Why I Can’t Stand the Term ‘People of Colour’
Dilhan Salgado D’Arcy discusses his annoyance at the popularised term.
For anyone who has social media and hasn’t been living under the rocks of Castle Sands for the last few months, you will have undoubtedly have heard of the ‘We Are St Andrews’ campaign. Sharing stories and images of diverse members of the student body, the campaign attempts to raise awareness of minority issues and create lasting positive change in St Andrews. And about bloody time! In 2018, it seems surprising it has taken this long for students to stand up to St Andrews’ glaring diversity problem and to make their voices heard. As a minority student, I cannot help but have utmost admiration and respect for the creators of the campaign and the many people who have bravely shared their stories in the hope of not only tackling existing issues, but also making St Andrews an inclusive community for generations of students to come.
Then why did I find a distinct niggling peeve when the term ‘people of colour’ was briefly mentioned? Reflecting on it, I was always slightly uncomfortable at the term whenever I came across it, but had no idea why. The term is not offensive, largely accepted and commonly used, evidenced by the multitude of people who identify with it – so why not me? Was I missing something? In an attempt to justify my reaction (and to divert my focus away from the two deadlines I had) I decided to delve a little deeper into why I had the reaction I did and what exactly it was that made me baulk at such an innocuous term.
First, there is the very sound of the term ‘people of colour’ which is basically a rewording of the redundant and offensive description, ‘coloured people’. Conducting some research on the social Bible of BuzzFeed, it appeared that the main distinction between the two was that the term ‘coloured’ was coined by white people to oppress others whereas ‘people of colour’ was chosen by minorities to resist this oppression. Evidently, I missed the ballot. Then there is the abbreviation POC, which makes the dermatologically darker sound like the dermatologically diseased. But these reasons seemed petty; if they weren’t the source of my dislike of the term, then what was?
Digging further still, perhaps the real issue is not with how the term sounded but what it means. Referring to any person who does not identify as white European, ‘people of colour’ essentially defines someone by what they are not rather than what they are. One the one hand, this may help some feel a sense of inclusivity and solidarity. But in my experience at least, this solidarity is lacking. How can I compare my identity – as a mixed race man raised in leafy Sussex – to someone from an entirely different gender, ethnicity and background, who may have experienced race and racism in a way that I can hardly imagine? If the only thing you have in common with someone is that you both happen not to be white, is this really enough common ground to use the same term to identify yourself? This terminology risks erasing the diversity within diversity and hastily presuming a sense of commonality between people from vastly different walks of life.
Describing an individual as a ‘person of colour’ also raises a multitude of issues for someone who identifies as mixed race. Separating society into what are essentially white and non-white camps forces mixed race people with white heritage to emphasise one aspect of their identities over another. It doesn’t matter if one of your parents is white, your cousins are white or if this part of your identity is important in forming how you understand yourself, the term ‘people of colour’ linguistically severs you from this half of your identity, pushing you into a clump of people who you may have significantly less in common with than your white relations. This ‘us and them’ dichotomy brushes over the complexities of ethnic heritage, reinforcing the same reductive ideas of race that have historically been deeply problematic for mixed race individuals like myself.
Coming to the end of this existential journey, perhaps the niggling peeve I feel at the term ‘people of colour’ is not so irrational after all. However, not for the first time, I know I am in the minority. If the term ‘people of colour’ gives you a sense of solidarity and belonging that I am too antisocial to appreciate, then by all means, use it, and use it with pride. But if we are allowing people to choose the terms by which they refer to themselves, then I’ll politely opt out of this one. And while we’re choosing our own terms, I think I’ll go for golden: shiny and only fashionable in small quantities. Now let’s get back to those deadlines.
order sildenafil 50mg without prescription
Is it legal to import prescription medications purchased online into my country where can i get kamagra in the uk?
Are there prescription options for managing hematologic conditions vidalista 80?
