Why do we call "African Americans" to black people?

Question

And just "Americans" to white people..i mean they could be called "white americans" or "european americans"

Answer 1

you copied my question!

Answer 2

Because it is political: blacks must have complianed about being called black and its probably an attempt for them to go back to their roots. Think about this though -- if there was a white man born and raised in africa and then came here to live in the USA, he, by definition should be called an African American...right? So, that would be a white african american.

Answer 3

I am black, and I do not agree with African American. it's considered politically correct to refer to us this way, but for the most part I consider it inaccurate. When I look back into my own blood line, I find German and Native American before I can trace back to Africa (and I can't trace that far back). I think 'white' and 'black' is sufficient. Many black people cannot trace that far back. Black blood is just so strong that I guess some choose to be identified with Africa, even though most black people don't identify with Africa on any level, much less even look African. Historically, the word 'black' has had a negative connotation, but I see no problem with it. Because it was considered negative, another politically correct word used to describe us has evolved.

Answer 4

African American is used to classify a MINORITY group of people based on color of their skin. Facts are they are of African descent that somewhere in their family tree there is a black African.

The same goes with Hispanic and Asian Americans. It is a way of saying that person is from a specific group of people.

There are multiple African, Hispanic, and Asian cultures by using the word African, Hispanic and Asian as a society we are lumping all people together who would fall into that category.

The reason why white people are referred to as just Americans is because they are the majority. As with most things, we assume that when you identify any group that you are talking about the majority. Like when you say African, you assume that you are talking about a black person, instead of a white Afrikan.

Answer 5

I call them Black Americans because that s what they are.

Answer 6

Actually, I'd sorta like if if someone referred to me as "Irish American". No one here is a true "American" because we are all the descendants of immigrants in one way or another, unless you're Native American.

Answer 7

I agree, most have never stepped foot on Africa, name themselves after someplace they have been.. Might I suggest liquor store Americans, crack house Americans, welfare office Americans, jail Americans, that's just a few

Answer 8

Well, if you want to go much farther back, we are all from Africa.

I think that epithet arose, because the word "*****" could transmogrify to the VERY unacceptable N-word, and THAT word was used in heinous and brutal ways so often in recent history.

Answer 9

the ones protesting the use of the word "*****" got the government to change it to African Americans..... I usually say black....

Answer 10

Heh, funny thing... on our test sheets at school, under race, there are:

African American
Hispanic
Asian

and-get ready-

white.

maybe i could sue the school for being rascist against caucasians and make some money! :D

Answer 11

It's stupid! Black people should be actually just called "black"