Why would this be red flag but not someone saying "black people" or "black community"? Similar question to TC. They all mean the same thing.
None of these phrases convey any ill will or malice.
Black people is how youre supposed to say it. Ive never seen someone say the blacks who didnt say something else which revealed a negative bias against black people.
Wouldn't that depend on the rest of the statement? If someone says, "Black people tend to vote for Democrats.", no one would bat an eye or accuse that person of being racist. So why would saying "The blacks tend to vote for Democrats." make that person seem biased? It's an odd phrasing, but that doesn't imply bigotry.
Id argue it does imply it, but it doesnt necessitate it. ---
"It's basically just a stuffed animal at that point." -Tyranthraxus