Giving praise when it's not warranted can be bad.
It should be shown that there is nothing wrong with doing something poorly, and it gives a chance for constructive criticism. I've always (kindly mind you) helped the creative kids throughout my life by showing them where they can improve and why. Feel like that gives them more agency and respect than a constant "Of course you did great! You always do great!".
Feels good to give praise, but kids pick up on the bs.
Of course don't be cruel, and attack and exaggerate (which I don't think the person you're replying to was suggesting), but be honest. Kids are people and grow in their abilities the same way. Only getting praise is not the way to grow.
So I get what you're saying. It seems obvious who is receiving the abuse so why not just say it?
But it's not about keeping a secret (IMO). It's about not putting all of the attention on the one person over and over again by stating the victims name over and over again and singling them out. (If it was me, I would hate it and feel much more alone)
Instead here it's a group being mentioned which should hopefully spread the hate out. Maybe it won't work but nothing else really has either when this happens. And at least maybe the person will feel supported.
I'm not sure why you feel they shouldn't have said anything though? The racism is very public so not saying something publicly would be wierd right?
Also I feel like people are forgetting that maybe the victim okayed all this and wants it to go this way?
Maybe not but I feel like you can find the reasoning behind these decisions if you try to see it from other angles.