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(1) The term “BIPOC”
The good and the bad,
the dos and the don’ts—
The good and the bad,
the dos and the don’ts—
(2) The Good
BIPOC, pronounced “buy-pock,” is an umbrella term. It stands for Black people, Indigenous peoples, and people of color. It has grown in popularity because of its specificity (compared to POC) and its sense of humanity (compared to minority, marginalized, non-white).
BIPOC, pronounced “buy-pock,” is an umbrella term. It stands for Black people, Indigenous peoples, and people of color. It has grown in popularity because of its specificity (compared to POC) and its sense of humanity (compared to minority, marginalized, non-white).
(3) The Good-ish
“BIPOC” sets Black & Indigenous people apart because the US was founded on the enslavement of Black people and the genocide of Indigenous people. By contrast, other POC face other plight (e.g. model minority myth). Still, POC is a broad, vague amalgamation.
“BIPOC” sets Black & Indigenous people apart because the US was founded on the enslavement of Black people and the genocide of Indigenous people. By contrast, other POC face other plight (e.g. model minority myth). Still, POC is a broad, vague amalgamation.
(4) The Bad
Like all umbrella terms, BIPOC erases nuance by fusing together a massive group of people as one. This overlooks abundant differences. In terms of discrimination, we share some experiences, and others are largely unique to a specific group (e.g. police brutality).
Like all umbrella terms, BIPOC erases nuance by fusing together a massive group of people as one. This overlooks abundant differences. In terms of discrimination, we share some experiences, and others are largely unique to a specific group (e.g. police brutality).
(5) The Dos
Use BIPOC when referring to groups as a whole (e.g. “BIPOC communities are affected more by air pollution”). BIPOC is generally accepted, but a proper term doesn’t guarantee proper use. If someone tells you that you have misused it, earnestly listen.
Use BIPOC when referring to groups as a whole (e.g. “BIPOC communities are affected more by air pollution”). BIPOC is generally accepted, but a proper term doesn’t guarantee proper use. If someone tells you that you have misused it, earnestly listen.
(6) The Don’ts
As a general rule, BIPOC refers to a *group,* not an *individual.* Many individuals feel misidentified by the term BIPOC because it includes so many titles that don’t apply to them. e.g. I am a Black woman, not a BIPOC woman.
As a general rule, BIPOC refers to a *group,* not an *individual.* Many individuals feel misidentified by the term BIPOC because it includes so many titles that don’t apply to them. e.g. I am a Black woman, not a BIPOC woman.
(7) The Don’ts
Don’t use BIPOC when you don’t mean BIPOC. Let’s say I share, “Black students are suspended 3x more often than white students for committing the same infractions.” I’m talking about Black children, not BIPOC as a whole, so I’ll refer to Black people specifically.
Don’t use BIPOC when you don’t mean BIPOC. Let’s say I share, “Black students are suspended 3x more often than white students for committing the same infractions.” I’m talking about Black children, not BIPOC as a whole, so I’ll refer to Black people specifically.
(8) Some are hesitant to use new language. I’m not mad about that— a sober evaluation of any term is reasonable. BIPOC isn’t a perfect term, but I think it’s the best option for many circumstances. As always, be respectful & thoughtful with your words.