SightCare formula aims to maintain 20/20 vision without the need for any surgical process. This supplement is a perfect solution for people facing issues as they grow older. https://sightcare-web.com/
Serolean, a revolutionary weight loss supplement, zeroes in on serotonin—the key neurotransmitter governing mood, appetite, and fat storage. https://serolean-web.com/
Tonic Greens is a ready-made greens shake designed to support the entire body and wellness of the mind. It is filled with over 50 individual vitamins https://tonicgreens-try.com/
Support the health of your ears with 100% natural ingredients, finally being able to enjoy your favorite songs and movies https://quietumplus-try.com/
NanoDefense Pro utilizes a potent blend of meticulously chosen components aimed at enhancing the wellness of both your nails and skin. https://nanodefense-web.com/
FlowForce Max is an innovative, natural and effective way to address your prostate problems, while addressing your energy, libido, and vitality. https://flowforcemax-web.com/
TestRX™ is a bodybuilding supplement. It’s formulated with high-quality natural ingredients proven to boost natural testosterone and stimulate muscle growth. https://testrx-web.com/
DuoTrim is an innovative weight loss supplement that utilizes the power of natural plants and nutrients to create CSM bacteria https://duotrim-us.com/
BioFit is a Nutritional Supplement That Uses Probiotics To Help You Lose Weight https://biofit-web.com/
Alpha Tonic is a powder-based supplement that uses multiple natural herbs and essential vitamins and minerals to help optimize your body’s natural testosterone levels. https://alphatonic-web.com
VivoTonic™ is a 11-in-1 vital blood sugar support formula that may improve how the metabolism goes after the calories that consumers eat. https://vivotonic-web.com/
FoliPrime is a simple serum containing a blend of vitamins designed to boost hair health. FoliPrime has 100 percent natural substances that enhance and supplement the vitamins in the scalp to promote hair growth. https://foliprime-web.com/
Gut Vita™ is a daily supplement that helps consumers to improve the balance in their gut microbiome, which supports the health of their immune system. It supports healthy digestion, even for consumers who have maintained an unhealthy diet for a long time. https://gutvita-us.com/
Neuro-Thrive is a brain health supplement that claims to promote good memory and thinking skills and better quality sleep. This nootropic supplement achieves its cause with its potent blend of natural compounds and extracts that are proven to be effective in sharpening mental acuity. https://neurothrive-web.com/
Fast Lean Pro is a herbal supplement that tricks your brain into imagining that you’re fasting and helps you maintain a healthy weight no matter when or what you eat. It offers a novel approach to reducing fat accumulation and promoting long-term weight management. https://fastleanpro-web.com/
The ProNail Complex is a meticulously-crafted natural formula which combines extremely potent oils and skin-supporting vitamins. https://pronailcomplex-web.com/https://pronailcomplex-web.com/
100% Natural Formula Expressly Designed to Help Control Blood Sugar Levels, Improve Insulin Response And Support Overall Health https://glucotrusttry.com/
Protoflow is a prostate health supplement featuring a blend of plant extracts, vitamins, minerals, fruit extracts, and more. https://protoflow-web.com/
Boostaro is a dietary supplement designed specifically for men who suffer from health issues. https://boostaro-try.com/
Unlock the incredible potential of Puravive! Supercharge your metabolism and incinerate calories like never before with our unique fusion of 8 exotic components. Bid farewell to those stubborn pounds and welcome a reinvigorated metabolism and boundless vitality. Grab your bottle today and seize this golden opportunity! https://puravive-web.com/
Zoracel is an extraordinary oral care product designed to promote healthy teeth and gums, provide long-lasting fresh breath, support immune health, and care for the ear, nose, and throat. https://zoracel-web.com
Zeneara is marketed as an expert-formulated health supplement that can improve hearing and alleviate tinnitus, among other hearing issues. https://zeneara-web.com/
GlucoBerry is one of the biggest all-natural dietary and biggest scientific breakthrough formulas ever in the health industry today. This is all because of its amazing high-quality cutting-edge formula that helps treat high blood sugar levels very naturally and effectively. https://glucoberry-web.com/
Pineal XT is a revolutionary supplement that promotes proper pineal gland function and energy levels to support healthy body function. https://pinealxt-web.com/
