Black race?

Question

My family, and me of course, are Black. But it bothers me that our races, especially in the states, call themselves “African American”. We might be from African origins but I have nothing to do with Africa! I was born here, of black skin and I am an American. If you ask about my color, the answer is: I am BLACK, thank you very much. So don’t be calling me African American. Be proud of your race, and your country – you are black, and an American! I served the armed forces, and I was born here. All said….. did you read this Oprah!?!?!?

Answer 1

i agree.... i refuse to call blacks.. african americans... but if i had to .. then they would have to call me caucaisan or european american.. and thats just ridiculous...

..perhaps .. the ones that call you African American .. think that saying the work "Black" is offensive ?? though it is not.. .. i have no clue

all we can do is have a better understanding of eachother.. next time someone calls you African American.. ask them why they use that term .. we will never come to an agreement .. but atleast we can better understand eachother

Answer 2

Hi Ricky. I too am a former member of the Armed Forces. Marines in fact. I am also Black. I consider myself American since I was born here. yet, I also recognize the fact that as a Black American, our people don't really have a country of origin that we identify with. As far as having relatives that we know of that live in Africa. Blacks from the Carribean, can visit their countries, while Blacks from America really can't visit with an Aunt or Uncle in Africa. Follow me? So it is that lack of culural support, that makes some of our people need to identify with a Motherland. Therefore, calling themselves African American. it doesn't mean they are not proud of their race. It is just the constant search for an identity that some lack. Always remember that America in many ways still is not very accepting of our people or our culture. Until racism is nothing more than a long forgotten memory, we should hold on to what little culture we can and see that it is nurtured and respected. When we respect each other and love each other, we will achieve true success! God Bless You!

Answer 3

I don't call myself African American that often; I call myself black. My skin is black and my ancestors didn't come directly from Africa they made a pit stop in the West Indies. If we were to get technical, I'd have to call myself African British Trinidadian Irish Jamaican American, and that's only my mom's side.

I personally don't have a preference between the two.

Answer 4

Unfortunately you are incorrect. You are African American, Just like I am Sicilian American. I can trace my family back to Italy, but most were born and raised here.....It is your heritage that deems your cultural title, not where you were born. Hardly anyone in the United States is a Full blodded American. America was started by foreign countries. Didnt you knwo that

Answer 5

First of all, even the darkest person of color is not "black", they are brown... so if you want to be accurate then you should call yourself "brown".

I personally don't like the term "black" because it was developed to be in contrast to "whiteness". I don't care to be a part of that superficial dichotomy. Whiteness and blackness are social constructs that (in my humble opinion) are designed to sustain current "race" relations.

At least the term "African American" has some level of accuracy because our ancestors were from Africa. Calling one's self "African American" is not the same as saying you are from Africa... all it implies is that you are of African descent. ADDITIONALLY, you don't have to have brown skin to be considered African American, as "African" is a nationality NOT a "racial" construct.

Answer 6

I think that is a general misconception about black people. I see it a lot coming from the white people here on YA.

I'm black... and thats what I prefer to be called. Not because I have a problem with being called African. But, because out of respect for those who actually are from Africa and are in touch with those roots, I don't really think its right for me to claim it. I wish I did know more about my ancestry. But, like many blacks in the US, I don't know.

Answer 7

Quite frankly I would rather be called African American than Black because when they say Black they mean N*gger and sometimes even say N*gro - especially down south.

Actually I would rather be called HUMAN and say we are all part of the HUMAN race, because skin color does not determine our race - we are all one and the same...

We will get there eventually...

Answer 8

shut up u r african american because ur ancestors will b from africa.america is a newish country and u's are all immigrants from all over the place. thats why the native americans(indians)are called native..they are the only tru americans ..but u kinda right cos whit e americans dont call themselves european americans so y should u be african american

Answer 9

African American refers to a heritage that some people prefer. So, you want to call yourself Black -go ahead.

Answer 10

whats wrong with african american, i am black, and the correct term to call us is african american. u would be more upset if they just called us african now wouldnt u, african-american to me means a person who is not directly from africa but is a decendant of one or has those roots. i honestly think that b/c africa is seen in bad light alot of us want nothing to do with it

i dont here people of asian decent acting this way. some are born here in america so should we not call them asian-americans?