Why do African Americans get offended?

Question

when I call them black.. I don't get offended when people call me white.. Am I allowed to get mad when someone calls me white instead of Caucasian when they describe me?

Answer 1

I say forget them. When they get upset about it they are basically just saying that they are ashamed of their own race. I don't care if someone calls me white, caucasian, or a cracker. I am comfortable with myself and I don't care what others think or say about me. I am not only white. I am native american, filipino, and german. So what are they supposed to call me now? I am a girl. If someone were TRULY A NON-RACISTS when they are describing a person they would describe them either as a male or female. Their race or color wouldn't even need to be mentioned. Why would it matter after all? We are all people and that is all that matters.

Answer 2

When you say "them", exactly how many are you referring to because it seems like all of us Blacks who are answering aren't offended by the term Black. I don't know if this question is for real or if you just wanted to see what type of response you could get by asking a question on race but we call ourselves Black so what idiots have gotten offended by it, unless you aren't telling the whole story. Is it a certain tone that you use, do you say it with a smirk? Whites are white and Blacks are black. Ni--as, Honkeys, hell, we know exactly what race people are talking about. We don't have to be so politically correct and say African American and Caucasian. Those are just a waste of breath and syllables. I personally don't believe in the term African American. How can one be both? I am Black, and proud...

Answer 3

They shouldn't get offended. The paper actually (news paper) uses the term black and not African American because not all black people in American are african american. Black is the correct term. So is white. So if they get offended, that's their problem. They are just being stupid and want to be mad about something. Tell them to get over it. They are black, you are white, and that's the way it freakin is.

Answer 4

Its all about personal preference. There are a variety of terms that can be used to describe African Americans. If someone gets offended, apologize and ask what they prefer to be referred to as- I am going to bet that at the minimum- 99% would prefer to just be called by there first name..

Also- black is a color, not a race...

I am biracial but i find it offensive if someone were to call me mulatto- however- i have friends who find it to be ok- I say just ask if you arent sure!

Answer 5

People are jumping down your throat for asking this very legitimate question and it's not fair. Truth of the matter is, it IS strange that when we (white people) describe someone, we feel pressure to call them by anything but their skin tone, regardless of the fact that is a very prominent physical feature. I grew up in a town that was mostly white people but now go to school near NY and it's a very racially diverse school. My freshmen year I had two black roommates and I learned a lot from both of them. Whether someone is offended by certain words is determined by their experience with those words. One of my roommates hated it when people touched her hair, because when she was growing up she was the only dark skinned person, and all the other kids always wanted to touch her hair because it was a totally different texture. She admits herself that she sees now that most of those white kids were just curious and didn't mean any offense, but at the time, she felt it was unwanted attention. Someone who has experienced a lot of racism or whose parents have experienced a lot of racism is more likely to be sensitive about whatever behaviors or words they associate that with. When people get offended, apologize. Just because we didn't mean to offend doesn't mean we don't owe someone an apology when we do. I agree with someone who mentioned that we shouldn't call them African Americans, because I know a lot of Haitians at my school who don't like being called African, because their culture is very different. Black should be generally an acceptable term to use as long as it is only used as a description of a person's physical appearance.

And yes, you have the right to choose what is offensive to you. I call myself white, but if someone told me not to call them black and then turned around and called me white, I'd be offended by their double-standard.

Answer 6

I read your other question and here's your answer--

Is it wrong for blacks to want to identify themselves with their country of origin?? You might not call yourself European-American but then again, I'm sure your great-great grandparents came here by choice and were able to pack up some nice mementos from their home country. Our country's first black people didn't get that chance to grab some things to remind them of home...they were chained together on a filthy ship and dragged here with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Calling ourselves "African-American" is just like the newspaper clippings or photo albums your grandparents brought with them...just a reminder of the heritage.

And most people don't take offense to being called black...but think about it like this. If you've made it known that you like to be called Imani but someone keeps calling you Man or Mani, wouldn't YOU consider it disrespectful? It's your right to have a preference as to how you are addressed...why don't African American people get that same right from you?

Answer 7

If you know it offends someone, why do it? Why do you feel the need to understand it? Some do get offended, others don't. You are not offended when you are called white because you understand yourself. Why do you feel you need to understand the other person? If you feel the other person will be offended by something you do or say-- don't do or say it!

Answer 8

I'll start with your last question: yes, you are allowed to get upset with someone calling you white. Is it right to get mad? I'd say no, just like a black person is allowed to get upset if you call them black. If they get upset, instead of being honest with you and possibly educating you on something you don't know, then it is the person getting upset that owns the problem, not you.

Answer 9

I would think you would rather be called white then Caucasian, Caucasian sounds like a piece of furniture or something.

Answer 10

I dont get mad if u were to call me black unless u said it condescendingly. I always say white, and i dont get any one offended. Maybe they are jumpy i guess, but u didnt do anything wrong