Why is it?

Question

Why is it that blacks want to be called "African American"? My heritage is European descent, but I don't want to be called "European American". I am an American - end of story. So what I don't understand is are blacks African or American? I am not a racist, just curious. If you want to be treated equal (which you should) why not drop the "African American" and just be an American?

Answer 1

good point!
The same could be said of Many others...Mexican- American, Chinese-American, etc.
Seems to imply the white folks are the plain Americans, doesn't it? And it also serves to insure we stay far away from the worthy goal of true color-blindness.

Answer 2

That was started along time ago and simply stuck around as it sounded more politically correct than ******, colored, coon, etc. and it had a semblance of a connection to our true heritage, which was not American (Government never meant for blacks to become Americans).

Nowadays, I am an American. I know nothing about my African roots (very big continent). I may not fully subscribe to the American way of life but hey, it's all I have and all I know.

I would love to leave and go to Africa but 1) I don’t know which country my relatives were from and 2) it would not be the same as it was when they lived their as a result of foreign invasions and colonization. I will be happy with what I have and what I am: you can call me an American.

Answer 3

I think it has something to do with the way thy have been treated throught the years in the U.S. (slavery, rights, etc) That we dont refer to them as Black or negroes. They couldnt just be Americans becuase then people would not know that they are black and of African descent. I think it's more of this idea than the idea of roots or pride, etc.

Answer 4

It appears to me that blacks have never been satisfied with anything that a "honkie" calls them, even when blacks came up with the names for themselves in the first place. I'm sorry that they were kidnapped and forced into slavery, but that was done in Africa by black Africans.

I'm not a racist either, and have stood up for black people many times, but I'm proudest of the ones that have the courage and endurance to stand up and make it on their own.

Answer 5

I had a teacher in college who was talking about race. She was black. It was a very open discussion where we were all made to feel it was okay to ask anything. So, I asked what do you prefer. Do you want to be called black or African American. She said do you call yourself white or caucassion. (Spelling impaired). So I like to be called white and she likes black.

Answer 6

I agree. American by birth, African by desent

Answer 7

It's a more polite way to mention their race. I often say I am Native American. It's to point out my race when it is necessary to do so. However, I've been known to say that I am American or Statesian when traveling abroad as it isn't about race, but origin.

Answer 8

i agree with what you are saying my friend, it is kind of strange but i think it is also a away of reminding themselves of their ancestory.
i know lots of scottish who live abroad and they always remind folk that they have a scottish connection as they are proud of it, and want everyone to know,
i dont think it is a big problem really, but i do believe in "when in rome do as the romans do"
dont forget when these guys and girls do your country proud in events such as athletics,boxing and lots of other things they dont shout out im winning for african americans,, they do shout out for America and accept their medals with the American flag wrapped around them with tremendous pride,
live and let live and if thats our biggest complaint I think we are on a winner,
thanks for the thoughts#

Answer 9

Are you ashamed of your European heritage

Answer 10

Because black, *****, niggga/niggger, poop, shiit, chicken lovers, and slaves are degrading to them! They also care about the pride they have abouth thier ethnicity/heritage!