This week’s lesson in why the Internet is simultaneously terrible and maybe-kind-of-OK came courtesy of a prom dress, which sparked a dumb controversy that in turn sparked an interesting conversation (at least in some quarters of the glorious World Wide Web).

In short, a non-Chinese high school senior, Keziah Daum, wore a traditional Chinese dress to her prom, posted a photo to social media, and went viral amid complaints the outfit amounted to cultural appropriation. Outrage ensued. Discussion ensued. And here we are.