Are Light-Skinned Asian People Considered People of Color (POC)?

People often assume that the color of one's skin is the primary factor in determining if someone is considered a Person of Color (POC). However, this assumption can be misleading. The classification of POC is more complex than skin tone, encompassing an individual's ethnic background and cultural heritage.

Understanding the Concept of POC

POC refers to individuals who identify with specific cultural or ethnic groups that have been subjected to systemic discrimination and exclusion. Skin tone can sometimes be a part of this classification, but it is not the whole story. The determining factor is the ethnic group from which a person derives, rather than just their skin color.

For example, many light-skinned individuals from East Asian countries, such as Japan, are often referred to as "white adjacent" by some left-wing radicals, even though they are not systematically discriminated against or marginalized in the same way as some darker-skinned individuals from other ethnic groups. This classification can be misleading and does not reflect the full complexity of racial identity.

Examples and Clarifications

There are several examples where individuals may not fit neatly into the POC category based on skin tone alone:

Asian Ethnic Groups Revisited

Consider these individuals from various Asian ethnic groups:

Jain People: On the surface, one might assume they are POC. However, Jain people are considered "white adjacent," as they do not face systemic discrimination and are generally assimilated into mainstream societies. Parsi People: These individuals may not be immediately recognized as not being POC. Pari people, however, also belong to the white adjacent category.

Furthermore, while some fair-skinned individuals may appear indistinguishable from Europeans, they are not white. This is exemplified by the Sami women from Scandinavia, who despite their fair skin, hold indigenous PoC status.

The Igbo people, an ethnic group native to Nigeria, are a particularly challenging example. Despite having a darker complexion, they are classified as POC because of their distinct cultural and ethnic heritage.

Key Features of Ethnicity and Appearance

Even among individuals who are light-skinned, ethnicity remains a crucial factor in determining POC status. Facial features, skull shapes, and the diversity in eye colors such as blue or green among white individuals further highlight these differences. For instance:

White people typically have a complexion that is more pink in appearance compared to many Asian individuals. Even if a white person can achieve a similar complexion through tanning or other means, their facial structure and skull shape will always remain distinct. This is due to inherent genetic differences that make it impossible for individuals from the white race to naturally have certain features associated with other ethnic groups.

Additionally, the presence of colored contacts can be a clear indicator of non-white ethnicity. Contacts used to mimic ethnic features are a conscious choice to appear different, rather than an inherent characteristic of white people.

In conclusion, the determination of POC status is more about ethnic background and cultural heritage than skin tone alone. Understanding these nuances can help in more accurately classifying individuals within the complex landscape of racial and ethnic identities.