Have you ever had an experience where your name was misspelled or called by another name? What was your reaction? Usually, our response is prompt, an immediate reaction of correction, that is the right thing to do. We all need to be identified clearly by what we are. Either by our name, race or by our origin.
I was looking for organizations that assist small businesses, and I was oriented to see Ms. X (I would not mention her name here), a white lady. When I met her, we discussed my project, she was impressed, but she said this: “There are a lot of organizations of people of color that can help you.” It was the first time I heard this expression. I asked her: who are people of color? She could not answer. I noticed that she was surprised and embarrassed, so she contented herself by telling me that she would try to get in touch with some of the organizations and let me know. I made my research and found out later who was the people of color.
My concern is, how can people categorize a group of people from different races and cultures and give them a name that does not identify them? This reflection is an opportunity to explain why people should stop calling others, people of color to avoid another crisis of identity and allow people under this appellation to feel entirely part of the community and the society. Most importantly, the reflection will also draw attention to the responsibility of those under this designation. They need to voice out their refusal to be called people of color.
About the origin of “people of color” Moses, Y (2016) reveals to us that “People of color” is a term primarily used in the United States and Canada to describe any person who is not white. This does not make sense because Asians have white skin. My point is why people decide to name others knowing that they have already an identity and belong to a specific group? Moses is a teacher, and she shared one of the experiences she had after class.” A student approached me after class and asked, “what should I call students who are of Asian descendant? She replies and said this: “The answer is in the question. Just call them Asian. Why would you like to call them otherwise?” In addition to what Moses said, I will say that Identity does not change or expire. I am African or a black woman and I will remain as such.
In support of this example, I was recently watching the news on CPTV, and the journalist referred to two new ladies appointed in President Biden’s future administration as people of color, but if she stops there, we will not be able to identify whom she was talking about, so she went further and refers to them as originally from Asia. So, what was the purpose of the expression of people of color?
People may not realize it, but the expression of people of color has a negative connotation. It reminds people of the painful past (colonial violence to native Americans and slavery). This impacts society and create defensiveness, frustration, and can lead to another struggle for their identity.
However, I cannot ignore the responsibilities of the said people of color because nobody can address a person by a name other than what he or she recognized and accept. For that reason, the said people of color should express their refusal to be called so through actions such as conferences, writings, even making it known by the congress. Some steps have been made by writers in the name of Chevaz Clark, Adams Joshua, and Yolanda Moses.
Most importantly, the said people of color should stop using the expression themselves. I participated in conferences where the said people of color used the expression such as “We people of color” in their speeches. The expression they do not like but they use it. If we use it, we cannot prevent others from doing otherwise.
In the end, nobody would like to be identified by an unknown name of categorization that does not specify who we are. From this perspective, the expression of people of color, being unable to recognize the identity of its components, is lapsed. Therefore, it is reasonable for people to realize the limitations of these words in terms of worthiness and dignity and stop calling others, people of color. It is, however, mostly the responsibility of those under this designation to not only refuse to be called people of color, but to be ready, watchful, and be prompt to any other action that undermines their identity.
I refuse to be called people of color. I do not want to be addressed as people of color. I am a black and African woman. This is how you should call and recognize me.
Marthe Asse