The Term POC is Being Overused

An image of people of color behind the statement 'the term POC is being overused'.

The term POC is being overused. It’s time to take a step back and examine why this term has become so ubiquitous, and whether or not it’s still serving its original purpose.

Examining the Issue

The Original Intention of POC

First of all, what does POC even mean? POC stands for “people of color,” and is generally used to refer to anyone who is not white. The term was originally intended to be an inclusive way to describe marginalized groups, and to acknowledge the unique challenges and experiences faced by people of color.

How POC Has Lost Its Meaning

However, over time, the term has been used more and more frequently, to the point where it’s lost most of its original meaning. Now, it seems like everyone is a POC, regardless of their actual identity or experiences. This has led to a watering down of the term, and a lack of specificity when it comes to actually addressing the issues faced by marginalized groups.

Reasons for the Overuse

So why is the term POC being overused? One reason is that it can be a convenient shorthand for discussing issues related to race and ethnicity. Instead of having to list out all the specific groups that are affected by a particular issue, it’s often easier to just say “POC.” The same is true when people are uncomfortable speaking about race and ethnicity, using the term “POC”, is just easier. However, this convenience comes at a big cost, as it obscures the actual experiences and needs of different groups, especially Black and Indigenous peoples.

Another reason — though a troubling one — for the overuse of the term is that it can be a way to signal allyship or solidarity with marginalized groups. By identifying as a POC, even if you are not actually a person of color, you can position yourself as an advocate for marginalized communities. However, this kind of performative allyship is harmful, as it distracts from the actual work of supporting and uplifting marginalized communities.

Moving Beyond POC

Being More Specific

So what can we do instead? One option is to be more specific when discussing issues related to race and ethnicity. Instead of using the term POC as a catch-all, we can take the time to name and acknowledge the specific groups that are affected by a particular issue. This can help to ensure that we are actually addressing the needs of different communities, rather than just paying lip service to a vague and overused term.

Examples of More Specific Terms

Examples of more specific terms that can be used include Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC); Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI); and Latinx or Latiné. These terms acknowledge the unique experiences and challenges faced by different groups and can help to ensure that our conversations about race and ethnicity are more mindful, nuanced and inclusive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the term may have been useful in the past, the term POC is being overused to the point of having lost its original meaning. By being more specific and intentional in our language around race and ethnicity, we can better address the needs and experiences of different groups. Let’s move beyond the easy shorthand of POC and commit to doing the actual work of creating a more just and equitable society.

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Additional Thoughts:

The overuse of POC is just one example of the dangers of using broad, catch-all terms to describe complex and nuanced issues. When we rely on shorthand instead of taking the time to really understand and address the needs of different communities, we risk perpetuating harm and perpetuating inequalities. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for a term like POC, take a moment to reflect on whether or not it’s really the best way to describe the issue at hand, or even the people that you’re referring to. By being intentional and specific in our language, we can help to create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone.

The Power of Targeted Universalism: Why Your Organization Should Try It

a diverse group of people showing the power of targeted universalism

Introduction

As organizations strive to create a just and equitable society, they often face the challenge of addressing the specific needs of marginalized communities without resorting to a one-size-fits-all approach. This challenge is particularly pressing in a society marked by systemic racism and white supremacy, which have historically excluded, marginalized, and oppressed communities of color, especially Black and Indigenous peoples. Therefore, it’s crucial for organizations to adopt an approach that takes into account the specific needs of marginalized communities and works towards promoting racial justice. Targeted Universalism provides a framework for addressing this challenge and promoting equity and justice. This blog post discusses the power of Targeted Universalism, what it is, how it works, and why your organization should try it.

What is Targeted Universalism?

Targeted Universalism is a framework for creating policies and programs that address the specific needs of marginalized communities while also benefiting the broader population. The approach recognizes that different groups have different needs and that a one-size-fits-all approach will not work. It seeks to identify the root causes of inequities, including those stemming from systemic racism and white supremacy, and design interventions that address those root causes. The interventions are designed to benefit the marginalized communities while also benefiting the broader population.

John A. Powell, a Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, first introduced the concept of Targeted Universalism. Powell argues that targeted universalism is a way to address inequities without reinforcing the same structures that created them in the first place. Rather than creating separate policies for different groups, targeted universalism seeks to create policies that are tailored to the specific needs of marginalized communities while still benefiting the broader population.

How does Targeted Universalism work?

Targeted Universalism is about designing policies and programs that are both targeted and universal. This means that policies and programs are designed with the specific needs of marginalized communities in mind while also taking into account the broader population. In practice, this might mean creating a policy that provides affordable housing for low-income communities of color while also benefiting other low-income residents. By creating policies that are targeted to the specific needs of marginalized communities while also benefiting the broader population, Targeted Universalism seeks to promote equity and justice.

Community engagement is another key aspect of Targeted Universalism. By involving marginalized communities in the design and implementation of policies and programs, organizations can ensure that interventions are culturally responsive and meet the specific needs of those communities. The power of the Targeted Universalism approach is that it can help build trust and foster long-term relationships between organizations and the communities they serve.

Why Your Organization Should Try Targeted Universalism

Your organization should try Targeted Universalism because it’s an effective approach to promoting racial justice, engaging with marginalized communities in a meaningful way, and achieving its goals more effectively. By identifying the root causes of inequities, including those stemming from systemic racism and white supremacy, your organization can design interventions that address those root causes. These interventions will benefit Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities while also benefiting the broader population.

Furthermore, Targeted Universalism provides a way for your organization to work towards dismantling systems of oppression and promoting lasting change. By designing interventions that address the root causes of inequities, your organization can create more lasting and sustainable change. This approach can help your organization achieve its goals more effectively while also promoting racial justice and creating more equitable outcomes.

Finally, the power of Targeted Universalism can help your organization build meaningful connections with marginalized communities. By involving those communities in the design and implementation of policies and programs, your organization can build trust and foster long-term relationships. This can help ensure that interventions are culturally responsive and meet the specific needs of those communities.

Conclusion

Targeted Universalism is a framework for creating policies and programs that address the specific needs of marginalized communities while also benefiting the broader population. Your organization should try Targeted Universalism because it’s an effective approach to promoting racial justice, engaging with marginalized communities in a meaningful way, and achieving its goals more effectively. By adopting this anti-racist approach, your organization can work towards dismantling systems of oppression and help create a more just and equitable society for all.