African American or Black?

Question

I never thought that the term "black" was offensive and I still know a lot of black/African American people who call themselves black. But now I'm starting to feel strange about using the term because so many other people are using "African American." It seems odd to me because what would you call a black person in Canada or Germany or wherever. Canadian African, German African? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm black and I call myself black. I can see how people who aren't black can be confused as to what to call us. I used to get annoyed when teachers in school trying to be politically correct would call us african american, and my other white classmates would do the same because they were taught to do so. I know that you guys are just trying to not offend us. Although I am definitely proud of my African heritage, and acknowledge that many generations back in history my ancestors were from Africa, I am not African. I consider myself 100% American, as American as anyone else, so I don't see why there has to be a distinction. They dont call white people European Americans. Am I less American than you are? I have no links to Africa, the slave masters made sure of that, the only thing i know is that I was born in America, my parents were born in America, and so were my grandparents. Therefore i am American, plain and simple. If we're gonna label what kind of American someone is then everyone should be labeled, not just black people. Besides, we're all from Africa anyway.

Answer 2

I don't think its a big deal anymore. It was the black community that wanted to change what they were called from ***** to black. Some people could innocently mispronounce ***** and it would sound like they were using a racial slur, some would do it on purpose. Late in the 70's black became a target word to identify racism. If you used the word in any context, someone could find a racial connotation in your speech. Then African decent became the accepted term, now African American. Most black people use the term black and will even use the term complexion to denote just how light or dark a person may be. Many black people regularly use the "n" word in their speech when casually addressing another black person. However, I believe the term black is appropriate today when it is used in in a normal manner.

Answer 3

I am a black girl and I rather be called black. I think that now a days black people rather be called black because most of us aren't from Africa nor are our families. For example my family is from Trinidad and Cuba. Also we black people come in many shades and colors so personally I think that the word African American is taking away from who we really are it's not correct...

Anyway I agree with the person above, just ask them what they rather be called you will be surprised by the answer. Their skin color may be dark but they might not be African American at all they might be Hispanic.

But the bottom line is we are all Americans white, black, Hispanic, Asian, Indian.

Answer 4

There is not a change. They imply the equal factor. Africans who're raised in America however recognize their nation of beginning, state it. So any individual from Kenya might name themselves a Kenyan-American or only a Kenyan. Someone from Jamaica is Jamaican. Most African-Americans simply name themselves "black" and have not been African for many years. By a few historic bills we had been regularly one other persons from different Africans. A lot of persons fail to remember that.

Answer 5

African American fo you really don't know the person. Thinking that you would use that term instead of their name it would be obvious that you would use African American. However, terms change with the times so it depends on what you are comfortable with. However, as stated before African American would be a better term.

On the other part of your question. if they came from another country, ie England, you would call that person English instead of their "color." As an African American here would be called American in England and Vise Versa. i hope it helps.

Answer 6

Black

Answer 7

um.. well if you arent sure what some one perfers for them to be called race wise just ask.It really depends on the person your speaking too. Different people have different perspectives. ITs really not that hard. I mean i understand dat it gets confusing. People get so use to see "African American" in text books, on tests, on the news, and other things of that sort. Most people prefer just being called black just like white people prefer being called white over Caucasian. BUt its always best to ask just to make sure because you don't want to offend a person.

Lik me for instance. I prefer to be called black, but that's me. I know pople that prefer being called African -American.

As long as you don't use anykind of derragatorry term you'll be alright.

Answer 8

It depends on your intention. I think it is completely appropriate to say black. If the person was born in Africa & is now an American...African American..that would make Charlise Theron & Shiloh Nouvel Jolie Pitt African Americans?

I never drew attention to skin color in my life with me or my daughter. She never knew (until around 10yrs. old) that there was a distinction between skin colors. She would describe people in hues. She would say things like "well...they look like caramel" or compare skin tones to crayolas.

Dont divide. We are Americans. (or some of us are)

Answer 9

see now i've always heard you have to say african american because the term black is offensive, but the people above me say just the opposite. now i'm even more confused.

Answer 10

Well my vanilla sista, don't feel bad about calling African-Americans "black." I'm Panamanian with dark colored skin & I see nothing offensive about it. It would be like calling Caucasians/Anglo-Saxons "white." As far as other countries go, I think it's just the same. Being "black" is simply an idenification. "Young Gifted & Black", "Black Power!"- it's all affirming. :)