Why do ppl in the media have to say "African-American" or "Asian-American"??

Question

Or fill-in-nationality-American?

I was watching the news about the death of Ed Bradley (rest in peace). And I noticed most journalists and reporters say, "he's an African-American journalist on CBS...."

Why do we have to put a dash on being an American? Why don't we say "He's a Caucasian-American"?

Why not just say American?

Answer 1

I would assume they refer to people that way who were born in america but of african or asian descent.

Answer 2

I agree not all black people are of African descent. It has been proven that not all black people started out in Africa. What about the people in the Virgin Islands. I never on any applications put down that I am African American because if you trace my roots my ancestors did not come from Africa. But when referring to a white person you never hear them say European American because the U.S was Indian land. Every white person has ancestors that migrated here. They stole the land from the Indians but yet say they are just pure American.

Answer 3

They are being politically correct, which is funny because it is not politically correct to refer to caucasians as Caucasian-Americans. It's very subjective, go figure.

lil angel, should I be offended that you called me a "white" person?

Answer 4

Because they are giving in to the the PC garbage.

Answer 5

Because it would sound rude for a white person say "black" or "asian".