Do you prefer to be called black or African American? I'm just curious because some people I know are completely offended at being called African American because they want this whole racial thing to subside, so they actually prefer just being a black "American", just like I am a white "American". Then you find people that still want to be called African American, but they don't actually have any African ancestors. I know Oprah can't stand it when people call her "African American". What do you prefer?
2006-09-05 02:09:27 · 20 answers · asked by Squirrel 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
To the person that said "stop all of the hate". I am not hating, I asking an honest question. I've heard it both ways, so I would like to hear from the people themselves what they prefer to be called. How is that hating? Aren't I being curteous to find out before I make an assumption?
2006-09-05 02:18:31 · update #1
I'm fine with either. The word "black" has one syllable and it's quick and easy to say as opposed to seven within the words "African American".
I wonder why some of us get offended when you are only trying to get your sentence or point across.
My mother in law asked me that question and I just told her to use the word black. I'm sorry this had to be an issue for you and you aren't the only one.
As for those people who tell you that they prefer to be called "Black American", tell them 5 syllables is also too much work.
Furthermore, for those who reject the word "African" and want it replaced with the word "Black" BEFORE the word "American"...I have a serious question to ask you on this lady's behalf.
What is so Black American about you, when your AFRICAN ancestors did even ask to be here?!?!
2006-09-05 02:17:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Some people make this into such a huge deal. If I wasn't black, I would call black people black because African American takes too long to say. If you take offense to black or African American...grow up. It's not racial its just something used to distinguish a class of people.
2006-09-05 09:17:20 · answer #2 · answered by M Double 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I personally don't mind being called either one...However I tend to say African American just b/c my ancestors were African. I have friends from many different ancestries and they prefer to be called by what they are...
I think the problem is black people who where born here in America don't feel strong ties to Africa b/c we don't have any family (that we know) in Africa. All we know is America and we would like to be preferred to as Americans....unlike other nationalities that have ties to their countries and don't mind being referred to as the "nationality they are-American"....it's harder for us...
I hope a answered your question....
2006-09-05 09:56:34 · answer #3 · answered by Only 1 I LUv 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm not really picky. As long as you don't call me a racial slur like coon, monkey, and whatever else people USED to call us I don't care. My ancestors are from Africa, the Dominican Republic, and France. So to call any of us African American would be accurate. We are all descendants of them anyway. Black is just quicker though. It doesn't matter. But no racial slurs. And thanks for asking because some black people do take it to heart and why when you are what you are? Be proud to be black!!!
2006-09-05 09:42:51 · answer #4 · answered by Southern Lady 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To be honest, I prefer black American. I'm not from Africa, and neither are my parents. My fiance IS from Africa. Any kids that we might have WILL be African-American though because their mother would be from America and their father would be from Africa.
Now, some black people prefer African-American, but I feel that the term is inaccurate when BOTH of your parents are American-Born and Raised.
2006-09-05 09:18:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I never understood African American to start with. I mean if you were not born there why would you call yourself African?
I am a 3rd generation American yet I don't call myself a Middle Eastern-American. I don't even call myself a Lebanese American.
So why would someone who has been here 5 or 6 generations say they are African American?
2006-09-05 09:20:30 · answer #6 · answered by N3WJL 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It really doesn't bother me to be called either. But if I had to choose, I would prefer black American. That describes me perfectly.
And to Dynovw--Her question is not hate filled. If more people asked questions, I guarantee there would be a lot less hatred in our country.
2006-09-05 09:14:47 · answer #7 · answered by Phoenix Rising 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I prefer black american I suppose...it doesn't really matter to me. But not all black ppl are african american..they might be carribean.
2006-09-05 11:34:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a black American cause I did not come from Africa and I do not personally anyone from there.
2006-09-05 09:17:29 · answer #9 · answered by jazzychick285 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I hope all the people in this world will be colour blind when it comes to racial matters. Let make it colourless.
So to answer your question .... just call them Americans.
2006-09-05 09:14:18 · answer #10 · answered by Phantom of the Opera 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