I had the opportunity to talk to Franzeska in person last year about That Meta Post and to be honest I was not impressed with her response to the criticisms of it. She doesn't seem inclined to listen or respect the feelings of large numbers of fans of color. I was surprised, too, at her words (both in the post and in person). Like you, I'd not noticed racist tendencies but why would I, really? I'm very, very white. What she said in that long meta post and her reaction to it, though, gives me more information than relying on any "racist vibes" she may or may not emanate.

As for your unease with being called out for the use of "spirit animal," I think it's important to remember that canon isn't always everything. There are many things in canon (for all sorts of shows) that we as fans can and should critique and not utilize or perpetuate in our own creations. It sucks being called out for something, but I try to remember that it sucks worse having one's culture appropriated in media and then again in fan-produced media. I also try to remind myself that when someone calls me out on something it's because they care enough about me, my product, and the original material, to say something. So I swallow my pride and pledge to do better in the future.