Understanding BIPOC
BIPOC is not just about the color of a person’s skin. It is about changing the way people are treated by unspoken, systematic injustice in a world where white privilege is taken for granted.
BIPOC: “Black, Indigenous, and People of Color is an anacronym, umbrella term for all people of color. The term BIPOC is significant in recognizing that Black and Indigenous people are severely impacted by systemic racial injustices.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary
If you’re White, you’re not BIPOC
The term BIPOC aims to be more inclusive and less discriminatory than other names used to describe non-white and indigenous people. Getting away from other less-inclusive labels, BIPOC does not only include indigenous people and not only people of color but all those who have been wronged by white supremacy. If BIPOC simply meant Black, indigenous, and people of color then white people could be called BIPOC. After all, white is a color, and white people are indigenous Europeans, right?
But the term BIPOC covers much more than the color of your skin. Anyone who has been discriminated against, marginalized, misrepresented, or mistreated because of their race, ethnicity, skin color, or shade of skin, is part of the BIPOC community. The term is a way to address all issues that affect non-white individuals who have suffered from the white dominant society we take for granted. So BIPOC goes far beyond skin color or even race.
Why BIPOC is Important to All Races
Throughout history, the white race has been playing with loaded dice. The term BIPOC seeks to level the playing field, without prejudice and without white privilege being a factor. The BIPOC community aims for a more inclusive and mindful global society. All of humanity can benefit from recognizing the BIPOC community and mindfully making room for their participation in all fields. Mindful is perhaps the operative word. More players in the game mean more brilliant ideas, more inventions, discoveries, scientific advances, artistic achievements, and cultural prosperity for all of mankind.
What has Being Mindful got to do with BIPOC?
Depending on where you grew up, who your friends were, what your parents believed in, and even what TV programs you watched, you’re going to come with some discriminatory “luggage.” If you are aware of the stigmas and stereotypes that you have, then you can recognize the internalized racism and proactively put it aside. I know, you’re going to say “what me, I don’t have any internalized racism”. Bull. If you’re white, in fact even if your Black, you must have picked up some racist luggage along the way.
2021 seems like a good time to lose that luggage. In fact, it’s not even enough o recognize the internalized racism in ourselves and address it. We need to go a step further and actively stand up against racial injustice in society. White people don’t have to feel shame or guilt about their ancestors. But they do have to stand up for what is right, now. Black, White, indigenous people, and people of color must all strive for equality for all, in all areas of society.
The White Race Has Nothing to Fear from BIPOC
BIPOC is not a threat to the white people; it is an opportunity to move forward, shake off the mistakes and preconceptions of the past, make reparations and reset the course that will take us into the future. Achieving the goals of BIPOC should ultimately benefit all people of all races — including whites. We can benefit from our shared differences. Think of the brilliance we, the human race, gain by recognizing and celebrating the multifaceted potential of BIPOC people equally. We can be different and equal, without fear. In the future, there will hopefully be no systematic injustice, and privilege will be earned on merit.