Epistemology

Epistemology can be defined as "the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion." [the Google/Oxford Languages definition]

Here is what appears to be a fact checker's guide on how to conduct such an investigation:

In 2016, Mr. Caulfield met Mr. Wineburg, who suggested modeling the process after the way professional fact checkers assess information. Mr. Caulfield refined the practice into four simple principles:

1. Stop.

2. Investigate the source.

3. Find better coverage.

4. Trace claims, quotes and media to the original context.

Otherwise known as SIFT.

Source - https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/opinion/fake-news-media-attention.html

The way I read this is "if you don't like what someone is saying or writing, then find someone you DO like and quote them instead". However you cut it, such a method is fundamentally subjective and prone to be biased.

Or should we just abandon critical thinking because it's "racist"?

To me this seems to be just another example of the blind leading the blind.

My advice? Trust your instincts, and do what you think is right for you and yours. You can always find an "expert" to confirm or negate just about anything, but you're the best expert on you.