The categorisation of people based on their ethnicity has always been a contentious issue, often leading to impassioned debates and, at times, spirited disagreements. In the United Kingdom, acronyms like BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) are widely used to signify non-white individuals or groups. While these terms aim to encompass diversity and foster inclusivity, they inadvertently create an exclusionary dichotomy that leaves some communities, like the Anglo-Irish, on the periphery.

Despite their laudable intent, these terms are binary in nature, differentiating people into the broad categories of ‘white’ and ‘non-white’. This oversimplification fails to consider the intricate historical and socio-cultural dynamics that have shaped people’s experiences and identities.

Take, for instance, the Anglo-Irish community. Historically, this group has faced significant discrimination and prejudice in the UK. Despite this, they are typically categorised as ‘white’ and, therefore, left out of discussions about ethnic minority rights and racial discrimination. This omission underscores the inherent shortcomings of terms like BAME and BIPOC. By ignoring the Anglo-Irish community’s unique experiences of marginalisation and ‘othering’, these labels inadvertently perpetuate a form of racism by exclusion.

The Anglo-Irish are not alone in this predicament. There are other communities of ‘white’ ethnic minorities, such as Eastern Europeans, who face similar situations. The broad-brush approach embodied in terms like BAME and BIPOC overlooks these nuances, failing to capture the richness of people’s diverse experiences and backgrounds.

However, the solution is not simply to expand the acronym. Instead, we must acknowledge the limitations of any categorisation system that attempts to encapsulate the vast complexity of human diversity within a few letters. We must push for a more nuanced understanding of ethnicity that recognises the unique histories, experiences, and struggles of all ethnic minorities, not just those who are visibly different.

The challenge lies in striking a balance between acknowledging shared experiences of racism among different ethnic groups while also recognising the distinct histories and challenges faced by each community. While BAME and BIPOC may serve as useful shorthand in certain contexts, they should not be allowed to erase the unique struggles and experiences of any community, including the Anglo-Irish.

Only by understanding and addressing these nuances can we foster a truly inclusive society where every voice is heard, and every story is acknowledged.