"African American" who think that history will term this expression Racist?

Question

We hear thing like "the first African American" or "African American did this" By changing the word dose not change the use, "What's in a name? Would a rose, by any other name, really smell as sweet"

Lets stop using these racial terms it this that keeps us separarted.

I am Human without the need to add prefix of race or creed

Answer 1

just talk the way you want as long as you don't offend anyone

Answer 2

I believe its imperative to address the person as African American, until all Americans are addressed in the same fashion, with equal protection and opportunities under the same law. There will come a time, when we will look at the first as just being the first in humanity; rather than gender, sexual orientation, or ethnic group.

Its equally imperative to understand history in the United States of America. Many people are unaware of the contributions of Afro-Americans and other people of color have made to society. The history books didn't illustrate the important skills and contributions made from the founding of this great country. The expression Afro/African American is contributed to the denouncement of racist philosophies indicating negative stereotypes and bigotry; pointing to the direction and ability to paramount said mentioned atrocities.

Answer 3

No its not racist a term. America never did and will survive without immigrants, so the term African American or Indian American doesnt sound racist. If we call someone African American, we value the term African more than American.

Answer 4

I totaly agree with you!!
It's about time americans stop with these stupid prefixes. In south africa (former land of apartheid) most ppl don't use these silly terms cuz we've finally seen that it only let's racism hang around longer even if what you're saying isn't racisit.
The last time I went to the u.s my brother and I were constantly bombarded by questions like "What are you exactly?" (meaning what race we are.) We're considered coloureds in south africa (completely different from the american meaning; in south africa it means "mixed race") and my bro's got dark blue eyes and mine are green. Apparently the 'black americans we met didn't consider us blacks (or what we call coloureds) cuz they always made it clear that black ppl don't have blue eyes.

Finally someone with some sense asks a decent question!

Answer 5

Maybe...good question actually.
The thing is it's kind of an oxymoron in my opinion. I mean if you live in America you're American, period.

I'm white of German descent. I have visited Germany, but I was not born there and do not live there now. Just like most "African Americans" were not born in, or have even been to Africa.

But the difference is that I don't go around calling myself a "German American", and truthfully I would be offended if someone else labeled me as such.

Answer 6

I wouldn't call it "racist", because there really isn't anything inherently derogatory about it. It could be considered separatist, or divisive, but then again you have to remember that there are also Chinese-Americans, Italian-Americans, and so on. I think that if people choose to include their heritage in their definition of self, there is no harm in that. It is when other people automatically define them that way that it becomes problematic.

Answer 7

unfortunately, we are all separated by the Race name. We disciple a particular person by race. That is pretty much for statical reasons. To explain a certain group of people according to the color of the skin. It can not, and will not go away.

Answer 8

You are correct. The "first black" anything cheapens the achievement, but then blacks can go on and celebrate a bunch of second rate achievements by being "The first African American to invent the light bulb", etc.

Answer 9

I like your statement it is good in theroy and all but da fact of da matter is ppl R always gonna be looked at if dey R diferent black oreintal african hispanic it dosent matter wat type of words u use to make things sound better truth of da matter is dare is still ppl to dis very day who dont like a race of ppl because of their race and no otha reason I jus don't personaly think by getin rid of a few coind words "African American" is gonna make da big transition happen it is a good thought in theroy thou

Answer 10

I WAS TALKING TO MY HUSBAND THE OTHER DAY AND I ASKED HIM, IF SOMEONE FROM INDIA COMES TO LIVE IN AMERICA, DO WE CALL HIM INDIAN AMERICAN? SERIOUSLY WE DO GET SO CAUGHT UP ON WORRYING ABOUT OFFENDING OTHERS. I HAVE NOT MET AN IDIAN THAT IS OFFENDED BEING CALLED INDIAN AND DEMAND I CALL THEM NATIVE AMERICAN. NOR DO MY FRIENDS THAT ARE BLACK GET OFFENDED OVER BEING CALLED BLACK.

MY DAUGHTER NOW SHE GETS OFFENDED. SHE DOESN'T WANT TO BE CALLED BY EITHER OF HER HERTIGES. SHE IS HALF BLACK AND HALF WHAT EVER HEINZ 57 I AM [IRISH, GERMAN, BRITISH, CHEROKEE, CREEK]. SHE WANTS TO BE CALLED MULATTO.

CAN WE ALL GET ALONG?

Answer 11

That's his point Me, he dosn't like being called African American.
As I'm from the Uk and white it dosn't effect me, but please don't call me British or English or White infact use no terms to colour or location within the world and then describe me.

"Erm, he's got a face and legs and erm"

Yep, I thought so, it's not easy. Are you ashamed of your roots? I know I'm not so call me what you like to describe me. Actually ME I think that was your point.