Why are black people wanting to be called african american?

Question

Why do black people want to be called African-american, even though they were not born in africa or never been there? If you were born here, you are just american. We are all americans, and our race is another subject. Also, there are white people that are African-american, so that does not distinguish your race. Ex: Charlize Theron, blonde hair, blue eyed, actress and african-american.

Answer 1

who knows.
Charlize Theron is from South Africa. she is Caucasian not a *****.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if all Blacks want to be called African American. Being a Black African American myself, I think the whole notion of labeling "African American, Mexican American, Chinese American" and so on is racist in itself. America is all about "What race are you?" We are a race-obsessed society, I believe other countries (even though they also suffer racism) are more Nationalistic. If you were born in Mexico then you would be Mexican, not African Mexican or Chinese Mexican.

Here in America if you are not a white person born here then you cannot simply say you are "American", you have to include your race. Only White's born here seem to be the one's allowed to say they are "American". They never say "I'm Caucasian American". Even the original peoples of this country are downgraded from "American" status and are now known as
"Native Americans".

Here's an interesting bit of information...
Many "African Americans" are mixed with Caucasian, Asian, Mexican, Native American and so many other things. Why are we still called African Americans? Because of the "one drop rule" that apparently still applies in most of America's eyes. See the link below.

http://www.tysknews.com/depts/constituti...

In reality the concept of race is a man-made social construct. We are all one race (there is no gene to determine race).

Answer 3

AveGirl, you are able to acknowledge and accept that black people born in America are in fact – American; and to that I say, thanks. That was not always the case. I don’t know how old you are but a few decades ago, blacks were not guaranteed the same rights that were due to Americans. There was a strong push by many, to forbid blacks from being fully – American or even worse, human. This did tear down the self-esteem of many blacks who felt lost and no sense of belonging. The term African-American was used to help the blacks connect to a sense of culture, home, and self-worth, and that even though they were not welcome in America; they still had a spiritual connection to their former home – Africa. At this time, blacks are have the rights due to every American so therefore we are – American.

The term African-American specifically refers to blacks born in America who are descendants of the ******* (black) people in Africa. It does not refer to those who are Caucasoid (white) or Mediterranean, who live in Africa. Charlize Theron would not be an African-American because she is not black.

Answer 4

I'm mixed, Puerto Rican and BLACK!! I'm not African American, I've never been to Africa! If I came from Africa and decided to permanantly live in America, THEN I would be African-American--you see? First and formost I consider myself American, eventhough it sucks to be an American in the rest of the world right now, LOL. I really can't stand that African-American crap. Maybe I can call myself Ethnically-Diverse-Americanus, LOL.

Answer 5

First of all, we really do not like being called a *****. Now , the reason is highly that we come from African descent and we would like to embrace it. Now I do know some Black- Americans that would rather be called Black- Americans because they believe that since we did not live in Africa, we are not African. I like to embrace that my ancestors were from Africa and I thank them much for it because it is my heritage and I love it. So simply, its because we come from African descent.

Answer 6

well not all black people wanted to be called African- American just the ones that were asked. Me myself I never seen Africa I'm just an American just like the black people in London is consider as just black and people in Puerto Rico are Puerto Rican.

Answer 7

I dont know why. I dont understand either. One of my good friends is a black girl from the Carribean and she always hated being called African-american because it disregards where she is REALLY from which is the Carribean...not Africa. And it's a bit foolish to say because we have to display our ancestors. I'm hispanic from South America so why would I consider myself a Spaniard just because my ANCESTORS are from Spain?

Answer 8

ive never heard of any black person wanting to be referred to as african american. I live in the south and they dont mind being called african american or black people. Well theyre called african american because it goes down from generation to generation. I was born in the US but Im still considered hispanic becuase both my parents were born in south america.

Answer 9

I suspect it is a small group of people who are looking to be offended that "Want" to be called African American. Just as there is a small group in every group that is looking to be offended and wants some special consideration from everybody else to accomodate their sensitivity. I suspect most "African Americans" wouldn't be terribly offended if they were refered to as Black, just as most Japanese Americans wouldn't be offended if they were referred to as "Asian".

We cannot be a melting pot that we want to be until it is just good enough that we are Americans. Nobody seems particularly concerned with my Heritage. Why should I care explicitally about anybody elses? Isn't it just good enough that I judge them by who they are and what the do and not worry about the color of their skin?

Answer 10

Well, I can honestly see where they're coming from. I mean, I'd prefer to be called a "Norwegian/Scottish/Irish American female" over a "white female." lol I dont know. It just seems to have more pride in heritage. naming someone by the color of their skin seems rude... It's like saying that looks are all that matter to us - and we base our opinions on people by their physical appearance.