For African American or Black people only.?

Question

There has been so much controversy, tension, for people of color toward american white people in the past, and for some still now. I am so nervous when using the word "black", because we were never allowed to use the word, or "african american. " because it doesn't roll off your tongue, and feel very inclusive. What am I supposed to use when I need to use one of "the" words. I am friends with anyone, and just don't want to offend anyone. It seems some people are more sensitive than others. Please help.

Answer 1

I'm not black, but one of my coworkers is. And I say black because that's what he is, and that's what he says. He told me recently that a woman was totally flirting with him at a party and said, "You are one fine Afican American. That accent just makes you sound so much sexier."

Yup, the accent is French. He was born of the Ivory Coast, raised in France, and is a French citizen. Since no one actually knows the origin of a black person, it's totally ignorant to use the term African American and I can't even imagine who thought it was a good idea to start. I mean, there are white Africans, afterall. Look at Charlize Theron.

Answer 2

i don't think you should put so much thought into it. If you're as friendly as you say, and you're not meant to offend anyone ,which is by saying, using the n word, then there's no reason to be so upset. When you're white, and you call a black person black ,or African American ,chances are either way there going to be offended. Instead try to look at them as the person and not the color. Like if you're asked a question like what race was Dr. Martin Luther King ,you should say, African American ,cause in reality, African Americans aren't black ,black is a crayon color. Like Caucasians, aren't white .Look at those crayon colors, no Caucasian is that color, and no African American is that color .
And also why would you need to say African American or black ,i mean other than work at school ,or writing documents, and reciting ,why would you need to use those words in daily life?

Answer 3

African american would be the politically correct word to use. I suppose "black" is also ok but not as good as african american. Then again, it would depend on how close you are with the person you're speaking to or what sort of occasion you're at. With a friend, you can actually ask if what you're using is ok and not offensive. At an event, always go with the politically correct word - Afr. Amer.

Answer 4

I think it all depends on the individual. Myself personally, I don't mind the word Black or African American. Although, I prefer the word Black because African American, to me, is not an accurate description of most of the people who were born here. I could see saying African American for people who were born in Africa and our now living in America. But when it all boils down to it, I think your safest bet would be to stick with Black or African American. When in doubt just ask the individual to whom you are refering to.

Answer 5

there is no longer a distinction. They propose an similar ingredient. Africans who're raised in u.s. yet understand their usa of foundation, state it. So someone from Kenya may call themselves a Kenyan-American or only a Kenyan. someone from Jamaica is Jamaican. maximum African-human beings purely call themselves "black" and have not been African for a lengthy time period. by technique of a few historic money owed we were always a distinct human beings from different Africans. distinctive human beings ignore that.

Answer 6

I use the word "black" always, except in certain school assignments. I hate using the word "african american," because many black people are not from africa, and white people in south africa are actually AFRICAN, but they wouldn't be able to say "african american," so the term really just means "black."

Answer 7

I am a black woman and i prefer the term black over African American simply because i am not from Africa. I find the term African American very misleading because non-blacks who are born in Africa are considered to be African-Americans (ex.Charlize Theron). So if i was you i would use the term Black American. We are not Colored, *****, Afro-Americans, African Americans and etc. We are Americans.

Answer 8

There is so much political correctness that it does tend to cause a certain awkwardness between people. Open-minded people recognize sincerity coming their way. Now why you need to use one of "the" words I'll just have to give you the benefit of the doubt that it is of useful importance. Although unlikely, see a person for who they are...Good people, in all races, do not make color an obstacle.

Answer 9

Well, if you know that the person is originally from Africa, is black and is currently leaving in America then say, African American, if you are not sure where they are from just say "black". I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Oh, I'm white, but it's good to get everyone's point of view regardless of their racial backround.

Answer 10

I am an american who happens to be black.

I hate the fact that Jesse Jackson created this new title for "black " people and everyone seem to have jumped on the bandwagon.

Urgggggggggggggg