can a white person be an africian american?

Question

If I was white and born in Africa and then came to america can I apply for the african american scholorships or on polls that ask what I am should I mark african american or white because wouldn't I be both in a way. I am interested in other peoples thoughts on this.

Answer 1

YES!!

you can be

LOL Id love to see the look on Al Sharptons face

Answer 2

People who are actually born in Africa then come to the United States and get American citizenship are the only true "African Americans", whether they are black, white, brown, or yellow. The term African American is way over used, and used out of context. Most caucasian ancestors are from Europe, but don't use the term "European Americans". Same goes for calling people of Mexican descent, Mexicans. They are only Mexicans, if they were born in Mexico. If they were born here, they are not Mexican Americans.

Answer 3

The term "African American" is really not the right term to address black americans. True, they have kind of an African Heritage, but they are not Africans. Africa is a very large and diverse continent, it consist of people of different races. The term "African american" refffering to only black people is prejudiced against any other races present in Africa. Although the term refers to black, I think you should apply for the schorlaships because you are the real African American. If they want to give it to only black people, then they need to say black. That term does not make sense to be used to identify color. If it is then, if I want to paint my car I can tell the dealer I want "African American" instead of black. It's a question of descent and not color!!!!!!!!!!!

ps
I am an African and an American, so I believe I have the true right to say this. It does not matter whether or not im black, white, red, blue, I am African American

Answer 4

Good question, but I doubt that "African American" actually means born in Africa, regardless of race. There must be a formal definition somewhere, for legal purposes.

You're pushing the envelope of PC-speak. Congrats on that, at least.

Answer 5

I would think that if you were born in Africa & then move to or become a citizen of the US that you should be able to call yourself an African American no matter what color you are.

Answer 6

I agree with you. I don't know if it would work but I do think that you would be African American. To me African American is not a color but a decent like an Italian American.

Answer 7

Yes. There are white African American. Its all up to the person. What side for their heritage is most important to the person.

Answer 8

--Yes, they can and are. The only REAL African-American I ever met was born in Benini as the child of white missionaries and was raised there. She speaks four African dialects, English, Latin, Spanish, Italian, and I think a little Portugese.

Answer 9

Sure if you were from somewhere like South Africa were there are alot of white africans.

Answer 10

No you can't be. Those categories only apply to where your distant ancestors were from, and in your case that would still be Europe, not Africa. Your family might have been in Africa for hundreds of years, but you'd still be of European descent.

Answer 11

even though they probably won't give it to you; I think you should and when they; don't contact the ACLU or some other organization to fight for your right to that money because you are technically African American. Sit back and watch the chaos