What should I call a black person?

Question

Not in life, but as a character in a story I'm writing. Black doesn't sound right, and I definitely am not going to use African-American (because the character is not, she's just American...). I kinda want to say Dark, but that's not descriptive enough, I mean, whites can be dark too and I don't mean dark, I mean brownish (character's mom is black, father is white).

Hmm... maybe I should just shuck the whole black/african american etc. thing and describe the individual characteristics... hmmm....

Answer 1

If you are good, the fact of her blackness will come out in the context of the story, choice of name, description of behavior, customs, etc. I say you don't even bring it up, let the reader figure it out.

Answer 2

Well I am what-you-call a black person and I prefer African-American since I am descended from Africa and that is where most of my ancestry comes from. African-American is more politically correct and if I was reading your story I would be very offended if I heard the terms "black" or "*****". I realize that this character is half-white, how about bi-racial since technically that' what he/she is.

Answer 3

The "PC" term would be something along the lines of "of African decent" or "African-Current Nationality". It's quite a touchy subject, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Black is certainly not one of the worst words that have been used against that particular race of people, and by today's standards isn't really that offensive unless you use it in a derogatory manner.

Answer 4

The term for being half White n' half Black is Mulatto. You could call her Mulatto. Or, you could call her a hi-yellow *****. Why don't you just pick a race. You can call her mixed-race. Even though your character is half White, she'll be viewed as Black by most people. Unless she's real pale and has a more Anglo bone-structure in her face. I'd go w/ Mulatto. Mulatto! Mulatto! Mulatto!

Answer 5

Why not just black?
However if the character has white/ black parents try-
Mixed Race
Bi- Racial
Caramel Coloured
Half Caste

Answer 6

individual characteristics are good. Why label someone according to the collor of their skin. If it were a white character- you would not be likely to use white to describe them.

Answer 7

Ask someone who's already black. Go up to someone who's black and ask; Hey,I noticed you're skin is a lot darker than mine. It's almost black. Do you mind if I call you black or what ? Look for someone who's dressed respectably. Don't go to a black neighbourhood alone asking some crowd of guys who look like they're wearing gangbanger clothing. They might pull out a gun and shoot you on the spot.

Answer 8

from my travels - this all depends on where you are from. For instance in parts of australia blacks are referred to as '******' -- which i thought was a bit wierd being from north america. in the US/Canada would reference the term 'black' or 'african american' ... I personally would use "african descent" -- i never reallly like the african-american term myself.

Answer 9

"black like me", "Young,Gifted and Black", "Black Boy". These are all great literary works. I am sure that we would be okay with you using the word black. If the character is biracial then use that but you are focusing on such an insignif.

Answer 10

the word you are looking for is maloda and just describing the character is a good idea to unless the color of the character is significant to the story