The majority of blacks living in America have been born in America. Also blacks don't just come from Africa but from many parts of the world. I understand that black people's ancestors many generations ago may have come from Africa however most white people born in America dont refer to themselves as Irish-Americans or Scottish Americans or German-Americans.
2007-01-19 17:41:36 · 11 answers · asked by ksway07 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I'm glad that you accept blacks as being American citizens. Many have fought against recognizing blacks as citizens. Nowadays, part of the reason why blacks aren't just called Americans is because of peoples need for labeling. In the era of political correctness, "African American" is an acceptable non-offensive term. However, I suppose that it can be offensive to 1) blacks in American who call themselves something else (Haitian, Nigerian, British, etc.); 2) whites who hate that blacks have to use "African" when not many have even stepped foot on that continent; and 3) blacks who want to fit is as American citizens.
So, just file it under the category of things that people do simply because of tradition even when it doesn't make sense in the present.
2007-01-20 15:08:17 · answer #1 · answered by truly 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know if this is right or not but I think white people aren't called Irish Americans or Scottish Americans because the white people took the u.s.a. and the blacks were brought over her from Africa by the white people so more less white people where already here, i guess.
also i don't think African Americans should be offended by being called that cause if they are then there not proud of their heritage and everybody should be proud of there heritage
2007-01-20 01:52:01 · answer #2 · answered by troxie79 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No! It is misleading, inacurate, and a lie sometimes. Even those blacks of slave ancestry were not all derived from africa, many slaves came from the Islands of Jamaca and Haiti. Due to poor records and geheral apathy of the day it is impossible to be sure. Simply to be referrred to as "black" should suffice.
Personally I think that the ppl of color around the world should due away with this need to farther seperate ourselves into sub-sub groups. We need to focus on being human beings, and that being to lofty a goal let's stick with merely country of birth. Americans, Africans, etc. Otherwise why be proud of your citizenship. Come closer together people, not farther apart. Our past was murky at best, and only by uniting can we have a bright future!
2007-01-20 01:56:29 · answer #3 · answered by D4gotten1 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No because if a white person born in africa moved to America they are African-American! Besides no one born here is all anything thanks to slavery & the slaughter of Native Americans! My mom is black (dark skin) my father was mixed and looked white My son Looks so white its not funny! And my hubby looks like he just walked off a mento's ad! And he is spanish!
2007-01-20 01:59:51 · answer #4 · answered by Barbara 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe I don't have a right to an opinion because I'm white (technically beige, with a certain mix of European ancestry); but I don't see what's wrong with people calling people of my race "white" and people calling people of the Black race "black".
Color-wise, neither is technically correct; but its easy, and we all know what each means. It doesn' presume ancestry that isn't correct.
I prefer to just think we're all Americans - so why play up the ancestry anyway.
2007-01-20 01:53:08 · answer #5 · answered by WhiteLilac1 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Many blacks don't endear the term African Americans.
What to call them? FELLOW AMERICANS. If not, then all whites should go by the term ANGLO Americans! I prefer FELLOW AMERICANS.
2007-01-20 01:52:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If they're born in this country, then they should be called Americans. I don't care if they're balck, Asian, or whatever! If this was the case then I want to be called an European-American!
2007-01-20 01:46:16 · answer #7 · answered by Tiki™ 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's too PC. I just say black. When I'm describing someone like "That black dude over there." it's just a lot easier.
2007-01-20 01:45:20 · answer #8 · answered by physical_graffiti402 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think we need to be considerate of the individual person. Ask them what they prefer. You'll get many different answers...as different as the individual. WE are so unique.
2007-01-20 01:45:14 · answer #9 · answered by nile queen 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"*****-american" is the most technically correct, but for some strange reason, it's not PC, even though it was prefered by mlk jr.
2007-01-20 01:49:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