You say you're African-American, so, what part of Africa are you from?

Question

Well...?

Answer 1

Many African Americans(The ones who were former slaves) are mixed with Native American, African, and white. Most Black people in the states know nothing about African culture and have no family ties.I think we should come up with a new name for this ethnic group.

Answer 2

I am not a African American, but I can guess African Americans are from South Africa because that's the only country which has Africa in it!

Answer 3

For years I have wanted to be an American (I am black). Unfortunately, every time I fill out some stupid form, they tell me I have to check a box and the box I am told to check is the one marked African-American. Why am I hyphenated because my ancestors came to this land from Africa? I just want to be an American.

Answer 4

Well... it has been documented that the majority of the slaves captured in the Atlantic Slave Trade were from what are now West African nations like Nigeria or Congo. In fact, many facets of African American culture can be linked to the traditions and practices of West African tribes. Personally, I believe my forefathers came from Nigeria.

Answer 5

African-American just relates to the continent of origin, and is indeed a misleading term. I met some people from Africa, and they were well spoken and refined, and they ranted to me about how "black Americans" should never call themselves African-American. Most black people are not aware of their exact heritage because of how the slaves were kidnapped and not allowed to preserve traditions are sometimes even speak of their home countries.

Answer 6

The purpose of calling yourself AA is to distinguish between black people whose roots are in Africa, as opposed to anyone else who could be from Cuba, Jamaica, etc.

The same would be true of Mexican-Americans. If you're from Mexico, even if you live in the US, you are Mexican. But if you're of Mexican descent but were born in the US, you would be Mexican-American. Or just plain American.

Answer 7

Great question. I was thinking today about posting a question like that. My guess is during the slave trade people lost their traditions and stuff and probably then people from Africa didn't really know about geography.

Answer 8

It's because they don't know specifically that they identify with the continent and not the country. They don't have the luxury to say Irish-American, German-American, etc.

Answer 9

Memphis, Tennessee. That's about as close to Africa as you can get!

Answer 10

I actually asked that of an african american friend once. she got a little offended at first, then said...well, heck, my Dad is actually from Haiti!