Thread by @nicolestamp

Let’s quit using the term “non-white”.

Defining a group of people in relation to some other identity actually serves to marginalize that group, and it positions the other identity (in this case whiteness) as the default, “normal” way a person “should” be.

It’s worth noting that this marginalization happens unevenly, to some identities more than others.

Our culture doesn’t, for instance, call straight men “non-gay non-women”.

But some groups get marginalized in this way often, “non-white” being a common example.

It’s much more respectful to call people by what they are, not by what they are not.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of ways I personally would choose to name people’s identities:

1. Consider if you actually need to specify a person’s ID.

What is gained?
Could there be any harm?
Does it serve them & their community?

Or, as it sometimes can be...

...is it just a way for an organization or person to show off their own “proximity to diversity“?

2. Does the person consent to having their ID named in the way you’re considering?

You can find clues in their self-published bio on website or social.

And it’s great to ask - “I feel it’s relevant to refer to your background... if that’s ok, pls let me know how to ID you!”

3. If you can’t solicit consent- for instance if the person is deceased or if it’s for a large group-

a good practice would be to specifically name the group they are from. This helps avoid generalizations and erasure.

4. If you need to use an umbrella term, the gold standard is IBPOC or BIPOC.

That means Indigenous and/or Black and/or People of Colour.

It’s more respectful than just POC (people of colour) because it recognizes that

Indigenous and Black people experience very targeted and specific forms of racism that are not experienced by other POC, so specifically naming those two identities shows respect for that experience.

If the person specifically ID’s as Indigenous or Black, I personally feel it’s more respectful to say Indigenous or Black rather than IBPOC. I feel that being specific is a form of respect.

5. If the group name has traditionally had gender embedded in it, you can show solidarity with different gender IDs by using an X or an asterisk to neutralize the gender of the collective noun:

Latinx, Filipin*, womxn...

This is specific to each group, and is worth researching.

6. If you are asking someone about their ID, ask privately when possible, and I would say doing it in writing rather than in person is extra-respectful.

Sometimes identity stuff can be challenging.

Giving people space and time to reflect, rather than “on the spot”, is nice.

7. I don’t represent anyone but myself. These are best practices that I and my friends have come up with. They may not apply to all people and situations.

If you feel I missed or mis-stated something, I’m learning too and I’m open to hearing that feedback!

8. Bottom line- yeah, this stuff has changed over the past few decades and will continue to evolve.

It’s ok to be uncertain of what to say.

It’s NOT ok to be resistant to change.

It’s great to do your own research.

It’s great to ask humbly, and thank people for their labour.

9. Ideally we’d all WANT to show people the most respect we can, by IDing each person and group they way they self-ID.

It only takes a few minutes to look up a self-written bio, or ask.

And when we get it wrong - because of course we will! - just say thanks & keep learning!

❤️