so the original creator of the term BIPOC intended it as an umbrella term but imo that feels wrong for a few reasons soo here's a thread on my thoughts and why i, as a Native POC, feel uncomfortable with the terms current use.

BIPOC- BLACK, INDIGENOUS, PERSON OF COLOR

my definition: black and/or indigenous person of color

i first saw this term being used SPECIFICALLY for Black/Indigenous folk. it was nice to finally have a term to use to specify our struggles since they are most prevelent in the US.

but then i started noticing folks who aren't Black and/or Indigenous were using the term and it was confusing because i had thought it was specifying us.

so i made that post before without knowing the original creator was using it as an umbrella term so all i can wonder is.. why

the issues with BIPOC being an umbrella term:

-it can be confusing if used by non B/I POC
-takes away from B/I POC experiences/struggles/etc
-erases non B/I POC
-implies only B/I POC exist when it's supposively an umbrella term

so im making this thread to get to the bottom of this. i don't think it's appropriate for BIPOC to be an umbrella term because it is specifying only two races (while also tryin to specify billions of others?) and thats..a big mess if its trying to be an umbrella for everyone else

so this is why i am uncomfortable with the term being used as an umbrella for all POC.

i think POC is still a good umbrella for everyone. BIPOC is specifying two races with significant struggles and brutal histories and i feel that should be respected.

and no, im not saying BIPOC are the only one with these kinds of histories. that's what the term should exist for- identifying only B/I folks.

and other terms do exist for other races! as always you should specify who you're talking about, which is why BIPOC got confusing.

now for folks wondering "well i want to use the term for a safe space, is that ok?"

i think so, but you need to prioritize BIPOC then if it's gonna be a Black and Indigenous space.

however, personally i think just POC is fine as an umbrella term.

and i don't understand why there was ever an attempt like such at a new umbrella term.. i feel like it's just caused a lot of confusion and frustration for all POC. :(

anyway idk those are my thoughts! again just my opinion, maybe not everyone feels the same.