Why the term African American?

Question

I'm white but don't call myself an Irish American. Perhaps you are German, do you call yourself a German American? What gives? I don't think of my black friends as anything but American.

Answer 1

good question......idk

Answer 2

Well I could ask you the reverse: Why do you call yourself white when you clearly have roots that do not originate in America. Sure, you may be an American citizen now but don't you have any respect or acknowledgment of where your ancestors came from? I'm partially joking. I just want you to see what you sound like by showing you the reverse.

The point I am making is that you don't go around calling yourself Irish American for reasons that I don't know. People who call themselves African American may want to 1) not be called a black person; 2) want to maintain some vague connection with the land that they were ripped from; and/or 3) may not quite feel that America is really welcoming of them. There could be a whole number of reasons why. You do know these people were not considered American not too long ago and were called derogatory names. The term African American was considered a positive step towards self-love and self-acceptance. I'm sure you can imagine what centuries of negativity can do to ones psyche. We are just living in the aftermath of a system that perpetuated evil amongst a group of people. That is just history for all and unfortunately, the present still for some.

Answer 3

You make a good point. If you live in America, you are American. I personally consider myself American as well, but when asked iI just say "I'm black". However, because American is such a broad term and variety of people, African-American is used to narrow it down to a specific group of people. But I think within a few years that term is going to change because when you look at the word from another perspective, you think of immediate African descent or an Ethopian person who became an American citizen. So eventually that term will probably be rethought.

Answer 4

Not all people who are "black" are from Africa some are not, but they might look like that. Some people who look "White" are born in Africa and their family have been living there for hundred of years, and perhaps 1000 of years, but no one call them Tunisian American or Alger American and Egypt American. How could one tell? In matter of fact, very often people in Egypt think that I am a Greek from Alexandria, but I am not. I am from the most northern part of Scandinavia, some sort of Scandinavian "Indian". I is a good question we have to think more of what we are saying.

Answer 5

I agree, I was wondering the same thing, I could see if you were born in africa and then later moved to america, It might be a form of acknowledging the pride that africans had and managed to keep when brought here by force during times of slavery. Not really sure though...the term "black" doesnt really do it either, its a color and not all "black" or "white" people are black or white if you really think about it, its just a name for a color. Who knows where this stuff comes from. whata ya do....I say.

Answer 6

Actually I do know quite a few white people whose families came to the United States several generations ago but who like to think of themselves as Irish-American or German-American, to maintain a link to that heritage.

The term African-American gained popularity not because there's anything inherently wrong with "black" but because identifying people by their skin color is historically associated with slavery and racism. African-American seemed to show more respect by acknowledging race as one element of identity -- but less important than American. Same reason that "black people" is preferred to "blacks."

Personally I'm willing to call people whatever makes them feel respected. Black, African-American, American, or, ideally, by name.

Answer 7

I believe it is because African Americans were/are discriminated against because of there race. The people who discriminate make it an issue. I believe that many African Americans would be glad to be considered just plain Americans. Also, people do not want to forget where they came from, so they aknowledge their heritage.

Answer 8

I don't get that either,i think african and black are two different things,because look at black people and look at africans,totally different right.The presidents is an *** they need 2 have more ethnicty choices,or change the african american to black american

Answer 9

There looking for an alternative for the deregatory term/ or atleast in the context, people 'USED TO ADDRESS THEM BY' - and its to acknowledge they are now 'full citizens' (So it actually has to be emphasized) - unlike the past. Although in a way to use a seperate term to emphasize their acceptance is segration in itself. Plus, I guess they themselves refuse to completely blend into society and are proud to be different so are different from Americans and are 'African Americans' - plus, its just a blatant statement of fact and a society thing, here in the UK they say 'British Pakistanis' - but not Britsh Blacks or British Italians, just a society thing - it honestly isn't worth schrutinizing over. Its just one of those things.

Answer 10

I personally don't like it but its a hold to our roots (Africa - since we can't name our countries we claim the entire Continent). I also think its important because it was coined by black people - "This is how we want YOU America to Identify us."

And by the way, I've met enough "Irish" Americans, and "Italian" Americans so black people aren't the only ones to identify themselves like this.

Answer 11

I call my friend from Africa black, not african american, though she is. I ncall whites whites, hispanics hispanics and asians asians. it is really simple. we are all americans here, except the new immigrants that came here on a 1-7 years radius