Person of Color: History, Meaning, and Political Evolution
The term person of color (plural: people of color or persons of color; abbreviated as POC) is used to describe any individual who is not considered "white." While the term originated in and is most closely associated with the United States, it has seen limited adoption across the Anglosphere since the 2010s, including in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and South Africa.
In the U.S. context, the term serves as an umbrella for various non-white identities, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, multiracial Americans, and some Latino Americans. However, many individuals within these groups may prefer their specific cultural identities over a color-based collective term. The primary purpose of the phrase is to highlight shared experiences of systemic racism—the institutional patterns of discrimination that affect non-white populations.
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Key Facts
- Definition: A collective term for anyone not considered white.
- Origin: Contemporary usage is rooted in the United States, though early versions date back to 1796.
- Purpose: Used to foster political solidarity and counter the perceived condescension of terms like "minority" or "non-white."
- BIPOC: A newer acronym standing for "Black, Indigenous, and people of color," designed to highlight the specific historical oppression of Black and Indigenous peoples.
- Distinction: Unlike the term "colored," which is now considered a racial pejorative in the U.S., "person of color" is generally viewed as a term of respect and pride.
The Historical Evolution of the Term
The roots of the phrase are complex. The American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage and Style notes usage of "people of colour" as early as 1796, originally referring to light-skinned individuals of mixed African and European heritage. Similarly, French colonists used gens de couleur to describe free people of mixed ancestry in the Americas.
In the American South, these terms were once used to distinguish between enslaved "black" or "Negro" people and free "mulatto" or mixed-race individuals. Following the American Civil War, the word "colored" became a general label for Black Americans, though it fell out of favor by the mid-20th century.
The Rise of Modern Usage
While Martin Luther King Jr. used the phrase "citizens of color" in 1963, the modern term "person of color" did not gain widespread traction until the late 1970s. It was popularized by racial-justice activists and radical theorists, such as Frantz Fanon, who sought to move beyond the simple black-white dichotomy and avoid the implications of "minority" status.
A significant milestone occurred in 1977 at the National Women's Conference, where Black women activists introduced the phrase "women of color." According to Loretta Ross, this was a political act of self-naming intended to communicate solidarity among non-white women based on shared experience rather than biological destiny.
Political Significance and Social Impact
From a sociological perspective, the term creates a broad racial delineation between "whites" and "everyone else." Scholars like Joseph Tuman argue that this is attractive because it unites disparate ethnic groups into a larger collective for mutual solidarity. This is why the term is frequently associated with social-justice movements and is recommended by various academic style guides, including those from Mount Holyoke College and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
The term has also been adopted by professional organizations. For example, the Joint Council of Librarians of Color (JCLC) uses the designation to encompass five affiliate associations representing Black, American Indian, Asian Pacific American, Chinese American, and Latino/Spanish-speaking librarians.
| Term | Primary Context | Connotation/Usage |
|---|---|---|
| POC | Global/US | Inclusive, political solidarity, respectful. |
| BIPOC | US (Recent) | Emphasizes Black and Indigenous historical oppression. |
| Colored | US (Historic) | Now considered a racial pejorative/offensive. |
| Coloureds | South Africa | Refers to specific multiracial ethnic groups. |
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its popularity, the term is not without critics. Comedian George Carlin famously dismissed it as a phrase of "liberal guilt" that obscures meaning. Others argue that applying the label to white Hispanic or Latino individuals is inaccurate, as "Latino" is a pan-ethnic label rather than a racial category, and the Latino population is racially diverse.
The BIPOC Debate
The acronym BIPOC emerged around 2013 and became ubiquitous around 2020. While intended to highlight the unique relationship Black and Indigenous people have with white supremacy, it has faced significant backlash:
- Exclusion: Some Asian and Latino Americans feel the term renders their specific experiences of discrimination invisible.
- Oppression Olympics: Critics argue it creates a divisive ranking of suffering, suggesting some groups are "more oppressed" than others.
- Origin: Polls suggest the term was adopted more widely by white Democrats than by the communities of color it describes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between POC and BIPOC?
POC (People of Color) is a broad umbrella term for all non-white people. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) specifically centers Black and Indigenous people to acknowledge the distinct and superlative historical oppression they have faced in the U.S.
Is the term "colored" the same as "person of color"?
No. While they may have been similar in the distant past, "colored" is now considered a racial pejorative and offensive in the United States. "Person of color" is a contemporary term used with pride and respect.
Does "person of color" apply to people outside the United States?
While it originated in the U.S., it has been adopted in other English-speaking countries like Canada and the UK. However, in South Africa, "Coloureds" refers to a specific multiracial ethnic group rather than a general non-white category.
Why do some people dislike the term "person of color"?
Some find it too vague, arguing that it obscures the unique cultural identities of specific groups. Others believe it reinforces "whiteness" as the default standard by defining everyone else in relation to it.