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Are Samoans People of Color?

Published in Samoan Ethnicity 2 mins read

Yes, Samoans are generally considered people of color.

Understanding Samoan Ethnicity

Samoans are an indigenous Polynesian people native to the Samoan Islands, an archipelago in Oceania. Their ancestry is distinct and rooted in the Pacific Islands.

Key characteristics of Samoan ethnicity include:

  • Polynesian Heritage: Samoans share cultural, linguistic, and genetic ties with other Polynesian groups, such as Hawaiians, Māori, Tongans, and Tahitians.
  • Indigenous Status: They are the native inhabitants of the Samoan archipelago, with a rich history and distinct cultural traditions.

Dispelling Misconceptions

While the term "people of color" is broad, it's important to clarify specific classifications. Samoans are not of African ancestry and, consequently, are not classified as Black. Although many people globally may not be familiar with the physical appearance of Polynesians, they are a distinct ethnic group separate from those of African descent.

What "People of Color" Means

The term "people of color" (POC) is widely used, particularly in the United States, to collectively describe individuals who are not identified as "white." This umbrella term typically includes a wide range of racial and ethnic groups.

It encompasses various communities with diverse heritages, as illustrated in the table below:

Category Examples of Ethnic/Racial Groups Included
Indigenous Peoples Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians, Māori, Pacific Islanders
Asians Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese
Black/African African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, various African nationalities
Hispanic/Latino Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Salvadoran (often considered an ethnicity)
Middle Eastern/North African People from various countries in the Middle East and North Africa (classification can vary)

Samoans, as part of the broader group of Pacific Islanders, fit within the "Indigenous Peoples" category, which is consistently recognized as a segment of people of color. Their distinctive physical features, cultural heritage, and non-European ancestry align with the general understanding of the term.