Are you tired of looking in the mirror and noticing saggy skin? Is saggy skin making you feel like you are trapped in a losing battle against aging? Do you still long for the days when your complexion radiated youth and confidence? https://refirmance-web.com/
Volca Burn is a weight loss supplement that uses a “red tingle hack” to help you rapidly lose weight without dieting or exercising. https://volcaburn-web.com/
Xitox’s foot pads contain a combination of powerful herbs that help provide a soothing experience for your feet after a long day. https://xitox-web.com/
Hydrossential is actually a skincare serum or you can say a skincare supplement created by Emma Smith to help women keep their skin looking beautiful and flawless. https://hydrossential-web.com/
Reliver Pro is a dietary supplement formulated with a blend of natural ingredients aimed at supporting liver health
ProstaBiome is a carefully crafted dietary supplement aimed at promoting prostate health. Bid farewell to restless nights and discomfort with ProstaBiome precise strategy for addressing prostate concerns. https://prostabiome-web.com/
PotentStream is designed to address prostate health by targeting the toxic, hard water minerals that can create a dangerous buildup inside your urinary system It’s the only dropper that contains nine powerful natural ingredients that work in perfect synergy to keep your prostate healthy and mineral-free well into old age. https://potentstream-web.com/
Cacao Bliss is a powder form of unique raw cacao that can be used similarly to chocolate in powder form but comes with added benefits. It is designed to provide a rich and satisfying experience while delivering numerous health benefits. https://cacaobliss-web.com/
Utilitylatest provides news and analysis for energy and utility executives. We cover topics like smart grid tech, clean energy, regulation, generation, demand response, solar, storage, transmission distribution, and more. https://utilitylatest.com
Are generic medicines from online pharmacies reliable kamagra gold kamagra?
scshlj banking finance news – https://scshlj.com
dtmliving multifamily news – https://dtmliving.com/
Lasixiv provides news and analysis for IT executives. We cover big data, IT strategy, cloud computing, security, mobile technology, infrastructure, software and more. https://lasixiv.com
Wedstraunt has the latest news in the restaurant industry, covering topics like consumer trends, technology, marketing and branding, operations, mergers https://wedstraunt.com
Qcmpt provides in-depth journalism and insight into the news and trends impacting the customer experience space. https://qcmpt.com/
Tvphc provides news and analysis for IT executives. We cover big data, IT strategy, cloud computing, security, mobile technology, infrastructure, software and more. https://tvphc.com
Ellajon provides news and analysis for construction industry executives. We cover commercial and residential construction, focusing on topics like technology, design, regulation, legal issues and more. https://ellajon.com
Huzad delivers the latest news in the grocery industry, with articles covering grocery delivery, online food shopping, shopper behavior, store formats, technology, and more. https://huzad.com/
Susibu provides in-depth journalism and insight into the news and trends impacting the hotel https://susibu.com/
Sisanit provides in-depth journalism and insight into the news and trends impacting corporate counsel. https://sisanit.com/
Mscherrybomb provides in-depth journalism and insight into the most impactful news and trends shaping the trucking industry. https://mscherrybomb.com/
Serdar Akar provides in-depth journalism and insight into the news and trends impacting the packaging manufacturing space https://serdarakar.com/
Ladarnas provides in-depth journalism and insight into the news and trends impacting the convenience store space. https://ladarnas.com
Sugar Defender is the rated blood sugar formula with an advanced blend of 24 proven ingredients that support healthy glucose levels and natural weight loss. https://smithsis.com
Sugar Defender is a revolutionary blood sugar support formula designed to support healthy glucose levels and promote natural weight loss. https://blackboxvending.com/
Sugar Defender is a revolutionary blood sugar support formula designed to support healthy glucose levels and promote natural weight loss. https://mineryuta.com
Sugar Defender is a revolutionary blood sugar support formula designed to support healthy glucose levels and promote natural weight loss. https://acmesignz.com/
sugar defender: https://novabeaute.com/
sugar defender: https://abmdds.com/
sugar defender: https://peyfon.com/
sugar defender: https://seahorsesoap.com/
sugar defender: https://sourceprousa.com/
sugar defender: https://lindadicesare.com/
sugar defender: https://alchemyfashiongroup.com/
sugar defender: https://bridgerealtysc.com/