In this day and age it is clear to see the rise of activism through social media. Members of the Millennial Generation (1981-1997) and Generation Z (1995-2009) are known to be the “woke” generation, meaning they are the most “aware of systematic injustices and prejudices, especially those related to civil rights” (TheEasternEcho.com). While of course not every member of these generations is born an activist or even care about activism, they were raised in a time in which we physically have the world in our fingertips. Our consciousness derives from being able to look into the various issues at hand and analyze the history of them. We unlike any generation before us are able to start movements through hashtags and connect with others through social media based on common goals, experiences, and interests. While this is both powerful and admirable this unlimited access to knowledge leads to the creation of varying opinions on issues we face and how to approach them.
Recently I had an opinion presented to me stating that “being white passing means you aren’t going to be affected by someone’s racism that would occur by looking at you” and I was also presented that a white passing or lighter skinned person of color should not identify as person of color, but as a “white passing (insert race/ethnicity here). This was presented to me with the support that white passing people of color do not experience what their darker skinned counterparts face and therefore can not identify with being “of color”. Passing for any race “occurs when members of a racial, ethnic or religious group present themselves as belonging to another such group” (ThoughtCo.com). In the topic at hand, white passing is simply summed up to pass as white. A person of color is defined as “a person who is not white or of European parentage” (Oxford Dictionary). Now keeping these definitions in mind it is important to note that white passing people of color do receive white privilege. By not physically looking like the ethnic/racial group they are apart of they avoid forms of oppression,discrimination and racism. However, this does not make them any less of a person of color. What they are is what they are whether or not it is visible to the public. In my colorism article, I addressed light skinned privilege, similar to white passing privilege in which light skinned people are exempt from the discrimination their darker skinned counterparts face. This does not mean that they are exempt from discrimination, this just means they receive it on a different level. But does this allow members in and out of their community to tell them what they should label themselves? Is life as a person of color a game of oppression olympics in which only those who feel “the most oppressed” should identify as a member of their own ethnic/racial community? I think not. I believe one person of color dismissing the identity of another person of color is just as bad as how people of color are treated in their lives by their white counterparts. It is unjust. It is hurtful. It by no means is acceptable.
Identity policing is something that is done for clarity of others. But it is absurd to think one can look at another and deny what they are ethnically/racially, even if it cannot be seen. Identity labels make people secure in what they are. Attempting to erase these labels are counterproductive in the attempts to have a secure sense of self. “Identity is so deeply experiential and subjective” meaning it is what you experience in your day to day and your feelings, tastes or opinions (Mixed Dreams). Language,culture and national ties can create what you identify with. Identity is not as easy as checking off the box you belong in. Identity is not as simple as what you appear to be. With this I state my opinion that ALL people of color, white passing or not, light skinned or not are indefinitely people of color and should say they are with pride! The pride they hold in their racial/ethnic ties creates the face of diversity in stereotype of what each racial/ethnic group should look like. While there are different privileges and oppressions put upon various people of color due their appearance, it does not make their experiences nor their identities as people of color less valid than others, despite what some may believe.