Why Are Black Americans Called 'African-Americans?'?

Question

I really don't understand this! If whites are simply 'American' then why are blacks called 'African-Americans,' and Indiginous peoples 'Native-Americans?' It's like the government, and other stupid people in our society, in an attempt to sound like our 'compassionate friends,' have inadvertently uncovered their inherent racial prejudices. If 'Native' Americans are indiginous to the land then shouldn't we simply call them Americans? If we are to refer to black people as 'African' Americans then shouldn't whites be referred to as 'European' Americans? I think it's racist to call blacks 'African.' In reality, the entire genealogy of our species stems from Africa. Shouldn't we, as civilized people, recognize the law of the land that states that anyone born on U.S. soil is simply 'American?' I know the U.S. is about assimilation, but to end racial/cultural static shouldn't we empower EVERY citizen with a strong 'American' culture? (Not MTV/Pop trash culture)...

Phemonoe24,
I like how you recognize the other countries on this continent... that really is something to consider.

*karasi*,
Whether we're talking about people a thousand years ago, four hundred years ago, or today, what difference does it make? And I understand wanting to recognize one's culture or heritage or ancestry but it seems to me that we're in the United States so shouldn't we finally move forward instead of sustaining old traditions, hatred, prejudices - all that have plagued the history of mankind. No, it's not a problem when it's black people - but certainly you'll agree that white/black racism has been the biggest kind in this country. No one said black people are only from Africa... And if you don't know anything about your ancestry then don't defend knowledge you don't have. And you only respect black people who's families came here by choice? My preference has nothing to do with calling black people African-American? What? Hahaha yeah, I agree with you, it has nothing to do with me...

Shelley,
I agree with you and Phemonoe24 that I should have specified that we are only speaking in terms of the United States, not all of the North (and South) American continents. I also agree that there are many, many, many different types of 'Americans' and that they used these labels to empower their respective groups.

However, though your 'salad bowl' analogy does apply to our society, I disagree with your philosophy. I don't believe people come to the United States to keep their old cultures alive. People come to the United States looking for a better life and the 'American Dream.' People sustained their cultures because, upon arriving, they were met with violent racial opposition (Irish, English, African, etc.) and were forced to remain segregated. On another note, even though church and state are supposed to be seperate you can say that Christianity is a part of the culture in the US. Look at everyone in the Senate. And it was forced upon slaves! Continued...

I'm not assuming people should lose their heritage to live in America. And how can you assume aggression from text? I believe I'm concerned in civility. Quite frankly I find it disgusting that you so whole-heartedly defend the state society's in. And it doesn't come across well when you refer to a group of people as 'wetbacks.' Your fine with people remaining seperate though we live in one country? Do you enjoy the fact that racism has pervaded the crushed civil rights movement? I hope others agree, when walking around in public, I see a lot friction between races. And like I said to *karasi*, I pointed to the 'black/white dynamic' (as she says), because white/black racism has been the biggest racial issue of all (and all are important issues). Choosing 'African-American' is more obvious than choosing 'Korean-American'... And your dismissal of 'European-American' is funny because you state that there are Italian Americans, Chinese Americans, etc. and then defend the term... continued

African American when, by your definition, should be broken up into Sudanese-American, Chadish-American, etc. right? And the sociological knowledge you have on black people is extensive. It reads very text-book but it's interesting for those who've never thought of those things before. I agree people will identify themselves however they want, but when the government tries to do it, it does become a problem. I personally would never label myself as anything... And yes, it does really matter (regarding your last sentence) because people are still oppressed and suffering social injustices.

IMPORTANT ADDITION!!!!!

First, if you haven't already, please read my above responses to some of the answers people left below. Now...

The people at the very top, running this country, are for the most part all white Christians. Before them are a lot of angry taxpayers that, in reality, just want to be satisfied. These millions of taxpayers have to be generalized together somehow (race, culture, etc.) and so when end up with a few over-simplified, narrow, generalized categories of people. They can be represented to the status quo as a white person, a brown person, a yellow person, a red person, a green person, a blue person, someone with a cross, someone with a star, etc. Each of these groups, represented by one individual, need to be satisfied. So they came up with stupid politically-(in)correct terms so they are each equal (on paper). The status quo, the people at the top, are still white Christians running the country on their own category's agenda... Any truth to that?

Shelley (regarding your response to my reply),

I find most everything in your response agreeable... because you wrote extensively on (textbook-like) facts. It is very honorable that you do your research for debating. However, I do disagree with many of your statements, so I will just address the parts I have a problem with...

I disagree that you can decipher tact and (one's personal) diction from text. You're correct about my displeasure being with the government...

Your response to the notion that seperate African nations should be named doesn't fit. There are many non-blacks that can't trace their heritage but are labelled anyway.

You say there is a difference between race and sexuality but I disagree when they can both make an 'oppressed minority' in this country.

You're right that I don't like politically correct terms. I don't like them because they were created by a one-sided government that doesn't really care if you're happy - they just want you to shut up. cont.

Just because you find comfort in 'politically correct' terms it doesn't mean that they work or are right. Don't you understand that if you choose to label yourself as anything that you are inviting people to screw you. People will play off your 'label' and try to sell you things, convince you of things about yourself and life that have no real merit. You use your 'label' to hide from people that don't like you (for whatever (ignorant) reason). You were at first defined by your peers' hateful words and clearly they convinced you (because they made you feel bad and initiated something empowering in your life). It's up to you what you ALLOW to offend you. Whether you call yourself 'homosexual' or 'gay' there will still be ignorant people out there to call you a 'fag' (not you personally, just using a related example). If the government called someone a homosexual, it would just be a euphemism for 'fag.' continued...

