What is the correct way to refer to black people?

Question

I am not native english speaking, I came across a question about how the expression "coloured" people is offensive. No offense, but I thought it was a polite way of referring to black people. I am not native english-speaking, so honestly could you tell me what is the correct term?
I mean, I have heard the term African-American a lot lately, but some black people are neither african nor american.

Answer 1

"African-American" refers to American citizens of African descent.

"African" refers to a person who is a citizen of one of the nations of Africa.

"Black" refers to any person who is of identifiably African descent and anyone else who wants to be called black.

The term "colored" is considered offensive because it is associated with a time of intense racism when anything black or African was denigrated by whites as inferior. Colored was a polite way of avoiding the term "black." But during the 1960's, when black Americans rejected racist ideas about the supposed superiority of whites, we embraced the term black.

In social conversations, you'll generally be on safe ground with "African-American" (referring to black Americans) or "black" (referring to any person of identifiable African ancestry.)

Answer 2

The Politically Correct way to refer to black people is to call us African American. While some may be neither, this is a non offensive way to refer to us as a whole. The term "Colored" was used in many derogatory ways in the southern part of the country where segregation was rampant. So for your own safety, I would advise against using that again. If African American doesn't suit you, just saying black is acceptable as well.

Answer 3

Yes, some people do like to be called colored because they are not the color black. African American is an acceptable term to some however, you will not know by looking at someone if they are African American. That term refers to black who were born in America (USA) who are the descendants of black African slaves. The person could be Nigerian, Jamaican, Haitian, or anything. I think that it is safe to refer to someone as "a person of color" (not "those colored people"). Otherwise, you could incorrectly name them.

Answer 4

Black People is fine. Or African Americans, because you are wrong, all black people desended from Africa.

Some blacks are offended by it calling them black. Some people are offended by "colored". No matter what you do or where you go, someone will be offended by something you do or say. Try not make such a big deal of it and we won't either.

Try to figure out what we are calling "ourselves" in the group you are in and act accordingly.

Answer 5

I prefer black but use either black or African-American to be safe. To me, when someone says african american, it's like they are 'scared' to say black.

Colored is thought of as derogatory here in America; however, it may be acceptable in other countries. My good friend married a Danish man. He refered to her as "colored" to his friend and family and meant no disrespect.

In Japan, my mom was referred as the English equivalent of "painted person".

The correct way depends on what country you are in.

Answer 6

I asked a Q a while ago about what black people wanted to be called. I got about 17 answers and the majority said that been called black was OK by them. Some others said that been called African-American was also OK and they didn't mind but 'black' was shorter to say. But they did suggest that you ask them what they'd prefer to be called first.

Answer 7

"Black" is a fairly safe generalization. For Americans, the popular term is "African American" ...for those who are neither African, nor American, Jamaican for example, it would be proper to refer to them as such..."Jamaican"
Certain countries have their own definition of what makes a person "black" so there may be situations of ambiguity. As long as you sincerely show you mean no disrespect, whomever you're speaking with will correct your terminology with what they prefer.

Answer 8

The term "African-American" can be misleading. If a white person from, say, South Africa, emigrated to the United States, he or she would be classified as an "African-American" -- so "African-American" isn't necessarily synonymous with "black". Also, "colored" could be construed as derogatory, so "black" would probably be the best way to refer to a black person.

Answer 9

im fine with black people. Some ppl need to stop being so sensetive. african american seems incorrect and forced. Colored is is all wrong too, because any race that is not pure white is considered colored. so black ppl is fine with me...hope that helps...

peace and love- chai

Answer 10

Depends on the forum....people are picky....but under no circumstances should we call anyone any name that would be hurtful...my daughter (she's 8) calls people dark skin or light skin....and various shades....light dark -dark dark....it is just skin does not make the person...