Why are black people classified as African-American, but whites are just American?

Question

My background is french, yet I would feel stupid saying I am French-American. Many black peoples ancestors have been America longer than mine, yet they are still African-American.

Answer 1

Africa is huge continent. I wish I knew where in Africa my ancestors originated as you know from where in Europe yours came.

Answer 2

Were are whites called "just Americans"? On most forms we are either considered white, which I'm not, just look at that color, or caucasians. This African-American stuff started in attempt to be politically correct but if you notice the blacks have changed what "they" want to be called way to many times over the last 5 decades. It's all meant to confuse us.

Answer 3

The United States government uses racial designations for a variety of reasons....African American [or Black] or options used on many forms.....these forms come with disclaimers btw...the designation then for others is either Hispanic or Caucasian or Native American.

Black people do not self designate as AA when asked what is their nationality [which is American]

Answer 4

I think because of the controversy surrounding black people today. Our history is so big and most black Americans still demand this respect they think they deserve, this coming from someone black. I use terms that would make people confortable in any race. I don't care to be called black, it's much simpler when in conversation with someone. I mean, if people want to be acknowledged as American after their race, it's fine with me.




Krazy Libra

Answer 5

properly if he's assessed as black, he must additionally be categorised as white, on account that he's the two. As for African-American, that would make greater experience then calling somebody who's ancestors got here right here over 2 centuries in the past as African-American on account that maximum U.S. blacks had ancestors right here long till now maximum U.S. whites (and that i do no longer evaluate myself a Euro-American, even however maximum of my ancestors got here right here during the 20 th Century). As for whether it concerns, why could desire to it? (And so some distance as i'm worried everyone can evaluate themselves to be regardless of they want). What could desire to matter is his positions and in case you are able to decide what they're, permit me understand (exchange isn't a place in case you're no longer able to assert the way you will convey it approximately).

Answer 6

well u dont hear nigerian-american or jaimaican american

when u hear american most people assume white, so other races feel the need to be classified as asian-american and etc!!!!

if u wanna be called european-american then i will call u that!!!!!
i like black and african-american it sounds ok to me, it shows that i have african ancestry!!!!

Answer 7

Do you really need to ask this question????!!!! We are living in a liberal society that feels the need to make certain social groups feel special when that group has failed in other aspects of life. It's the same reason alcoholics and drug addicts have a disease now or why children of unattentive parents are ADD and on pills,etc. etc. If you can't be successful in life as a whole, then give it a politically correct name.

Answer 8

You are caucasian. Blacks in America cannot pin point precisely where they come from so identifying ancestry is not easy. This isn't a vendetta against you or anybody else, it's just a historical fact.

Answer 9

Many use the term Caucasian to refer to white people.
Asian for Chinese, etc.
African-American for Blacks

But, I see your point. Good Question.

Answer 10

it's just a pride thing i think they want people to no that they are African but American at heart perhaps.