white vs african american vs black?

Question

why do people in the states call white people 'white' people, but black people 'african americans?' it doesnt make any sense.

why be pc and call black people 'afro american' and then go and call a white guy a white guy?

what about south african africans? white? afro american?

Answer 1

Good question I live in the states and don't understand it either. They can't make up their minds what they want to be called, it can change on a daily bases.

Answer 2

Well, white is an inaccurate description of Caucasians.White is the color of white out or paper.White is not found in skin normally.Just as black is not an accurate description of African decedents.Black is the darkest of colors.Though found somewhat in certain skin types, the color black is not the average color of the Afro ethnicity but rather of a more brown color.

But, PC was based on the fact that one ethnicity was tired of being called various inaccurate terms while the other had never been truly in a situation of discriminatory terms and treatment.However, recently I discovered from a black friend, that many blacks would rather be called black then to be called "African American".He said to be called "African American" implies that he caught a boat over here yesterday and applied to be a citizen.He said that he is part of a long history of Americans and so would rather be called a black man then to be stigmatized by being referred to a country he has never seen, been to, or have any interest in.

I guess, in the end, the best way to deal with such things is to just know how best to not make ethnicity a prime factor in life and treat everyone as you want to be treated regardless of skin color.

Answer 3

It was the blacks who asked to be called African Americans, they felt being called black wasn't much better than the N word used for them by many whites. Even though they now call each other that.
In South Africa, they are still called blacks by the whites. There are different races or cultures of blacks in africa, and they are usually referred to by these names. There is even segregation in Africa of blacks by blacks according to where in Africa they come from. Some think they are much better than the others.

Answer 4

I* have a friend from S Africa who calls herself a white afro American she became a naturalized citizen of USA

Answer 5

I agree with you, I think black people started to consider the word "black" as a racist word, or a way to offend them or something. So people started to call them African Americans. I'm just guessing :)

Answer 6

I have no issue with interracial relationship yet i be responsive to human beings who do and that they only are prejudice with Caucasian relationship a black dude no hating or not something simply by fact I even have plenty mixed cousins and that i'm additionally mixed with Latino

Answer 7

I believe that Americans are just that American this is the great melting pot if everyone would forget skin color we would all be better off.
my ancestors are, German, English, Irish,
and french Canadian Indian. now wouldn't that be a mouthful just to set myself apart? I am all American!!!

Answer 8

i no what your getting at stereo typing is difficult to get round. white and black is stereo typing as its putting people in to groups witch is insulting for most people. stereo typing is different names like n*gger and lesbian, gay, disabled and so on by saying what they really are i.e south Armenians and Swedish etc we are stereo typing more friendly approach to it, its less insulting that way.