If the current PC term for black is African American...?

Question

.. .this terminology would only apply to Americans. If the black person is from, say, England or France or anywhere other than the U.S., what would be the proper terminology?
This question is from pure curiosity - no ill intent presented. I've just wondered this from time to time, and decided to put it to the question.
Thanks.

OK, let me see if I can ask this better.
Say I was working an event and I needed to direct someone to a co-worker across the room, and this co-worker was a black woman from England. I would need a description to send someone to find her if they didn't know her. I couldn't very well say, "Look for the pretty African American woman in the red dress by the backstage door" if she's not "American". Not that it matters all that much -- it just brought up an interesting question -- what would one use as a racial descriptive to any "hypen-American" reference regarding someone who is NOT, in fact, an American.

It seems to be the " - American" part that's throwing me.

Answer 1

The term "black" is a general term that implies race and is usually applied to those whose ancestors are sub-Saharan African. The term "African American" was intended to describe those of us of sub-Saharan African origin who were born in the United States.

Clearly, these terms do not apply to other blacks who live in this country. As weird as it sounds, an African who lives in America now is typically not considered an African American because he or she was not born in this country. The same goes for black people who live in the United States but whose country of origin is somewhere like the Caribbean or South America.

To be safe, I'd refer to a person of African descent as either just that "a person of African descent" or the simpler term, "black." However, black people are not a monolith: You will find some who don't prefer the term "black" and some who do. However, to avoid the whole issue, you should probably just refer to that person with his or her first name. That always works.

Answer 2

The term "African American" is a term that was demanded by the blacks in America. Other blacks in France, for example, are called "French" (England = English). Remember, America was one of the places the Africans were forced to go. They wern't forced to go to France and England.

Answer 3

hahaha i completly agree.......these socially constructed monikers are all a matter of perception. I say this because your race and your socioeconomic status is going to effect your perspective on what the correct terminology is. If you are poor and black, your perception of whats appropriate is going to be drastically different than the perspective of a rich black, or white person. and its not merely restricted to those contexts...... each individuals own personal experiences and status in society is going to affect their belief about who should be called what.......the take home message from all this should be......regardless of everything.......we are all only one thing absolutly and undenialbly......human.

Answer 4

Since these terms are social/cultural inventions, they are not biological descriptions, the answer to your question would be: Whatever is the current socially/culturally acceptable term in the particular location.

Answer 5

Maybe a African English? Or just say blackie!

Answer 6

i don't think any of the terms are correct , they are back a$$wards
african american==american/african decent
irish american==american/irish decent
ETC ETC ETC . AREN'T WE SUPPOSE TO BE AMERICANS FIRST. THANK YOU

Answer 7

I've wondered this as well.