Reply to Is BIPOC the new term to use? What happened to just POC?

Forum Index » Off-Topic

Reply to "Is BIPOC the new term to use? What happened to just POC?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I remember when it was preferred to refer to folks as black.  Then it was changed to african-american.  Than, apparently, we went to black again.  I guess BIPOC is the latest iteration.

I'm happy to call people whatever they prefer, but if wish folks would settle on one term.  [/quote]

The way that we think and talk about race has always and will continue to evolve. Black people endured hundreds of years being defined by white people. Please allow us our nuance now. [/quote]

What is the nuance though? Can’t you understand why it is confusing when there are different definitions all over? [/quote]

Sure, I can understand why you'd find it confusing. Like a PP said, we don't all get in a room together and vote. Use what makes sense to you, and as your understanding evolves your language may as well. But just because you don't understand it, that doesn't mean kanguage shouldn't change or evolve as people try to be more accurate and inclusive. That isn't going to stop. [/quote]

The problem is that if you don't use someone's preferred term you are, at best, insensitive, and at worst, a racist (or some other xxx-ist).  For example, see all the recent discussions about the language used to describe the various permutations of gay.[/quote]

You shouldn’t worry about that. If you’re trying to be an ally no one is going to get mad at you for accidentally saying a wrong term. The people who get mad seem to be the white guilt people.

I’m lesbian and I also get pretty confused by the ever evolving list of new words for our community. Personally I cringe at the word queer and hate people using it about me. But I’d never get mad because no ones a mind reader and I don’t expect the average straight person to know about the history and subtleties of using gay and lesbian versus LGBT versus queer. [/quote]

I really appreciate this comment PP.  And please understand that all of us are evolving (hopefully) into being more sensitive.  I've had gay friends for over 30 years and yet I would still use the "f" word as an adjective.  This, "that looks fruity."  Was it wrong then?  Yes.  Did I realize it at the time? No.  Was I trying to demean anyone?  No.  I don't use that word any longer in any context.

I also don't use the word queer.  I remember when that was used derogatorily.  I'm not fan of any oppressed group taking over epithets.  I'd rather see them confined to the dustbin of history.[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics