What is the current PC term to refer to people of African descent born in the USA?

Question

Some get upset when you call them "African-Americans" because they say they're not Africans. Some get upset if you call them "Black" because they say people shouldn't be defined by their color.

I'm confused. Since I write for a local newspaper that reports on crime, I need to refer to them often and I need to know what is the correct way. For example:

"Five African-American males raped a white woman, and shot her execution style after"

is going to get protests from those who say they are not African. But:

"Five Blacks raped a white woman, and shot her execution style after"

will get those who protest about using a color to define them angry.

I don't know what to use, and the letters to the editor keep piling up.

Answer 1

Black. White people do not go around calling themselves "German-American" or "Irish-American" if their family has been in the country for several generations. They have no connections to Africa, which is a huge continent.

Also, not every BLACK is African... you have Jamaica, Haiti, Australia, Bermuda, Barbados, Caribbean, England, all places that Blacks live!

Answer 2

Your responsibility lies with reporting the news. You're not responsible for how others react to the news that you report. A tactic of the Political Correctness crowd is to pressure you, via fear of reprisal, to speak in such a fashion that you are coerced into complying with PC terms and to take responsibility that is not yours.

Frankly neither of the terms "black" or "white" is offensive. The terms are merely descriptive and carry offense only to those who are looking to be offended. If you don't like that, try "*******" and "Caucasoid." These terms are actually more accurate than "black" and "white."

In a different vein, what is more descriptive - "actor" (pertaining to both male and female) or "actor" and "actress?" What is wrong with the distinguishment of the sexes?

What is more descriptive - flight attendant or steward and stewardess?

I think you get the point. Frankly, we need to call Political Correctness what it is - an offensive, bullying and manipulative means to try to shape public opinion. I take offense at manipulative people. I am offended by people who are easily offended.

It's high time we all became offended by Political Correctness and just spoke the truth while remaining civil.

Answer 3

You must have done poorly in school because the you obviously work for some hick newspaper. Anytime you have to identify the race of an assailant to report the news you are phucking up.

But then again, you are just like a paint stick, except you use yourself and what little brain you have to stir up schit.

I want you to walk up to the next 5 black dudes you see and insinnuate that all black men want to rape white women. I have the idea that you will be BLACK and blue around the 2nd or 3rd dude.

If you truly don't know what to say, maybe you should just report the next hog calling contest. At least your mom, sister and grand mother will come running.

Answer 4

The people who complain about "Black" because their skin is more of a "mocha" or "chocolate" or whatever flavor they demand you call their skin color, have no problem calling people White. Would a White person ever demand to be called "cream and rose coloured"? The only real problem is lumping Afro-Carribeans, Somalians, Ghanaians, Aborigines and White-infused American Blacks into the same group... but I suppose the probability that it was American Blacks and the inability of witnesses to tell all those groups apart anyway would make it a moot point.

Answer 5

Actually, your best bet is to omit race unless it would help with an investigation. For example, on air we tend to only use race when giving a police description of someone they're still looking to catch. Other than that, it isn't relative to the story. Only in descriptions and cases of bias crimes do you use race in a hard news story. When you have to use race, then African-American is standard.

It would read "Five men allegedly raped a woman and then shot her execution-style."

I know this isn't a valid question. Just putting the right format in if someone were to happen upon it and actually WANT to know the way it's done.

Answer 6

It depends on the group of people, to be honest. Some of the blacks call themselves "*******", and others who are their friends. The problem is that some people are offended by everything and everyone anyhow, so no matter what they are called, they are still apt to be offended. Less people seem to be offended by being called "Black" These days than other thing - so it must be the politically correct way to deal with people of color of African descent, if you have to call them anything at all other than being conversational and calling them "a friend".

Answer 7

Regardless of what term you use, SOMEbody is going to be offended. Personally, I refer to whites as whites and blacks as blacks. Mainly because it's just easier that way. I'm not trying to piss anyone off or define someone by their skin color. Like I said--it's just easier. It's the people who make a stink about it (I think) who are the real racists. When I say to my husband, "Hey, look at that guy over there--see him--the black guy with the cool tweed pants? Those pants are sharp!", I'm just trying to point out to my husband who exactly I'm talking about--to narrow it down really.

Answer 8

I think black is the most accepted term. Some people think African-American is over-PC and doesn't accurately represent the black populations in the U.S., though it's still a legitimate term and many actually identify themselves as African-American.

Answer 9

first poser Jennifer- where do you think the blacks in the west indian come from? idiot they came from the same slave ships that sent the rest to america form africa.


to the person posing the question. I rather be called african american but get called black anyway. not a big deal. just ask me my name and i will tell you

Answer 10

Talking about being politically correct the example you are giving is not. I found it outrageous that you are contributing to stereotypes by asking what seems to be an inoffensive and legit question I think that you'll find that in your profession content is as important as form.