What are the least offensive terms referring to "African Americans" and "Caucasians"?

Question

Is the term "African American" more offensive than "black," or vice versa? And is "Caucasian" more offensive than "white"? Are there more politically correct terms to refer to the races? I don't know one way or the other, I'd just like to know what everyone's opinions are about this.

Answer 1

When I was growing up in the 60's the statement was "I'm not colored, I'm black". This has now changed of course to "African American". I suspect in a few years that term will be changed.

It would be nice if we could refer to people without race, but it's a fairly noticable trait similar to hair, height, weight etc....

Answer 2

it really depends on the person you are talking to. an intelligent person (unlike the ignorant a** who posted up near the top) would try to understand the reasons why/why not a person prefers or dislikes being called anything. generally, even if a black person does not like to be called african-american, you have a smaller chance of getting some form of reprimand than if you were to use an epithet or slur.

as a scientist, i embrace the usage of genotypes/phenotypes in the description of a person. especially when you consider the original purpose of distinguishing people by using "races".

Answer 3

Either African American or Black, and Caucasian or White.

They're all equally inoffensive, when there's some need to specify someone's race.

(As someone noted above this answer, "Why specify Black guy? Why isn't he just a guy?")

Answer 4

Well being politically correct you'd say African American. For some unknown and not understood reason it is not ok for white people to call African Americans 'black' but it's ok for everyone to call me 'white'. I am European American but no one ever calls me that. I don't get why it's ok to be called white but with other races it's not ok to call them by their skin color or any other slang. I'm certainly not saying calling anyone the "n" word is ever ok as it is an ugly word to use anytime with anyone.
But why is it only correct to refer to other as African American, Native American, Mexican American, and then the caucasions are just 'white', not European Americans, etc. In my opinion we should all be color blind and just be referred to as PEOPLE!!!
I personally do not mind be called white......or black, or purple or whatever because I know who I am and words are just that, words.

Tori

Answer 5

To me, I just like to be called American. If describing me, maybe a specific description of skin color is in order. But generally, most don't feel the need to state race at all unless they are trying to make the other person feel as though race is important in the conversation. Like saying "this black guy" makes someone make assumptions due to stereotypes. As in "this black guy was behind me at the store." Why couldn't he just be a guy? Or were you trying to make someone understand something by stating his race.

Answer 6

I asked my African-American friend, and he said you shouldnt refer to them as anything different then us, do they really need a certain name, we are all people! but he prefers african american. I dont take any one of those offensice, caucasian or white, doesnt matter to me!

Answer 7

I would think that anything besides black and african american is an insult. To test it, walk into a rap club and say something like coon and test the reaction. I'll bet it won't be too nice.

Answer 8

everything is offensive to them now. i just try not to refer to them at all. i am white and i dont really care if somone calls me white, caucasian, or whatever.