckn lazy. either learn to be a better writer or hang it up, flatscreen