Why are black americans refered to as african americans?

Question

I am african, I was born in South Africa and I am white. However I don't call myself a european african (in fact i dont know a single white african who does). Why do Black Americans need to be refered to as African americans?

Answer 1

There really isn't a good answer. Hyphenated Nationality is another way to create self segregation. In my mind. Once you become an American citizen you are an American... nothing more.

If it was reversed instead of an American I would be a Swedish, Italian, English, German, Scottish American. And that... is just stupid.

Answer 2

I asked that question some time ago on here. The main reason is if they keep calling themselves african Americans they get special government treatment. The label makes no sense to me they have never even been to Africa. They say "they" came from Africa when "they" didn't they came from a coupling right here in the USA. The just like causing problems because its easier than being a productive member of society. Click the link below and see some of the answers I got when I asked that same question.

Answer 3

i've never understood it myself. when someone askes my race i say - white. when someone asked my heritage i say Polish. in america people claim they all want to be integrated and all people considered equal. this, however, is not the case. various ethnic groups want special consideration. most of the black people i know do not have family roots from Africa and they have been in this country much longer than my family. I don't know why we call people by anything other than american. if you want a descriptive term that's one thing - white girl hazel eyes with brown hair and a round nose. cocoa colored gal, shoulder length hair, almond eyes. unfortnately in America for as much as people want to think those original civil rights leaders were right - Dr King for example, i believe the poor man is rolling in his grave. when he was coming through the ranks there were seperate schools, bathrooms, drinking founts, etc. He brought an amazing change -- all using the same. unfortunately, some people believe that it should go back to seperate but equal.

sorry if this offends anyone it's not my intent. i've seen both sides and discussed it people of all colors.

Answer 4

For the same reason you refer to yourself as an African-it is politically correct. In any event most white South Africans refer to themselves as South Africans and there has been debate in your Country as to exactly what constitutes an African. Go and look at your Employment Act, BEE and you will see that racial definition has been re-introduced into South Africa. Or ask your opposition Political Party whay they think. They are quite vociferous on the matter.

Answer 5

African american is not an official term.This is used only to identify African americans
correctly particularly when civil rights are talked of .Black americans were under opression for a long time still now they facing a lot of trouble there.So when their rights and deprivations are discussed this term is used.This is not for discrimination but it is used in favour of them.

Answer 6

because they mostly came from africa, and they still want to keep their nationality of being african thus making them wanted to be called african americans

Answer 7

I dont know what's coming for black people

first it was Derogatory and unacceptable terms like "n****rs/negroes/coals, then later it was colored/*****....then black...now black/African-American"

Sadly, Some African-Americans have simply gone along with what society labels them. For example, when they were known as "colored", they called each other "colored".

As long as you are in America, you (based on your description) will always be known as "white"---Americans seem close-minded as far as race labeling is concerned.

Answer 8

GOOD QUESTION AS A BLACK WOMAN MY SELF I HAVE NO CLUE BUT. I GREW UP HEARING A LOT OF IT THOUGH I GUESS BECAUSE WE COME FROM AFRICA WE ARE AFRICAN AMERICANS. AFRICANS WHO MIGRATED FROM A BOAT WHO LANDED IN AMERICA SO WE ARE CONSIDERED AFRICAN AMERICANS.

Answer 9

Probably because people think it's the politically correct thing to do, and they don't want to offend blacks. (Which is kind of ironic, seeing as more and more blacks are actually getting offended when you call them an African American.)

Answer 10

It dont have a ring to it, european african