why are people racist against african-americans, but not to black americans?

Question

i just dont understand! and the worst part is, people dont know im african until i tell them, then after that they start treating me BAD. telling an afrian-american they he/sh is not black, is like telling a south-american that they aren't mexican. damn wat is happening to the world?

Answer 1

??? that makes no sense

Answer 2

Well, personally, I don't think they are seen as different but I'm not in your shoes. To all the people who don't know the difference between black Americans and African - Americans...a black American is an American who is black. An African - American is a person who was born in Africa and is now an American. White people can be as much African - American as any one else. Using the term to identify your roots is incorrect.

Answer 3

I think people are getting confused by your use of the term "African-American" in your question. I assume you mean that you are originally from Africa, but now live in America.

I'm not sure why you get racist reactions when you tell people you are African. But if it makes you feel better, people are indeed racist against black Americans too. Just look at some of the questions people post!

Answer 4

There has been hatred toward the black population here since we started settling here. Whatever term we use for people from Africa, it's probably not said in a positive way. In America we have been calling 'black' people African Americans for a while. It doesn't matter if your family was dragged here as slaves or you came here to visit, there is going to be racism. As a white American,I apologize for my fellow countrymen's ignorance.

Answer 5

I have seen the answers before mine and I must concur with my colleagues on this one hon. The word to best describe it would be IGNRANCE pure and simple and unfortunately their isn't a damn thing we can do about it in any lifetime that we'll ever live. I take that back. What we can do is teach other's our age and younger the truth of things so that hopefully they can pass on the truth instead of the nonsense that seems to have troubled you.
What you have to take into consideration my dove is this. You are not black, you are not white, you are not tanned deeply or otherwise. You are a human being. And if you have friends and family that know the difference between a human being and a member of the human race, then you have the answer that seems to elude the ignorance you have to deal with on a daily basis. I'm sorry you have to deal with it.

Answer 6

I am sorry that people are discriminating against you. I think maybe it is ignorance that scares them. Alot of people reject the unknown. They are not comfortable with their ignorance so instead of asking questions to become informed they reject the unknown and just an FYI no all south americans are Mexican. Only those who were born in the country of Mexico. There are many South American countries. But they are all hispanic. If it is any consolation I am sure it happens to many different cultures.

Answer 7

I come from South Africa and I grew up around a lot of black people. So where ever I am in the world, I'd respect them! Whether you're african-american or from France it wouldn't bother me!

Answer 8

O * M * G!!!

First, let me inform you -- to the world you ARE black -- their definition of it. They don't care, honey! You are black, black, black to them!

As for African-Americans, most of us have discarded that derogatory term "black" for African-American just as a means of identifying our heritage and embracing it.

For yourself, be proud that you know your specific country and possibly tribe, a luxury African-Americans do not have.

The only difference in the broader sense is WHEN you arrived in the USA. My ancestors arrived hundreds of years ago (except the one Irish dude in the mix). Yours arrived more recently. Other than that, we are the same. Get over it, we are the same. No better, no worse.

Think of my Italian husband. Although his people arrived only recently (1920s), they consider themselves Italian-American -- embracing the Italian culture and roots while fully considering themselves Americans, rightly so. When we went to Italy, he felt very different culturally from the Italian people there. However, they are the SAME people.

We are the SAME people, sweetheart. Stop separating yourselves. Race is a socio-political construct anyway. Ask any real biologist or geneticist.

Answer 9

I don't really understand but I think you mean why are they racist towards Africans that live in the USA. Who in particular was racist blacks that always lived in the USA? I don't think this is true I am black and always lived in the USA and some times I think Africans think they are better. But not all Africans. Trust me people are racist against blacks who always lived here and this is the only place we know of as our country.

Answer 10

South Americans aren't Mexican unless they moved there from Mexico, but I think a lot of people will agree that many are racist whether you were born here or not. Very sad.

Answer 11

South Americans aren't Mexican, and Africans aren't 'Black'. Those are two separate cultures. When I think 'Black', I think ~Dark skinned person of African descent, Ancestor brought to America as slave~ that ain't you. The problem is, 'colored' folks don't havea real name or singular separate identity.