let's talk about poc, who is and who isn't a poc, and why it's confusing for so many people because i feel like a lot of oomfies and moots need this information !
(honestly even i was confused before doing my research lmao)

i've taken all this information from some interviews insider did on the topic, i'll leave it right here https://www.insider.com/the-internet-is-debating-who-to-call-people-of-color-2018-11

most people think POC refers to anyone who has a melanated skin, or relatively dark or tan skin. this would exclude asians, some latines, etc.

vivian louie, director of the asian american studies center at hunter college, says [skin color is irrelevant in the designation "person of color"] which she defines as [someone who simply has physical characteristics that set them apart from white people]

so in theory, anyone who isn't white could be considered as POC. the term BIPOC is used as well to refer to this giant group of people standing for BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PEOPLE OF COLOR, and despite it's a little bit more specific it still fails to mention multiple ethnicities

chanel west, a black english teacher from chicago says the term [does nothing to openly identify the unique struggles and ethnic identities of the groups within the umbrella term] and i have to agree with her. (fully my opinion!! you have the right to disagree w me)

she specifically said and i quote "i don't like it because it is a form of erasure of my unique ethnic identity and brand as just a person of color". this means that yes, if you're not white you're allowed to use POC to refer to yourself, despite it's a general term

but also, you can try to be more specific and use ethnic identifiers! such as "african-american, latine, south east asian, hispanic, pacific islander etc..."

according to west "these allow the speaker and audience to have a clear understanding of that person's ethnic and cultural identity while also demanding respect."

so there you have it ! chances are you are a poc, but please please PLEASE don't forget it's an umbrella term. it's always better (in my opinion) to be specific about your ethnicity and heritage.
eg: i'm a latine poc from perú!

i tried to word this as best as i could, but i could be wrong so if you have any suggestion on how i can share this message in a clearer way or if a part of this information is wrong please let me know! okay thanks have a nice day and thanks for reading