Hey peeps,
If you haven't heard the podcast Code Switch on NPR, I highly recommend it. The latest episode touched on the uses of acronyms such as P.O.C. or B.I.P.O.C. and offered different opinions on what may be labels some of us are offended by and or take pride in being a part of.
I wanted to get your opinions on this as well. As the episode states:
What do we mean when we say "people of color"? Why do some of us identify with that term? Why does it annoy so many other people? Is it time to say RIP to POC? And, if so, is BIPOC the new kid on the block, or is that term also one we should be careful about using?
What are your thoughts?
Hey Steve,
In my humble opinion before any name change we should figure out purpose of the group. Usually a name change, if needed, comes out of that conversation. Is Tessitura POC a place where we want non-white folks of all backgrounds to have "general' conversations? Or is this a space where we want to explicitly address anti-Black racism. Do we want to use this as a space to talk about the persuasiveness of white supremacy in non-profit institutions ? Or is this a space where we can share experiences in an informal way. Maybe its a combination of all the above? (which is fine) It's a lot to think about and i fully admit that i have my own bias's. Being Black american i tend to view the issues of structural racism from an American perspective. While my experience of with structural racism is important i also don't want to it to dominate the conversation ( This is hard because Anti-blackness is such a pervasive part of my life. I have a lot to say) . I think some sort of brief mission statement is important. That can determine the purpose of this group and other sub groups can potentially form from that.
Again just my 2 cents.
Jason
I agree 100%! I think a defined purpose for this group would be ideal.
I agree with this reply wholeheartedly!
Ashley
I appreciate you for this, Jason. And I'm gonna answer your question with a question then:
What do we want this to be?
These user groups are meant to be for the Community by the Community. It was initially created by a member who is no longer a part of the Tessitura Community and looks like the original mission statement was to "provide an opportunity for people of color to connect, support, share expertise, and further participants' professional development. This group is open to POC and allies." So I take that to mean it was for "general" conversation, as you mentioned.
But I'm challenging if that's what we need right now. Judging by the absence of discussions here before this one, I'm thinking we definitely need a more direct purpose for this group.
Since this really should be a community effort, I offer up the question to everyone following along:
What do you need or feel is lacking in our arts and culture Community of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and all underrepresented peoples of color that we can begin to offer here?