Should the term African-American be retired?

Question

I am a natural born black american. I've been to africa, and from what I see, most black americans appear to have characteristics and features that integrate other racial groups compared to afrikaans. When you claim Africa-American are you not doing so at the expense of your other ethnic roots?

Answer 1

Yes, since most people who use this term never lived in Africa, why can't we all just be, "Americans"?

Answer 2

I prefer Black. My ancestors struggled out of slavery, worked hard, sought education and made it possible for us to have a great life as Americans. I have respect for many of the countries in Africa. But hate what is going on in other countries where tribes are fighting and killing off each other due to ethnicity...I want no associations with this. I am multi racial, but culturally my Black heritage and culture give me identity and comfort.

Answer 3

Understand that black people have always wanted to just be americans but laws and behaviors prevented that from happen. For most of this counties history there have been two americas - a regular america full of opportunity and nothing holding you back, and an america of the former slaves where access was not equal to most things that this country offered. African-American means a lot more than your origin. It is a distinct culture and a shared experience. Asian american simplys means originally from asian and there is not much of a cultural history to it

Answer 4

what would you offer as an alternative? i am canadian and the term african canadian is not used here. many people just refer to themselves as black and i have noticed that many have started to refer to themselves as brown which is more true. those who are tied in with their religion will identify with such and say they are muslim etc. those that are new to the country will say they are somalian etc. but those that have been here for many generations don't make as big an issue of the label as they do in america.

and yes there is a large population of people of african descent in canada. especially in eastern canada where i grew up. their ancestors brought them their during the loyalist escapes or they came themselves thorugh the underground railroads. i grew up in a very ugly town that could have been transplanted into the american south during the 60s with its attitudes toward cultural diversity. race riots and the whole 9 yards. but the slant on names has always been different.

the same has been true for 'aboriginals' canadian indians. i don't even know what you call them in the states. a rose is a rose.

i will stop now as i am babbling.

Answer 5

You pose a good question. If you retire the title, "African American", it will only be replaced by another. If you've noticed, "African Americans" are one of the few races, that allow society to influence who we are as a people. "Afrikaans" know their lineage and have no reason to question their heritage. "African Americans" are a product of a "bastard society" (Please don't trip until you look up the meaning of the word) because we have not determined who we are as a people?? We are decedents of many cultures. Our lineage was defiled as a result of the slave traders and slave owners who impregnated the "Afrikaan" women. Allow me to use myself as an example: I am very light complected and most people identify me as Latino, Italian, Middle Eastern.... Obviously, I am a descendant of other cultures. (Unless they have a tribe of light-skinned "Afrikaans" that I'm unaware of)?? In spite of this, I identify myself as "African American". I was raised "African American", I have the characteristics of an "African American" and I raise my children as "African Americans". The mother of my children is Haitian. So should my children identify themselves as "Haitian Americans"??? My point is, that we as a people, have yet determined WHO WE ARE!!! Until we resolve that issue, we will continue to walk this earth as children without parents. By the way, when you find out, please let me know???

Answer 6

I feel african americans are their own race. A pleasant mixture of races. I find nothing more adorable than a mixed baby of any race. I am a mixed baby! LOL I dont know any africans and even if they can claim it from a hundred years ago all have been mixed beyond being truly african.

Answer 7

Why not just say American. If everyone started to hyphenate their names like that it would soon get really out of hand. Since my ancestors come from several countries in europe should I demnad to be known as a POly-Euro-extract-American?

Answer 8

Yes.

If we need to continue to call everyone African-American, or Latino-American, or Asian-American; maybe I should start calling myself German-American.

We were all born HERE. We are all AMERICAN.

And people wonder why there is still discrimination between the races.

Answer 9

It's a matter of preference. Some people prefer to be called 'black' while others prefer 'African American'.

Answer 10

Excellent point. Yes, it should. This was Jesse Jackson's brilliant idea which does not fit many blacks in America. Haitian, Cuban, Mexican, etc. If you go back far enough in time, everyone is African.