Why are the races called white and black?

Question

When no one has white or black skin?

Answer 1

isnt it obvious?

Answer 2

Because even among white folk or black folk, people don't have the exact same skin tone as each other, so it wouldn't be possible to give it a totally accurate name. 'Black' and 'white' serve as adequate approximations for two broadly different looks.

I agree with most of the anti-racist sentiments below, btw. If you do want a way of describing these classifications, however, there are a number of reasons 'black' makes a better descriptive term than the alternatives. If someone is 'coloured' this is defining them by the fact they aren't white, rather than what they are.

And 'African American' etc. is too politically loaded - what if you are black but reject that label, or you want to collectively refer to American blacks and non-American blacks - which is why in UK just 'black' is the generally preferred term.

Answer 3

I guess I would prefer to be called caramel with cream and my husband chocolate brown. People are not all that original in their descriptions. Nobody is paper white unless they are albino. Nobody is jet black either. It is just a term that denotes huge differences in skin tones. The whole racial thing is outdated and obsolete. We should realize that only one race matters....the human race. We are all flesh and blood and we smile, laugh and love. The cultures may differ some but we are all just people. I want to be a person....not a color.

Answer 4

There is no biological justification for the division of human people by "race." "Race" is a totally culturally constructed construct based on a few superficial features. I suppose the reason we're called "blacks" and "whites" is because of the underlaying Euro/Christian-centrism of the Enlightenment that "white" a positive color represented them and since they were pale it kind of made sense, while the word "black" represented Africans with a mysterious culture that probably frightened most of Europe at the time.

Answer 5

It's easier to use white for Caucasian than 'light brown' and blacks don't wanna be called the N word ( I don't blame them ).
There's several shades of color on both sides.
Whites aren't 'white as snow' either. There's dark skinned whites and there's light skinned blacks, but you have to use something to distinguish 'black' from 'white' folks.
Mack

Answer 6

They are actually called Caucasian and *****...white and black is just simpler and easier to pronounce. Back in the 1950s you could get beaten up for calling an African American 'black'... they preferred '*****' at that time (generally).

Answer 7

started in the early yrs when so called whites first seen so called blacks the only thing they knew was they was dark skinned.. it was and always will be racist ..and for all those who thinks jesus is white or black he isnt...he is native american..but it dont really matter bc we are all his children..anyhow..wish racism would disappear but it can only start with us

Answer 8

because in the 18th century, 'white' was an exclusive label. 'white' is the closest color to white peoples skin, and it is so much more contrasting to other racial colors such as brown, red, black, yellow,ect. that to be white was to be superior.

Answer 9

my little brother calls people of the "black" race brown people. he just goes with what he sees.

Answer 10

i'm with you there only color that there should be is red, not white black, brown, what ever its the color red that should matter, b/c thats for blood cause every one has red blood

Answer 11

because we're americans and don't know anything my own personnal opinion color of skin has pretty much nothing to do with anything who cares! there the exact same as you and i only they kick butt at sports. (african americans)