PSA

there's contexts where saying "poc" is the most accurate, but as a rule of thumb it's better to say specific races or ethnicities.

poc are NOT a monolith.

ppl even of the same ethnicity don't always think the same, and different ethnicities face different struggles. (1/7)

for example, using "poc" to talk abt racist attacks against E/SE asians bc of covid takes away from the specific struggles asians are going through, as other ethnic groups dont face this.

asians already deal with struggles that (2/7)

1. lump us together (stereotypical "asian" accent, asians all looking the same, ignorance abt how asia is an entire diverse continent)

2. divide us (the colourism dark skinned asians face, how non-east asians arent part of the "model minority" which is bullshit anyway)

(3/7)

other than taking focus away from specific groups and their struggles, using "poc" also erases the privilege that some poc have. police brutality affects multiple ethnicities but overwhelmingly impacts black, brown, and indigenous peoples the most. as an asian i dont have (4/7)

to worry abt being pulled over or shot by cops because of my appearance in the same way as black, brown and indigenous peoples do, where it is a constant fear and a REALITY.

shared poc immigrant experiences do exist: maybe not feeling 100% at home PHYSICALLY anywhere but (5/7)

having a home w PEOPLE by being connected to our cultures and families, generational trauma from years and years and years of oppression our ancestors faced, building/finding NEW community where we are, being proud of our own personal cultural identities, the comfort of (6/7)

cultural foods that connect our past, present and future, etc etc

using "poc" is good to describe a shared experience, or a census or statistics, or when you want to connect poc all together or address all poc. just remember it's probably more appropriate to be specific.

(7/7)