Educated people know "urban" is often code for black. This kid might say they want a discussion, but is anyone asking you why you think "urban" means black? No. They just downvote you because they disagree or they resent you, and then the one kid who talks with you only does so to tell you you're wrong for saying it because it makes white people uncomfortable. You can't win. How are you supposed to call out racism when you're not allowed to use the term "racist"? They accused you of shouting but did you shout? No.
How are white feelings supposed to mean more to you than your own feelings? You see this racism, and it hurts, but you're just supposed to accept it silently because if you say something white people feel bad? Or you're only allowed to talk about it in a certain way? Bullshit.
Even if you were to explain to them the history of using the term "urban" to mean black, you'd still be downvoted without question and this kid would still try to make you seem guilty for calling out racism where you see it. They'd just tell you they don't see it that way, and then their opinion is supposed to mean just as much or more to you than your own. They will not reciprocate, there's is the default and yours is the other. Every single time. To them, equality means their ignorance is just as valid as your insight. It means they don't have to listen to anyone because everyone's opinion has the same value. "Discussion" means you stop talking now and let them explain to you why you're wrong.
When I saw the comment that said "urbans" I knew right away they were saying "blacks." Because I know media and racial code words. It's all about the context and given the context of the comment it is not at all farfetched to assume they meant "black."
The article didn't say "urban" anything, so where's this coming from?
If they didn't mean black, then what did they mean? They never explained themselves, and the burden of proof is on them. Did they mean black or not? If not, then what exactly did they mean? Did they mean city folk? Why put it in quotes then? Why not just say city folk? If they meant black then why didn't they just say black? If they did mean black, then would that be racist? The article didn't say the kids were black, so yeah that would be a racist assumption.
The kid that wants a "discussion" just wants you to play by the rules. And the rules are designed to make white people feel good at your expense. Notice how if you call out racism you're automatically "shouting." That's bullshit. They just want you to talk about it within a certain framework in a certain way and if you go outside the approved framework you're disqualified.
How are you supposed to talk about racism if you can't say "that's racist"? Anybody who asks you to stop making white people uncomfortable is really asking you to stop talking about racism, to stop expecting white people to listen to you, to stop expecting your perspective to matter to them, stop asking to be heard. They only like you when you act like nothing is wrong. They only like you when you play along and let them win. That way you're not challenging them to redefine the way they think and act in the world.
You know what would make white people very comfortable? If black people would just sit down and shut up.
Here's my interpretation of what just happened:
Kid one: "hidden racist comment" You: "that's hidden racism" Kid two: "I don't know if that's hidden racism, but you shouldn't say things that make white people uncomfortable." You: "it is though, and so are you" Kid two: "i don't know, but you're shouting and making me feel bad, so I don't have to listen to you." You: "I'm sorry. Your opinion is interesting." Kid two: "that's exactly what I wanted to hear, thank you for this valuable discussion." You to your friends later: "Reddit is racist AF"