For People of color...?

Question

Do you identify more with your nationality, race or ethnicity or simply as person of color? My example is that I am African-American and I take pride in that. But I identify more with "person of color" than anything else because I don't just have just African ancestry. Also, I am so diverse as a person that I can't just say I am of African descent. I find that saying I'm of color opens me up to more possibilities.
But I think it depends on your generation. My mother lived through integration and because of the politics of the time she identifies more with African-American. But because I grew up during the 90s and were exposed to people of different cultures I can't say just African-American.

Answer 1

i can identify with what ur saying. i'm of a bunch of nationalities in my blood. But because i grew up in a culturally diverse neighborhood i don't lump ppl together by their ethnicity. That's what i'm teaching my kids not to see color, but to see the person.

Answer 2

I spent two years living in the West African country of Togo in the Peace Corps. Having lived as a white person in a black country, I feel like I have a tiny understanding now of the way African Americans must have been made to feel by white Americans through the generations.

One of the big things I learned was that Togolese idenify ALL outsiders as outsiders. That includes Americans of African descent, which was a very big shock to all of us, but most of all to some of my African American colleagues.

Another big thing I learned was that American culture is very heavily influenced by the African American experience. It is something America has not yet come to grips with. We should still be rightly ashamed of the way African Americans became Americans, but by the same token, we should all be very proud how strongly African Americans overcame, how wonderfully and creatively they have evolved and developed their very own unique culture, and how much that culture has contributed to every American's quality of life.

I'm glad I lived in Africa. It was hard, but it taught me a lot.

Answer 3

I identify myself as a "whole". Being a strong,working,independent, African American woman. I've taken the necessary steps in marriage,childbirth,and now I'm a grandmother. Not to say,I've done it all,but to say I did it alone. Although I am proud of my hearitage,it would not have made a difference,had I'd been born another nationality,because I am proud to be exactly who I am,and would not change a thing.
Because my roots consist of: African American,Irish,and Indian,I am greatful,that I've been able to experience other cultures. I've learn to live with,and appreciate the differences in my cultures. Because I was not born and raise amoung the African American race (persay), I can relate to other nationalities and cultures,thus giving me,my children,and grandchildren the opportunity,to see life as others see it. To be multi-cultured,to have an insite on how others live their lives,reflects on my knowledge of human nature as a whole. This is the reason I can respect those,who show me respect in return. To be a person of "color",does not reflect on my nationality,for I was taught to do certain things,and when it was most appropriate to do so. (Because I grew up in the "70's"),this was a time of "Love and Peace",amoungs people of all natioinalities. Times have changed drastically. It appears,that more and more of up and coming generations,are being taught not to respect others,simply because of the color of their skin. (You will find a lot of this on "Yahoo Answers"). To be proud of your heritage,to treat humans being as such,and to pass on to your children and grandchildren,the essentials that you have learned from both parents,can either make or break a nation.

Answer 4

You aren't African American unless you were born there then became a citizen of America. I cant say I'm Italian American. You are just labeling yourself. You shouldn't have to identify yourself as anything other then HUMAN. You seem to be smart why set yourself on limits. You are of African decent. That doesn't mean anything. YOU ARE AMERICAN!!

Answer 5

I am not your color but you can say that i am colored we are all colors. We need to drop all the labels and get with the program we are all people. All equal. We all have flesh and bones. God created all of us we are all brothers and sisters in Gods eye's We should look through his eye's and you would see one race humans. I respect all people I consider all humans my brothers and sisters.

Answer 6

I am Black & Asian,but I can relate to anyone because I was blessed enough to grow up in a very diverse area.

Answer 7

Can you speak African?

Answer 8

I'm chinese and black, see myself as both even though i look mostly black. It a dual identity really, but tough internally. Should I play basketball or go to engineering school? I'm torn.

sorry i have a wry sense of humor.

Answer 9

YES I TO GREW UP DUIRING THE 90

Answer 10

You are a very wise man. Thank you for brightening my day:)