Do African Americans have an identity problem?

Question

MY ancesters were German. But I don't call myself a German American. I was born in America and as far as I am concerned, that makes me an American. I am neither proud nor ashamed of the fact that my ancesters were German. I had nothing to do with it.
Why don't black Americans just consider themselves Americans?
Or, if they wish a name that includes their race, Black Americans or Non-caucasion Americans?

Answer 1

That title (african-american) appears to have gained more popular support in the late 80's (the age of political correctness) - the label black was quite derogatory at that time, however in recent years black as a label has had much more acceptance.

Identity problem: As a teacher, the black students in my class year after year (over a decade - almost to the last person) are unable to trace their ancestry back past 3-4 generations. This appears to have had a devastating effect on the self esteem of many students. ( the lack of desire for an education and lack of parenting skills for many black parents that also did not end up with an education appears to have a spiraling effect that will have continuing devastating effects on all of us ) Some of this has much to do with an identity problem, that most whites have difficulty relating to.

Answer 2

In what city, state, country do you live in for crying out loud?? Do you realize the pain and suffering that African Americans have been through - and STILL go through? Look around, open your eyes, and pay attention!!! It wasn't all that long ago when this country had drinking fountains marked separately for "whites" and "blacks". It wasn't all that long ago that these proud americans were forced to sit in the back of a bus while the "Whites" got to sit up in the front (one American black solidier was shot dead for defying that rule, which is why we now praise the ground that Rosa Parks walked on). And if you paid any attention to what was going on in New Orleans, it wasn't the whites getting left behind and ignored there after that hurricane!!! (And, heck, look at the first answer you got... as if racism doesn't still exist???) Oh... you have my blood boiling. I guess it's time for me to sign-off. By the way, americans are fine with being described as "black" - although I think it should be done so with a capital "B".

Answer 3

Remember that anyone can be an American. But like you sad, you are from the country of Germany but you no that now you are an American citizen. You would be able to trace your ancestors and realize your cultural background. As for African Americans, all they can do is say that they are from Africa, a continent!!! This is really sad to think because there really isn't a true way to tell them if they are from Libya, Somolia, Ethiopia, and so on. They have lost their heritage. They do consider themselves American but feel that they have somehow lost their past.

Answer 4

I dont believe it is an identity problem.Perhaps it is simply a desire to find pride in their heritage.If you ask most Americans especially white Americans what are they?The answer range from i am french and German,Scottish and Irish,they will answer with just about every genealogical combination there is but seldom do you here them say I'm an American.So perhaps when looking for an answer to your question you should perhaps ask more people who they are or what they are I'm sure you will find the majority of modern Americans will answer many things and American will be one of the last.

Answer 5

All black Americans are NOT African Americans. Some are of Asian and/or Native American decent. Most black people born in the USA are of mixed racial ancestry and some may be of various nationalities. The only identity problem created for black Americans is the inability to accurately, identify the nonwhite national origins of their bloodlines because of the restrictions of slavery. Therefore, if a black American person does happen to KNOW that the national origin of his or her ancestors is Africa, then, just as the white Americans use the nationality of their ancestors to identify themselves, black Americans feel that they have the right and responsibility to identify the origin of their ancestors of color. Many black Americans can, very accurately, identify the sources of their caucasian roots as secretively as they were kept because of (Miscegenation Laws), but some can not identify their non-caucasian roots, other than by the COLOR OF THEIR SKINS because the AFRICAN slaves were not allowed to use their African names, to speak in their native language or to discuss their African pasts upon arrival off of the slave ships. Many were sold and African families were broken up, forever. That does not stop blacks from being American, but it gives Africa a special place in their heritage for those who truly, know it. Aside from church records, NO RECORDS were kept of black births, marriages or deaths before the US. government census-taking began during the early 1900's. The only family records were kept by word of mouth and by church records in some places.

Answer 6

They do have an identity problem, but in their defense, your ancestors came here willingly because they sought to do so. African americans were plucked from their homes, mixed in and shipped like cattle forced into slavery. Many of the diffrent tribesmen that may have been enemies in africa were all intermixed and treated as the same thing.... black slaves. Yeah, I think I'd have an identity crisis if my roots were similar.

Answer 7

because we cary the names of the slave master...
but what you don't know is that the persecution that blacks suffer straightens the soul and by the way do some research check the constitution and the bill of rights are blacks considers hold or 1/3 of a man read people read you got the enter net right in front yet you make these statement disguised as question

Answer 8

Actually I think white people call them African Americans more than they call themselves that because they still haven't accepted them as part of American culture.

Answer 9

Because blacks are the minority, they often get the short end of the stick, they are discriminated against, many grew up in poverty and will be poor for their whole lives. The list can go on.

Answer 10

they like to remember their heritage. they dont just forget their past. and we dont like to be pure americans. pure americans are sad and like rock and ice hockey. we dont.