Which term do people of African ("African-American") ancestry prefer?

Question

I am curious what term people of color find most acceptable.

In high school we were encouraged to use "African American," but as one of my friends put it "I'm not African, I've never even been to Africa, and I'm 'black', thankyouverymuch."

Oddly in Holland (where I live) it is considered offensive to refer to a person using the word that means "black", but is polite to use the word "dark", or the Dutch word "neger", which for Americans would have a much different connotation.

So "black" or "African American"? Anyone care to chime in?

(Please answer respectfully, this is a serious question.)

Answer 1

I guess it would depend on what country you are from ...what is considered acceptable (as you've pointed out)

To be politically correct...here in the US, African American is the safest choice. Using ANY word that even slightly resembles the N word would definitely earn you a beat down (so to speak).

I personally would find the term "DARK" offensive. In the African American race we come in all shades of color from very light, olive, brown, medium brown, dark brown so I'm not sure how the word "dark" covers a whole race of people.

The discrepancy of what to call "us" is not a new debate and I'm not even sure if it was ever even clarified...but for now I'd go with African American.

This is a great question!!!

Answer 2

Personally, I think like your friend. I'm not from Africa so I can't be an African American. That would make black Africans who become American citizens, African African Americans. But I can't speak for everyone, so your best bet as a number of people have suggested is go with the term African American and when you get to know the person better, you can ask them their preference if you like. Just stay away from any word that can be misconstrued as a slur.

As for Wendy1......what are you talking about? Your answer doesn't go with the question.

Answer 3

I agree that anything that even remotely sounds like the "N" word is strickly forbidden.

I have never particularly cared for the term African-American, mostly because I consider myself American period. This is not because I want to deny my African heritage at all, just that I am also a member of the Creek Nation (a Native American tribe) so I try not to slight either side of the family :).

It is the preferrable however in my opinion to not use ***** or Black, there are 42 varying shades to this race so that really doesn't suit.

My Mexican friends use the term "Morena" (I think I spelled that correctly) which means woman of brown skin loosely, which I like.

I agree that this is a great question. Its nice that you want to not offend someone, but err on the side of caution and use "African American" and then perhaps if its a personal relationship in time ask if they have a preference.

Answer 4

I think the term "African American" is ridiculous! First off - I am not a racist and have many friends of different races, nationalities and cultures. It is absurd to assume that when you see a black person that he or se is in fact an "African American". The reference to "American" indicates a United States citizenship hence the word "American" instead of "Canadian" for instance. Africa is not a country - rather a continent. Therefore when someone refers to him or herself as being an "African American" I often wonder which country in Africa that person is referring to. There are 50 plus countries in Africa and I am thus inclined to ask that person referring to himself as being an "African American" exactly which country he or she is from. If that person is indeed a bona fide African American then the correct term should be not African American - but perhaps "Nigerian American", "Angolan American", "South African American", "Egyptian American" "Malawi American" or "Liberian American".... and so fourth. I have a black friend who is Canadian / Trinidadian who happens to live in the United States and she is offended when people refer to her as an "African American"; I think rightfully so! The correct term is "black" and it is neither - nor should it be offensive in any form whatsoever.

Answer 5

I think most people in Britain prefer black, I've never heared them call themselves African British, I think they would get offended by the word dark or neger because that sounds like you know the other word. I think overall America has more tension to do with this. I know this because I see it many times on message boards. I asked a question before about racial classifications and said Caucasian and ******* and alot of people got really angry with me about it. I think it's best just to say black, like we don't mind being called white.

Answer 6

Born in USA you are an American period.

Born outside the USA you are a hyphenated American such as Russian-American, African-American, Greek-American etc.

Born in USA but want others to know your ancestry then it's American of Russian descent or American of African descent meaning you were born in USA but your family came from such and such.

This is what my parents were told by the state department years ago when they asked the same question.

Answer 7

Because in general, they know which country their ancestors came from (noone in those countries is going to acknowledge those "euro-americans" as Dutch, Polish, Italian etc when they don't speak the language, but still..). Most "african-americans" have no idea which tribe(s)/countries their ancestors came from, and the countries we know now often didn't exist yet when those ancestors were kidnapped from them.

Answer 8

It depends on how each individual person wishes to be referred to. As far as generally? You're pretty safe in saying "African American" - even if that particular person may not prefer that term, it will be understood that you used that term in an attempt to be as neutral and respectful as possible.

I feel like "black" is more suited for informal use. But it all depends on who you talk to.

Answer 9

Let's face it, there's white, black, yellow, red, whatever race... but, the only ones ashamed of being called what they are, are the Africans-whatever ones.. why is this so offensive particularly in USA?

In Latin america people actully call their beloved ones negr@, negrit@, and no one get offended by it for sure... so.. i think they should get over it, and just be offended by any actual insult, not for being called by their race.

Answer 10

I read your entire question, so I know why you're asking. I'm in US and when they took the last census, the only category for me was white. White is not a nationality. I wrote down all of the ethnic origins of the people in the house.