Question for the black folks out there...?

Question

When someone is referring to your race (not speaking of you individually) how do you prefer they refer to you...black or African American? I really don't see what the big deal is about the whole black/AA issue. I'm caucasian...most people refer to me as white. I'm not white...I'm more of a creamy pink color, to be honest. Much the same as you aren't black...you may be light tan, or you may be very dark brown.

You don't know me...you don't know that my ancestors are from German, England and Scotland, and I certainly don't expect you to refer to me as German/English/Scots American. I don't know you...for all I know, your ancestors could be from Jamaica or Trinidad, so why should I be expected to refer to you as African American? Isn't it just easier and less confusing to say black and white? White people don't get offended when we're called white, so why do so many black people get offended when called black? Serious answers only please! I'm not trying to start an argument.

Ugh...meant to post this in the "other" section. Sorry!! (If anyone wants to critique my grammar and/or spelling, at least it wouldn't be a totally wasted question! :)

AnnySweety--If you read the question CAREFULLY, you'll see that I mentioned talking about black people IN GENERAL...not specifically. I would never walk up to a black guy and say, "Excuse me black man...do you have the time?" I'd refer to him as "sir" or, if I knew him, by his name.

Answer 1

Actually I prefer people to say black because when someone says African American it seems like they are trying not to offend me by saying black. IT WON'T OFFEND ME I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD!!!

Answer 2

I'm White. I taught in a school that was about 80% Black. Most of my students referred to themselves as Black. I don't see how anyone could be offended by this term. Black is beautiful, as they used to say.

My husband is African. He is not African American. My child will be Black and African American, but I will refer to him/her as Black. I will not think of him/her as African American. He/she will be both African and American, but not really African American. I only use the term African American with White Americans from places where there aren't many Blacks. They seem to be pretty uptight about the terms. They assume I am a racist if I use the term Black, even though I grew up in an area that was 30% Black and they grew up in an area that was around 1% Black.

Answer 3

I say if you are born in America, you are American why do we have to distinguish between color here in America in the first place. Why don't we say European-American is my question? This was Indian soil. If you go to Africa and you see a white person who is born there they are African not European-African. So, why do I have to be African-American when I never been to Africa a day in my life. I never go by African-American if I have to put my ethinicity on something I say black if I have the option. I don't know exactly what I am cuz I don't know my ancestors so it's easier to say I'm black. I don't know why some get offended to be called black, I don't know any of us that refer to white people as Caucasian or European...the only word I here other black people call white people is white...therefore why be upset to be called black. I never seen a black people get upset to be called black though.

Answer 4

I don't really get with the whole AA thing, myself. Everybody who is technically AA is not "black" (or a person of color). Take Charlize Theron, for example. She can be considered AA. She is not "black".

So, with that said, I guess it depends on the person you're addressing and categorizing. Some people get really sensitive about it. As long as you don't call me any derogatory names, or antiquated terms like "colored", then "black" is fine with me. I say "black" 98% of the time, unless I'm around certain people who I know will be less accepting of being called "black" and would prefer AA.

It's just a euphemism for black, so just say black.

Answer 5

Very good question you ask, I am a white male american and have no problem addressing a black person. Nowadays if someone had a problem with you calling them black then I think the problem is much deeper than the name itself.

Answer 6

im white (if you cant tell from my avatar) and my gf is black, i call her all sorts of names, obviously not mean or derogotory - and she does the same back to me - its like the relationship you have with people - ive never heard any black people i know get offended by being called black - and personally i act like you would expect a black person would if called the n word (notice i dont say it) if a black person called me a racial word for white folks (unless its my gf, cuz we mess around alot - haha take that how you want it)

Answer 7

I think this is an awesome question. I have wondered the same thing too. I don't get offended when someone calls me "White", I don't really know why anyone else would.

Answer 8

it doesnt matter. as long as it isnt derogatory, or said with ill intent.

true african americans will dispute that american blacks are "african americans". the culture is too different, and too far removed.

i met a whiteguy that was born in africa someplace. he was 100% african-american. thats more than most black americans can attest to.

black is fine, and so is AA. its all symantics. if said with evil intent, then we have a problem.

Answer 9

I have friends in a rainbow of hues. None of my black friends are offended when referred to as black. I believe this is a political thing perpetrated by people who want to create trouble.

Answer 10

Do you know what? I don't think blacks, or whites or etc.should have any problem in being called that...People ask me all the time my nationality and I say Black and Vietnamese....No problem here