Why are we supposed to call blacks in the US "African American"?

Question

I understand the first question, when looked at by its self, could be offensive so please keep reading.
In speaking with a coworker who is black she said she hates being called African American because her family is from Jamaica. Why do we assume all blacks are from Africa? I would really appreciate a little insight into this.

Ok I am going to take this one step further and ask, Why do we label others by their color or race? When reading an article in the paper how often do you see the word 'caucasian' unless the person is wanted by the police? Yet all too often you will read "Jane Doe, an African American witnessed the fire break out." Who cares what race she is?

I like what Ned said about not being called Irish American. My family is rooted in Germany, my husband is first generation born in the US. His parents are both from the Phillipines. What daoes that make our daughter? And if she were to have one of these idiodic labels, what would it be?

Answer 1

Lynnie R,
Good for you!
You dared asked what
most would not.

There is nothing I
dislike more that having
to categorize people into
African American, Native
American, Caucasian,
Latino.

I am a Citizen of the
United States of America.
Period.

You need to know my color,
then look at me. You want to
know my background, then
ask me. If you don't dare,
then go ahead and assume
all you wish, but know this,
I am very content with who
I am.

By the by
did I mention
I'm color blind!
Just kidding, in
the good sense of
things!

Answer 2

The term "African-American" comes out of the black pride movements in the 70s. It was supposed to be a way of talking about black people with reference to region of origin rather than colour, as a parallel to Irish American (which is fairly common in places like Boston where there is still a strong Irish Am identity), Italian American, etc. You don't hear German American or English American because those two cultural groups had most of the power in the early days of the U.S.

Slavery practices erased awareness of where in Africa most slaves came from, so "African-American" made sense. Unfortunately, the term didn't do much to change the way people think about race and racial issues. It was never accepted by everyone anyway, with individual preferences varying. Caribbean blacks came from Africa, though, to work plantations there, so it is accurate in that sense. The media, government et al like to paint a picture of Africa as being backwards and in need of aid, so there's a certain less-than-accurate prejudice that's been incorporated into "African-American"; perhaps that's what your friend is reacting to in part. Or maybe it's just the way that the mainstream generally can't be bothered to find out who a person really is.

Answer 3

The black people that I personally know, say they are black. They laugh at all this confusion about what to call them. "They" are people first and foremost. The only time that I use black, or any term describing someone (Asian, German, handicapped, etc.) is when I need to for a description; such as, "yes, go into the bank and talk to Ron, he is a black man with glasses, he sits at a desk across from the tellers."

I understand why people are confused and you are very nice not to want to offend anyone. I think sometimes all of us (white, black, Asian) get put in a bad situation when all we want is a way to describe one another.

My answer is not going to be much help to you. Hopefully some "black" Americans will answer and give all of us some much needed insight.

BTW, people in the school district where I live are taught to say African American in their training. This is in the "multi-cultural" division of the school district.

Answer 4

I think all blacks in Jamaica came originally came from Africa; the result of the slavery market. I never understood the reason for the term african american.My great grandparents came from ireland. I dont call myself irish american.If a black person is born in england and is a citizen of the usa is he or she to be called an english african american?Oh wait, is it african english american,no wait is it the country they now are citizens of should come first ? Boy,now I'm more confused than when I started

Answer 5

Who says you have to call someone of color anything at all. You have fallen under the usual childhood conditioning and the cultural conditioning. Why don't you let go and learn how to think and be whatever you wish to be and think. For one thing, black people come from all over the place just as, Asians, Europeans.....etc. In the future, everyone and I mean everyone will be a complete mix of little of everything. I know this for a fact so then your question will be completely meaningless at that point. Learn to let go of all the "crap" we were taught as children and find out who and what you really are.

Answer 6

Maybe people are thinking it's more politically correct without looking at the facts. I never say african american because black people could come from anyplace. Here's a funny article i recently read about this http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=your_stupid_ideas

Answer 7

It is politically correct to call anyone who is black African American. Apparently there were people out there that got offended by being called black.

Answer 8

Stupidity, just because some-1 is black doesn't mean they are African American, Charlize Theron is African American and she is not black.

Answer 9

I guess it in how many have been raised. AND, that all colors. My Black friends, when I talk of them, I say; "My friend and me" not "My black friend and me". I not say "My white friend" why say "My black friend"?
And, they not African American, they American, just like me. IF, we all want to get Technical; I am "Dutch American", Hey?? I may be a bigger minority that Africans and Hispanics. Maybe the Government give me something? Just call me the "White Cracker Dutch American"!!!

Answer 10

Because American groups have power through labels. This includes grants, ect.