Black and white?

Question

Do black people (or African-Americans, egyptians, jamaicans...etc) get offended when they are called black? (by other races) If you're American, do you prefer African American? But not all black people are from Africa, so technically, the term "African American" is wrong, isn't it? Plus, if a black friend calls you their "N" word, why is it wrong for you to do the same? It's kind of weird to me, and I want to know why this is. My friends told me they don't care if I call them black, (i'm asian) but it's an insult if I call them my "N" word. Is it because of slavery in the past? I just wanted other people's views. Is it wrong for caucasians to be called white? Is it an insult for a caucasian to be called white by another race?

Thank you, dear Walter, for telling me that Egyptians are not black...sorry to all you Egyptians out there for my mistake...that is, assuming that Walter is right.

Well, apparently, I'm being fact-retarded, since it is theorized that all people originated from Africa, but I'm talking more like, recent wise, like your great g-parents wise...not ancestors. I know it's wrong to describe by ethnicity, but what can you do? You're not going to describe a person with : that scottish, italian, chinese, guatemalan dude over there, right? You're going to pick out what they look like the most. So please don't be offended by my question, I just want to know if calling a darker skinned person (from Africa, etc) black is offensive, and if calling a lighter skinned person (from Europe) white is offensive.

Answer 1

i think it is an insult to refer to anyone by a skin tone. How about their name or say friend. when we use colors that builds walls when we dont the walls come down. I hate closed in places.

Answer 2

I think that African Americans are the ones with this issue of the "N" word, not the other races that you asked about - although most white people cannot recognize the differences. I do believe that it comes from the way that the slaves were treated. The meaning of the word, to my understanding, is a lazy, good for nothing. Someone who doesn't or won't work, etc. I also see the "N" word in every race. It seems just our African American friends have issues with it - probably due to the slave owners and how they treated the slaves. I hate that it ever happened, but without that history, the US would not have had the history that it has had and the wonderful black leaders that we have seen. I have also been told by my friends that it is fine to call them black - you should ask any new black friends you make their preference. I have met some blacks that prefer African American. You should never use the "N" word when addressing your black friends, that is an insult to them. I am white and also realize that the Chinese (not sure what Asian nationality you are) were also enslaved when the railroad was being built across the country - by rich white men. As to if I am insulted by being called white, no, I am. I am insulted by Southern black men (who I have worked with for several years) calling me "Miss". That also comes from slave times. I am insulted by it because I know where it came from and I am an Yankee white - I've always been on their side - Black or African American.

Answer 3

I guess I am a Russian American because my parents came from Russia? The use of the "N" word is an insult to a black person in the same way that Jew-boy or WOP would be to a Jew and Italian. Unfortunately this is the way people are. They love to insult others and have been doing so since man came upon this planet.

Answer 4

It depend's on the person.. I could call my friends that if I wanted to and they wouldn't mind.. But I won't because I don't like using it at all, and either do they really. We only use it to make fun of it. Some do get offended even if you are good friends with them. These seem to be the people that use it often themselves and seem to me quite ignorant to even do so. I haven't met anyone who was offended by being called "black", more offended by African American. But like I said, everyone is different and has different beliefs. You would have to ask them individually to really find out how they feel..

Aaron H- Your a moron, calling a person a "wigger" is just as bad..

Answer 5

Im white and I know its not as big of a deal but I dont mind being called white even though im irish, scotish, english, and german. Ive been told that some people prefer black and some prefer African American. Its sad how these days you have to worry about being 'politically correct'. I wish nobody cared any more.

Answer 6

First of all, all black people's ancestors came from Africa. As a matter-of-fact it is not even disputed now that all human evolution began in Africa.

Now, as far as what one likes to be called, it runs the gamut. It ought to. Black people are no more monolithic than white people or any other kind of persons. We all have freedom of thought so, there will be as many opinions about this among black pople as among any other group.

Answer 7

No it's not wrong to call people white or black, I'm white and I don't see how somebody could get offended by being called their race lol But yes, you should not use the infamous N word, even if its not using ER at the end (ahem to all you wiggers and wannabes out there) ... so black guy, white guy, thats ok.... N word = no

Answer 8

America tells you that you have the freedom of speech, but. . . you don’t. The n word is actually a sophisticated word, look up the Latin root and see what you get. I think that if I need to say “African American” then they should have to say “European American”. But my opinion does NOT count because I’m not a minority and the secret government assassins will kill me if they ever found out I kow the truth!!!

Answer 9

For me it is offensive to attached the color of a person. If a black person lives here in America- just called them American, if white person lives here in america just call them American. Period.

Answer 10

its completely wrongto call pple as per their skin colours, why shld you call me hey you black gal? cant you just say hey you lady!!!, how about that???, its racial to call pple by their skin colour unfortunately this problem is with caucasians only, as for the egyptians they are not white, ASIANS are NOT white, unfortunately they would like to be called white ESPECIALLY ASIANS, from INDIA REALLY LOVE IT WHEN YOU CALL THEM WHITE AND THEY ARE NOT!!!!!,