She Strengthens

Understanding the Significance of BIPOC in Today’s Society

In our increasingly diverse society, it’s essential to recognize and acknowledge the unique experiences of different groups, communities, and cultures. Language plays a vital role in this process, and it’s constantly evolving to better represent ourselves. One recent change is the rise of the term BIPOC, which refers to historically marginalized races and ethnicities.

What Does BIPOC Mean?

BIPOC is a political term used to categorize and display solidarity between Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color in the United States. It’s essential to understand the context and significance of this term, especially when compared to the more commonly used POC (person of color).

Origins of BIPOC

The term BIPOC was first used on Twitter in 2013, but it gained popularity during the summer of 2020, particularly during the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Organizations such as the BIPOC Project, YWCA, Inclusive Therapists, Allies in Arts, and Human Rights Watch commonly use this term.

Breaking Down BIPOC

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. It’s a broad term that refers to all non-white people. According to Dictionary.com, BIPOC is pronounced “bahy-pok,” not “BY-POCK.”

The Current State of BIPOC in the US

The United States Census Bureau designates five races: Black or African American, white, Native American or Alaskan Native, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. However, these categories don’t consider the nuances of ethnic groups within racial groups, leading to homogenization.

BIPOC vs. POC: What’s the Difference?

While both terms refer to people of color, BIPOC highlights the specific experiences of Black and Indigenous folks in North America. BIPOC is more commonly used by activists and organizers who are aware of the language they use.

When to Use BIPOC

It’s essential to use BIPOC in the right context. Consider your identity, audience, and environment before using the term. For example, if you’re speaking about Black issues to Black people, it’s better to use the term “Black.” When advocating for diversity or having broad conversations about racism, BIPOC is a suitable term.

Good Uses of BIPOC

• When advocating for diversity: “If we claim to be an inclusive organization, shouldn’t we make it a point to have more BIPOC representation in the room?”
• When having broad conversations about racism: “When learning about racism in America, it’s better to default to BIPOC authors, as opposed to white ones.”
• When describing opportunities for equity: “This is an open call for members of the BIPOC community to apply to this scholarship program.”

Notable Additions

When referencing queer and trans BIPOC persons, some people use the term QTBIPOC, which adds the words “queer” and “trans” to the acronym.

Why Representation Matters

Categorizing groups by race and ethnicity can make sense in certain situations, but it’s essential to understand that no one group is homogenous. Acknowledging people that make up a racial or ethnic group combats the dehumanization efforts of white supremacy.

Getting Representation Right

When in doubt, avoid generalizing and be specific about the groups you’re referring to. It’s OK to make mistakes with your language, but be earnest in owning those mistakes and learning from them. Being corrected doesn’t have to result in further conflict, but it can be an opportunity to continue to foster change.