Why the Cultures of BIPOC are Not the Problem

A hidden connection between BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color) worldwide is not being discussed. It is time for these realities to be brought into the light and for people to start taking responsibility for the damage that has been done.

The Devastating Connection between BIPOC in the US & Abroad

You don’t need to be an American to be aware of the stereotypes surrounding African Americans. Of course, negative stereotypes and cultural denigration aren’t aimed at African Americans solely. But we can say that no group in the United States is as routinely denigrated and demeaned as African Americans and the Black culture.

Our media, whether intentionally or not, has ingrained an idealized vision of white people in our minds while portraying marginalized people as inferior. Only in the last decade have efforts been made to undo the damage. And only after intense pressure from the resistance and protest of POC have these changes been implemented.

I was researching the effects of media on marginalized communities when I came across an article about New Zealand’s most prominent media outlet, Stuff. They had apologized for the racism displayed against other groups, most notably of the Māori, since the very beginning of its publication. This apology came after a group of their journalists researched and published the extent of the problem. So I started digging.

What I found was alarming. New Zealanders talk about the Māori the way Americans talk about African Americans. The stereotypes, the resentment, and the racist rhetoric were almost identical. And so were the statistics.

But it doesn’t stop there. I found that eerily similar circumstances exist for the Aboriginals of Australia and the First Nations of Canada. In every case, these groups are stereotyped by the dominant group as being lazy, relying on government assistance, less intelligent, aggressive, and violent.

Their statistics are all similar and used against them as people do to African Americans and other racial minority groups in the United States.

Let us examine the circumstances of the indigenous people in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia and see how they correlate with those of African Americans.

The Present-Day Conditions of the Indigenous People of these Countries:

Although conditions have improved in recent decades, the present-day state of the indigenous people of these countries is still far from what they should be.

In New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, indigenous people experience higher poverty rates, incarceration, and lower educational achievement. They also lack access to essential services and resources.

Despite comprising only around 15% of the population in New Zealand, the Māori are disproportionately represented at all stages of the criminal justice system. Specifically, Māori individuals account for 37% of those who are proceeded against by the police, 45% of those who are convicted, and 52% of the prison population.

In Australia, the Aboriginals are not doing much better. Aboriginal Australians have long faced systemic discrimination and a lack of access to resources. This reality leads to severe socio-economic disadvantages. In particular, many Aboriginal communities suffer from high rates of poverty, poor health outcomes, and limited educational opportunities.

The forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations, has had long-lasting impacts on Aboriginal culture and family structures. Despite government efforts to address these issues, much work remains to be done to improve the lives of Aboriginal Australians.

The History of the Indigenous People of New Zealand, Australia, and Canada:

For centuries, the indigenous people of these countries have had their land, rights, and autonomy taken away by white settlers. These settlers imposed their laws, values, and government systems on the people. The result has completely erased cultures, languages, and identities, leading to their marginalization and oppression.

The process of assimilation has been seen in the creation of residential schools. These schools sought to strip indigenous children of their languages and identities. This was done by forcing the natives to adopt Anglo-Saxon values and practices.

They all continue to face pressure to conform to Anglo-Saxon cultural norms. This has had a lasting legacy, leading to a sense of displacement, loss, and alienation among the native people.

The indigenous Māori faced similar injustices, with the Treaty of Waitangi being ignored and their land confiscated. This resulted in a loss of cultural identity and economic opportunities. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of Māori culture and the need to address historical injustices through initiatives such as the Treaty Settlements process.

Perhaps most worrying is that the rates of violence against indigenous people in these countries are increasing.

In The United States, the violent crime rate against indigenous people is nearly four times the national average. While in Canada and Australia, there have been numerous reports of police brutality against First Nations and Aboriginal Australians.

These appalling numbers reveal that there is still much work to be done to achieve justice for the indigenous people of these countries.

Health Disparities Amongst the BIPOC of Colonized Countries:

One significant health disparity amongst BIPOC populations is the higher incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity. Indigenous and Black communities are disproportionately affected by these chronic illnesses and face barriers in accessing quality healthcare compared to their white counterparts.

Mental health is another area where BIPOC populations experience disparities. Historical and ongoing trauma, racism, discrimination, and colonization lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the health disparities experienced by BIPOC populations in colonized countries. The virus has disproportionately affected these communities due to systemic inequities in access to healthcare, housing, employment, and other social determinants of health.

BIPOC populations in colonized countries worldwide experience significant health disparities due to historical and ongoing systemic racism, discrimination, and marginalization. Factors contributing to these disparities include access to healthcare, wealth, education, and employment opportunities.

Blaming Black Culture

Conservative pundits and political figureheads insist that the Black culture is at fault for why African Americans are disproportionately impacted by poverty and its ills. Yet the indigenous people of Canada, New Zealand, and Australia all have virtually identical statistics and stereotypes to those of African Americans. So do the indigenous people of the United States.

