Do black Americans self-identify first as black or American?

Answer 1

For me, I know that I am an America first. Then, I know that here in American, racism is alive and well, and the first thing that others will notice about me is that I am black. Living in South Floria where half the population is from another country, it is important for me to be identified as an American first as people will automatically assume that I am Haitian.

Since blacks have difficulty getting fair treatment in America, it makes it really difficult to embrace being an American in a country that has denied us so many basic rights.

Answer 2

American.

Answer 3

This is a very good question black as your race and America as where you and your parents were born. See black is the distinction of who you are and that should always come first like i am a black Jamaican because in Jamaica if you were born their you are considered Jamaican that's why i can't understand the term African American if that's the case white Americans should be called European Americans i think the whole thing is just another way to separate people and put some more than and others less than.

Answer 4

Hopefully American.

Answer 5

What a great question!

I'm a white girl, but no matter where I am (been to most states and many other countries), I think of myself as American before anything else. I am defined by my occupation second, my religion next, and finally by my sex. I don't feel defined by my race, as I prefer the company of people of like mind, rather than similar coloring.

I feel that these identities shape my behavior.

By observing the behavior of many black people, I can only assume that many are inspired first and foremost by their race. I see this in clique-ish behaviors that seek to solidify racial identity above all else, even at the expense of national identity.

This puzzles me, and I hope that some other respondent here can throw a little light on why this is (apparently!) so.

Answer 6

It's actually a VERY good question. First of all, Africans HATE African Americans. They see their culture being destroyed day by day by American "ideals". On the other hand, young black American people reffer to their own non-American equals as "Negroes" or "***.gers" and as a "lower race". To answer with more facts than "pride", I honestly believe they both see the word "American" as the deciding factor of the character of both, being African just a physical characteristic. They can't change being black, but their nationality DOES change them.

Answer 7

For me American.

Answer 8

Do white Americans self-identify first as white or American? Do you know how stupid that sounds?

Answer 9

Black, woman, then American.

Answer 10

I am white and have always just called my self a American

even thought I am Freach, Italian, German, English and Irish. So I never understood calling your self anything else buy American

Great question I will read all of the answers