After all, they have never been to Africa have they?
2006-11-30 01:27:15 · 12 answers · asked by Little Mark 2 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
We were called Afro-Americans long before. Perhaps people are just reverting to the past. I prefer African-Americans or Black in spite of the fact that I wasn't born there. One could look at me and tell that I have African ancestry; I'm not going to deny my heritage. But here's a thought, why not call me by my name?
2006-11-30 01:30:33 · answer #1 · answered by wrtrchk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There was a period in time where the black society insisted on being called Afro-Americans. I remember it well when it was first caught on. It was considered a more politically correct way than the term "color" folks which is the usual term that proceeded the title Afro-Americans. Then the term "Black American" became the word of choice. I don't think the majority of other races wish to offend the black community, (although there are always the exceptions) sometimes we are unsure what is the latest or correct term to be using. Personally, I refer to my black friends in the same manner I do my other friends. I simply call them my friend. No race difinition is needed.
Gee. One really hesitates to give an honest answer anymore because of rude people, who, for whatever reason, want to give a thumbs down. Thank the good Lord the silly little thumbs are but a harmless cartoonish form of art on a forum.
2006-11-30 01:35:41 · answer #2 · answered by Catie 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Just like anyone else who can trace ancestors back to the original invaders, the "Afro-Americans" are a geneticly diluted people just like everyone else. My ancestors followed the fur trade west for hundreds of years. I'd look like an idiot to suggest I'm geneticly "pure" but what I am is "white" because I choose and was raised in that culture. It's no different with someone that can find the blood of African slaves in them. It's choice you make that runs contrary to objective reality in a lot of ways. Absolutely you can deny the cultural applications, but if you were to compare a real European with a white American, a black American, and a West African, which of those two do you think are going to look the most similar. Don't ever forget, a "racial" label like that is a choice both an indivudual and society makes. It doesn't have a damn thing to do with any objective trait.
2006-11-30 01:44:15 · answer #3 · answered by Johnny Canuck 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are referring to a hairstyle popular in the 1970's among African Americans. It was called an Afro.
It has nothing to do with Africa the country.
It is a play on words and is most likely offensive to Blacks.
2006-11-30 01:37:33 · answer #4 · answered by Two dimes and a Nickel 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Many people don't like to say black to describe some one because they feel that they would be viewed as racist!! I however call them afro-american because of their African ancestors! I am Swedish although i was not born in Sweden!, but because my Great Great Grandfather was 100% Swed..
2006-11-30 01:35:46 · answer #5 · answered by Angel Wings 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do I consider myself Italo-American? I have been to Little Italy, but not to Italy. Perhaps because I was raised with Italian traditions and an Italian sensibility.
Oh, by the way, the term is African-American. they no longer want the abbreviated version.
2006-11-30 02:00:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because that's the label of the month. It will be changed again and again and again as the wind blows. I just call people by their names. If we need to label people according to their heritage then I'm a Euro-Anglo-Canadian-Gallic-American at the least.
Just because someone has black colored skin doesn't mean they are from Africa or have African heritage so it might insult someone to call them Afro-American.
2006-11-30 01:45:07 · answer #7 · answered by parsonsel 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Ya, I know. they want to be called "African Americans" but yet they are still gonna call us "whites". As if they will ever call us Caucasians??? the whole thing is stupid to me.
African American, White American, Native Americans (don't forget them).
Hell they're all just Americans.
Yes all the political correctness is getting so old.
I mean if someone I knew got offended by calling them black or african american I would'nt do that, but it is too old and I think poeple today get offended way to easy.
2006-11-30 01:32:19 · answer #8 · answered by CrazyChic86 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I call them Black no matter what they want to be called. I will call them African American when they call me Italian- Irish-Canadian American.
2006-11-30 02:55:01 · answer #9 · answered by illusions 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is a polite way of referring to people as blacks or negroes.
2006-11-30 01:42:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