The Hidden Connections Between BIPOC in the US and those of Canada, New Zealand, and Australia are as follows:

The Right-wing politicians and voters of their respective countries want so badly to believe that the problems within communities of color are self-inflicted. Otherwise, one would have to accept that their forefathers caused these problems and that they, intentionally or not, have continued their legacy.

Unequal Treatment for Equality

“Equals should be treated equally and unequals unequally.”

– Aristotle

Legal scholar and philosopher Ronald Dworkin wrote: “People who have been treated unequally must be treated unequally to be treated equally.” According to his writings, the goal of equality is not to ensure that everyone has the same amount of resources but to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to develop and pursue their dreams and aspirations.

This may require treating some people differently than others to address past or present inequalities, but the ultimate aim is to create a more just and equitable society for everyone.

Think about African Americans, for example. Since their emancipation from slavery, white Americans insisted they had to help themselves. People who had come from generations of dehumanization were set free in a hostile environment and society that continued the tradition of oppression against them within and outside the law.

Reparations were denied, and laws were enacted to impede their progress. Even the federal minimum wage, when passed, contained language that exempted the jobs that Black people primarily worked.

In these cases, we start by acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices Black and indigenous people of color face. And what this means is that we recognize the fact that these injustices shaped the groups themselves and the foundation of their realities today.

Then, we must accept that these groups may be treated “unequally” for a while until they are better positioned to compete with the dominant group. Remember that although this treatment may seem unfair, it is not equivalent to unfair advantage. Nor does it disadvantage anyone else.

Though it must be said, meritless fears of white disempowerment at the cost of Black and indigenous empowerment have and continue to harm BIPOC.

Some Solutions to Help Change the Situation:

1. Acknowledging and understanding the existence of whiteness.

It is vital for individuals who identify as white and those who do not to understand whiteness and white culture. This knowledge helps to promote better communication and understanding between people of different backgrounds.

Additionally, acknowledging the impact of whiteness on society and addressing issues related to racial inequality can lead to positive change and progress. It is, therefore, crucial for individuals to delve deeper into the topic and actively seek out resources and information that can help further their understanding of whiteness and its impact on society.

This means challenging the belief in Anglo-Saxon superiority and the notion of manifest destiny and terra nullius. It also means educating the public about the history of colonialism and its effects on indigenous people, not from a Eurocentric perspective.

2. Acknowledgment of the wrongs that have been done and the need for reparations.

One potential solution for addressing historical injustices is providing restitution forms, such as financial compensation or land restitution. However, it is essential to note that implementing such solutions may not be enough to address the issue entirely. For example, even if financial compensation is provided, it may not necessarily address the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted upon marginalized communities.

Unfortunately, the mere mention of providing restitution can often trigger a backlash. There may be several different reasons why some react so vehemently against reparations. Empowering historically marginalized communities benefits society by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. White wealth cannot be taken away. There is plenty to go around for everyone.

3. Access to education, health care, and other essential services.

Access to education is not just about ensuring that individuals can read and write. It is also about equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce and contribute to society. Health care is another essential service that must be available to all community members, regardless of income or social status. In addition to these necessities, other services, such as access to clean water, transportation, and electricity, can significantly improve people’s lives.

4. Media representation.

Negative portrayals of these groups in the media have undoubtedly enabled the stigmas against them to continue.

Members of marginalized groups are often portrayed stereotypically and simplistically, reinforcing negative stereotypes and biases. This makes it difficult for these groups to challenge existing prejudices and stereotypes and gain greater social acceptance.

Therefore, media representation can play a significant role in shaping public attitudes and perceptions toward marginalized groups. Media outlets can challenge existing prejudices and help create a more inclusive and tolerant society by promoting more accurate and nuanced portrayals of these groups.

Although progress is being made regarding media representation, we must ensure it continues to improve and does not regress.

5. Recognizing the unique experiences and perspectives of BIPOC populations.

To ensure that BIPOC populations are adequately represented in healthcare systems, policies, and decision-making processes, it is essential to recognize and value their unique experiences and perspectives.

This involves actively seeking out and incorporating diverse voices and viewpoints, as well as providing resources and support to communities that have historically been marginalized or underserved. It is also crucial to address systemic racism and bias within healthcare systems, including implicit biases among healthcare providers and disparities in access to care and health outcomes.

Finally, it is essential for Indigenous people to be included in the decision-making process and for policies to be created and implemented that protect the rights of Indigenous people and ensure their well-being.

What Now?

This is not some hot-button issue or fad. This is a human rights issue. And it doesn’t stop with these countries. BIPOC throughout the world require action now. This is not just a historical issue. It is a current issue as BIPOC face discrimination, higher crime rates, and disproportionate poverty rates. Nothing will change unless we approach this crisis as a public emergency.

We must confront the legacy of white colonialism, imperialism, and white supremacy. Responsibility for the injustices that have been done must be taken. Only then can we create a more just and equitable world for all, where the rights and autonomy of BIPOC are fully respected, and their voices are heard.

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