To anyone who may be reading this story:

When I published this work in 2012, I thought I was not racist. I understood the deeper undertones and references of TMG's source material to the antebellum south, and felt proud that Amandla Stenberg had portrayed Rue so beautifully in the movies, even though some people were angry about her being Black.

And yet, in trying to do something different with the character of Thresh, I turned him into a racist caricature. I was called out on it back then in reviews, and I realized they were right, but felt too ashamed of my mistake to change it. Instead I just blended his character into the background and tried to hide the shame I felt.

Now, in the time of the anti-racism movement, I feel more confident owning my shame. I couldn't see that even though I considered myself to be not racist, I was unaware of implicit biases I held in my subconscious that came out through my writing. I have thought a lot about if I should take this story down altogether, but I believe total censorship has its own problems. (And, as someone who enjoys revisiting fanfic from time to time, I really hate it when one of my favorite authors takes all their stuff down.)

And so, I am choosing to add this statement instead, in an attempt to educate and inform. I appreciate that the anti-racist movement is forgiving of mistakes, and is about learning and trying to be better. I, as a privileged write woman, am trying to be better. It is hard work, but I am trying.

I hope this admission of my failing has touched you, reader, so that you can feel okay owning any shame you may have, or to make you aware of any dormant racism hiding within you. Together we can all learn and grow and overcome. Thank you for reading.

Sincerely,

Katie (ktface3)

6/14/20