I agree with you. I don't have Middle Eastern, Persian, or Arabic heritage myself...but the trends of hate crimes and violence directed toward Americans with MENA heritage is undeniable. Just because some MENA individuals have lighter skin tones, that shouldn't negate the experiences of those who have browner skin pigmentations.

These "Oppression Olympics" sympathizers (such as the Black professor I'd mentioned) seem to be conflating racism with colorism.

I believe there should be a "MENAPA" (Middle Eastern North African Persian & Arabic) category on the Census form. AAPI should also probably be modified to "APIDA" to include Desi (people of Southeast Asian heritage) descendants.