BIPOC is an acronym that stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. It is a term used to collectively refer to individuals and communities who have been marginalized and historically disadvantaged by White individuals and communities (systemic racism) due to their racial and ethnic backgrounds.
The term acknowledges the shared experiences and struggles faced by these groups in the face of systemic racism and discrimination. Using the term BIPOC, recognizes the unique challenges faced by Black and Indigenous communities, while also encompassing the broader range of racial and ethnic minorities who experience racial oppression. It aims to promote inclusivity, solidarity, and intersectionality within discussions surrounding race and social justice.
It is important to recognize that as language evolves, the terminology used to describe racial and ethnic identities may continue to change, with new terms emerging that better reflect the diversity and complexity of community experiences.
Black People
The term “Black” (people) is associated with a shared racial identity among people of African descent. This racial classification originates in the scientific racism of the 18th and 19th centuries when racial hierarchies were constructed to justify discrimination and oppression of darker-hued people*.
Over time, its use (and capitalizing “Black”) became a deliberate act to reclaim and redefine the term, empowering Black individuals and communities by giving them agency over their own racial identity.
It is also important to recognize that the term “Black” is not universally embraced by all individuals and communities of African descent. Some prefer to use alternative terms like “African American,” or “Afro-Caribbean” to reflect their cultural heritage and experiences more specifically.
Other synonymous identifiers that may be used to reference Black people may include: Colored, Negro, Afro-American, African-American, Mulatto, Creole and black (lower case).
Indigenous People
The term “indigenous” is derived from the Latin word “indigena,” which means “born within” or “native to.” It is used to describe the original or earliest known inhabitants of a particular geographic region or territory.
The etymology of “indigenous” reflects the idea of a connection between people and their ancestral lands.
The concept of indigeneity and its associated terminology has been used across different cultures and languages, highlighting the existence of distinct populations who have longstanding ties to specific regions. The term gained prominence in the context of colonialism, as European powers encountered and often displaced the native peoples of the lands they colonized.
It is important to note that the term “indigenous” is often used in a collective sense to refer to diverse and distinct groups of people, each with their own unique histories, languages, cultures, and relationships with the land. This term serves to recognize and affirm the rights, identities, and contributions of these communities.
The use and understanding of the term “indigenous” may vary across different countries and regions, as it intersects with local histories, politics, and struggles for recognition and rights. It is advisable to consult specific sources and engage with the perspectives and self-definitions of Indigenous communities to gain a more nuanced understanding of the term within a particular context.
People of Color
“People of Color” (POC) is a broader term encompassing individuals who are non-white or who have a racial or ethnic background other than white. It has been used historically to address the shared experiences and challenges faced by non-white communities in the context of systemic racism and discrimination.
The term “POC” (Person of Color) is often used as an umbrella term to refer to individuals who are not racially white. While it can be a useful term for highlighting shared experiences of systemic racism and discrimination faced by non-white individuals, it is important to recognize the diverse histories, experiences, cultures, and needs of the people represented within this broad category.
Chocolate and BIPOC
The historical context of chocolate is deeply intertwined with the experiences of BIPOC people worldwide. The cultivation, production, and trade of cacao, the key ingredient in chocolate, have a complex history marked by colonialism, slavery, and exploitation. European colonizers established plantations in regions like West Africa and Latin America, where enslaved Africans and Indigenous peoples were forced to work under harsh conditions to produce cacao. This exploitative system enabled European powers to dominate the global chocolate trade and accumulate significant wealth.
Unfortunately, the legacy of this historical exploitation still lingers in the chocolate industry, with many cocoa-producing regions facing issues such as child labor, poverty, and unfair trade practices.
Moreover, the representation and marketing of chocolate have often perpetuated racial stereotypes and exoticized Indigenous cultures. Such portrayals have contributed to the dehumanization and objectification of Indigenous peoples and people of color.
Recognizing and addressing these historical injustices is crucial. Efforts should be made to promote fair trade practices, advocate for the rights of cocoa farmers and workers, and encourage diverse and respectful representations of Indigenous cultures and people of color in the chocolate industry and its marketing. By working towards a more equitable and sustainable chocolate industry, we can contribute to a more just and inclusive world.
BIPOC Cacao farmers receive support from environmental groups.
* It is important to note that the use of the identifier “chocolate”, which has historically been used to reference people of darker skin tones, may be considered offensive to some and celebratory to others.
Próximamente versión en español
Entry added: June 29, 2023
Verified on: September 14, 2023
Authored by
Corey Stayton, Ph. D., Assistant Professor of English
Academic / university faculty
Jaye Nias, Assistant Professor in Computer Science, Spelman College
Academic / university faculty
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