Why African?

Question

This just popped into my head and so I thought I would ask here. Why are black people called Africans. Not all the people of Africa are black. Their are many Whites and Arabs to. And those called African Americans are not even from Africa(well most anyways). Plus Africa is a continent not a country. When you are from some were you say your from that country not your continent. I am American not North American. If your from Canada your Canadian also not North American. My husband is from Egypt and he is Egyptian not African. This is not about race, so don't take it that way. I was just wondering why African.

Answer 1

The best terminology is 'Sub-Saharan African', but I guess it's too long...

Sub-Saharan Africa is mostly filled with arbitrary 'countries' whose borders were drawn by European colonists. Being from, say, Cote D'Ivoire may not be a source of pride or identification for many Ivorians, who may take more pride in their continent of origin than their country. North of the Sahara, this is not true. Thus Egyptians see themselves as Egyptian.

It's not that abnormal for a Belgian to primarily identify himself as a European. It's all about self-identity - how you choose to view yourself.

Me, I'm just me.

Answer 2

there are many countries in affrica im sure most people just think its one big country. people from mexico and argintena refer to themselvs as americans due to the continent set up