Why is it wrong to use the term "Blacks" when referring to African Americans?

Question

Many African Americans are offended when called Blacks. However, the month of February is dubbed Black History Month and it is a national holiday. Is the national holiday Black History Month an offensive title, or is it okay to refer to African Americans as Blacks?

Answer 1

NO in fact I prefer to be referred to as a Black person simply because I was born here but my family comes from the Caribbean. Additionally African American can include white people that were born in Africa or are from African heritage. To me the term Black encompasses all Black peoples- Black Americans, African, Caribbean and other

Answer 2

Black History month was because of Martin Luther King Jr.
In the 60's that is how they were identified.
Stereotyping is usually offensive to people, so why not identify them as African Americans?
Are they not referred to as British Africans in England? Or for what other country they are born in?
We can all stop and think about what we say be for we say it. So together, we can stop the stereotyping.

Answer 3

I've always heard from African Americans that they prefer to be called black over the other terms. Overall I think they're ok with the term black, but you'll always incounter sensitive ppl who get offened at the drop of a hat.

Answer 4

Think of it how in CA, it is acceptable to say Latino, TX as well, but in Miami & NYC Hispanic. You just gotta know your crowd, ie if you were just around some people doing informal stuff no one would get upset if you said black, but if you were to give a speech Afr Amer. has a better ring to it. Also, I always thought it had to do with how quick you were talking. If you were having a conv. where you were talking normal (Not public speaking) imagine how time consuming it is to say Afr Am over & over again.

Answer 5

I use the term black all the time, and no one has said a thing about being offended.

Answer 6

Unless you recently gained your citizenship, you are either an American or not. No one born in this country is an African-American, Asian-American, Euro-American, etc.

Answer 7

I think that if they want me to say African American than they should have to call me a European American.

Answer 8

Why would you want to consider any american by color,When I see thier great sporting achievements.Also in other fields.When I see Oprah or Tiger Woods or any other such american.Because I'm not stupid I don't need to be enlightened.They are also among americas brightest stars

Answer 9

If they get offended by being called "black" than they'll be offended if you call them anything else, so call 'em like you see 'em

Answer 10

It depends on what they want to be called THIS WEEK.