The debate over terms African American, Black, Black American?

Question

Should people get to decide for themselves what they should be labeled? Is one label more valid than another i.e. African American, Black American, Black, American, Human? Aren't all labels unscientific? Or maybe they are necessary in a world of social constructs made social realities?

Irie, can't it be argued that racial labels are as valid as physical terms like blonde or brunette, cultural terms like goth or prep, or political terms like conservative or liberal

What makes the term American more valid than others? Is there a scientific basis in nationality? Is there a fundamental difference that distinguishes an American from a Canadian? Also in multicultural societies, the national term could refer to a person of any appearance, which may or may not be a good thing.

Answer 1

What a great question! My humble opinion is, labels were created by man initially, to identify his, or her differences. I believe most historians agree groups of humans as far back as the neanderthal era segregated humans by visual observations. So as we evolved and moved to the far corners of the earth, our environment,and mode of living, changed our physical characteristics, and over time our social differences put us where we are today. That being said, it seems only right for individuals to reserve the right of their heritage, race, religious backgrounds to even be called a label. As far as scientific, it is needed, how else could we describe lost children, etc. ? Hope this helps , GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

I believe that the group being represented should be able to choose what it is called. I don't think one is more valid than the other, but I do think that "human" is the most accurate term, and in situations where the race for some reason must be pointed out, "black American" would probably be the most politically correct. As far as the debate goes, I usually stick with either the terms "black" or "African-American," since that's what I hear most often. However, I've heard some black people say that both are offensive, so I'm not really sure what the right one is.

Answer 3

I don't understand the term African American. This term refers to a geographical description rather than a race or skin color. Ernie Els is a famous White South African golfer. If he immigrates to the US he would technically be an African American. Egyptians who live in the United States are also African American being that Egypt is part of the African Continent. This term makes no sense and is just PC. White, Black, Asian, why get offended...who really cares? Once I know you're name I'll call you that.

Answer 4

But it is not just African Americans, What about the Irish Americans, Italian Americans, and how do the natives feel about being labelled as Native "Americans" .

I mean is there such a thing as an American ?

As long as people insist as labelling themselves as part of group or place themselves into catogories, then we will always be faced with the same issue....

If everyone was seen as a unique individual wouldit make the world a better place ?

Answer 5

As what though? A race? A nation? A segment of a nation? What bothers decent moral white folks like me is the changes - first black was offensive and they all wanted to be coloured - then coloured was offensive and black was the politically correct term - just pick one already!

I think any racial differences between people are almost entirely illusory. What differentiates people is class and culture and thats not always a good thing. Black friends I knew here in the UK didnt seem to care which terms were used, so long as they werent hateful.

Answer 6

We're called ''Black British'' in the UK. I don't know about Germany but I hear the term ''Afro-German'', so maybe it is so. Just call yourselves Black American and call it a day. Then leave African American to describe the distinct ''Black American'' group who predominately descend from black slaves during the slavery era.

Answer 7

Yes, they are unscientific. There really is only one race, the human race. The idea of colored becoming negro becoming black becoming African American is just one more thing to divide us. Everyone who is a citizen in the US is an American. Why can't we just leave it at that.
And now we are told that American Indians are supposed to be called Native American. Well guess what? I am a native American since I was born here. If you want to get technical, American Indians should be called Aboriginal Americans.
The question is who is deciding what people want to be called? Its the old divide and conquer.

Answer 8

Labels keep changing and I find them very confusing. Not just Blacks, but people of other races and ethnic groups, seem to be always finding a certain term derogatory, especially when it gets used so much and is used by groups as a put-down. Some people remember when the term "colored" was considered polite, then insulting, right around the time "African American" started to be used...then a whole lot of other terms arose. Lately, many Black people refer to themselves as "people of color"! What the...?

I just think labels are always going to be confusing, insulting to SOMEONE, be used by unfriendly groups and they're always going to change, for better or worse!

Answer 9

Well you don't hear any rednecks calling themselves "European- americans" do you? But the term is equally valid.

What I do know is that Africans - real AFRICANS- really hate the way the term is used. Surely someone is either african, or American.

If you feel you belong to a country that's it. I heard a young guy on the radio describing himself as 'Afro- Scottish" which is fair enough. But I could only hear his voice and he sounded 100% scottish to me.. So he was SCOTTISH, end of story.

The whole thing's nonsense actually.

Answer 10

Honestly, I like to be called by my name. Describing me, call me an American. I did not come here from Africa, and I'm brown, not black, just as Caucasians aren't white. I think the whole thing is silly and the sooner we let go of trying to identify ourselves with the color of our skin, the better off we'll be. It's holding us back terribly. I say we leave distinctions of something as obvious and insignificant as color to the stupid and shiftless.


Answer:
I don't think that any of it is valid, really, unless it has some bearing on the conversation. People often start a convo "I went to the store and this Black guy was behind me..." and I wonder what that has to do with the story unless they are trying to give me some kind of code as to what to expect next. I mean, of course if you want to describe what someone looks like if you have to meet them somewhere or it is pertinent as to explaining their culture or personality, those terms are valid. She's Goth so she may be laid back, he's Mexican and he has an accent so I misunderstood him; things like that. But really, I still say, too much importance is put on these types of things in media and in everyday life. And I think they do nothing but foster stereotypes.