(If you haven't guessed, the edited word above is f - a - g).

You know the famous physics law 'for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction...' If you label yourself, even if it is to empower yourself or group, you're setting yourself up for the reaction which, obviously, is opposition.

You see political correctness as having put a damper on hatred and intolerance. I percieve political correctness as double-talk, a way to sustain hatred and intolerance under the guise of progress (as you call it). You speak as if racist and other derogatory terms are evil when in fact it is the people using these terms that are 'evil' (not in the satanic/religious way). Just because they are outlawed in the workplace and in some social circles that doesn't mean they don't still exist. continued...

If you really believe that the people in power (mostly white Christians, as you've corroborated) have had some of their powers removed and therefore 'can't get away with some things,' then I must conlude you are a bit naive on this subject. The current administration, infamous for blatantly obstructing the constitution, proves that, in a time of 'political correctness,' they can and will get away with whatever they want (surely you'll agree).

It is safer on the street for a black person today? I'm not sure what that means! It isn't safer because some official designated racial violence as 'hate crimes.' It all still happens, they just LABELLED it something.

"Political Correctness is one step in this progression. That is why I stick to the labels (your quote)." Are you sure you don't want to renege out of such a silly notion?
Continued...

"People will always call people something but don't you see that's not what matters as long as they hold good will towards that person? (your quote)" Exactly. Then shouldn't we only label ourselves as people and leave the empowering (to some, but to others degrating) language aside?

"When has society ever just jumped towards anything? It's always a process even civil rights was a process. The point is not to let the process die. (your quote)" The process will die if you allow people (especially those in charge, i.e. the government) to mask hatred and intolerance under political correctness. Other, more hateful terms should be forsaken as well. The fact we are debating this today proves my position that where we are isn't good enough and that it's not working.
"I do not think rising up and over throwing the elite will be the best thing for this country or culture as a whole. (your quote)" Remember, it worked when we over-threw English elite and became a country... cont.

"I don't really know what to do to inspire people to change if they don't want to be inspired. I don't know how to make society progress to a point that within my life time we will completely forgo labels and come to gether despite our many differences. (your quote)" I don't know either, but I'm completely with you, and everyone else, that wants true progressive change in this country. The different ways of going about it are arguments in themselves (like ours on political correctness).
"I'm lucky that I can pose for straight. (your quote)" That means you give in to the notion that you are different (a notion adopted by the government and much of society). And they will continue to call you different... instead of calling you satan, they call you 'homosexual'... the intolerance prevails. Don't act like you have something to hide! People need to see that you're normal and intelligent, not 'different'... (another word for homosexual, both discriminatory labels). continued...

Have you ever wondered why you take pride in your heritage? I don't know the answer... but I suspect people have done that in this country because when their ancestors arrived they were made to feel 'different' from deragotory 'labels' so they needed to be empowered as a group (celebrating the old country with others from the old country, somethng that connected them).
Just because you enjoy other cultures that doesn't mean that America has to be a 'salad-bowl' society. It's a salad bowl society because of racism and discrimination! Everybody's ancesters are from somewhere, but other countries (all made up of immigrants at one time) have their own distinct culture.
Nobody cares what cultures have influenced your family. Your family is not more important than anyone elses. And why are you proud that you're white? That doesn't make sense! I'm pretty sure that qualifies as 'foolish' pride. Cont.

And second-hand information is not better than nothing. Wouldn't you rather live in an ignorant bliss-type state than live with the wrong information? And if you are getting information second-hand can't you read between the lines and decipher the truth?

I personally believe the human race would be more peaceful without such things as discriminotory labels, money, religion, countries, different languages, etc. They're all divisive in my mind...

*karasi* (for the second time),
Obviously I did read what you said because I got that you don't call yourself 'African-American' from your first rant... but thanks for the reiteration... I can sleep now. Now let's put on our thinking caps...
You said that, out of respect for black people who came here by choice, you will refrain from calling yourself African-American. I'm asking where your respect is for those who did not come by choice. If your ancesters came on slave ships would you then refer to yourself as African-American out respect for those who were forced to this country? But, then again, you wouldn't know because, like you said, you don't know anything about your ancesters. Nobody said that racism has anything to do with acknowledging your heritage. Nobody said that calling oneself African-American means that that person hates white people (I have no idea where you got that one from).

*karasi* (continued from directly above),
"We can go back and forth all day, but the fact of the matter is that I do not agree with you" (your quote). That's because arguing with a genius such as yourself is like trying to reason with a brick wall... it just can't be done. Yeah, I know why you don't want to be called 'African-American' and it doesn't make sense. Maybe YOU should READ MORE CAREFULLY before responding...

Zelrio28,

My response to your idiotic 'answer' can be found on the following page:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aqkg3J0uphyNG9v11UxsZAPsy6IX?qid=20070227122919AAyDErd

You're welcome...

*karasi* (again...),

I don't believe that you have ANY disrespect for those who came to this country against their will... I was reading your initial (and vaguely written) statement and it implied the contrary. I simply wanted you to realize that your statement was worded badly and didn't exactly prove your point (or make it clear). And no, you weren't specific enough regarding your ancestry. You said "I know nothing about my ancesters..." Am I supposed to use telepathy to know that you don't know your ancestry because you can't trace their roots? Am I to assume that if a black individual doesn't know their ancestry, it is because of this reason? And don't you understand that I HAD to read into what little information you gave? If you were more specific, we could have avoided this waste of space.

Shelley,
Thanks for part 3 of your entertaining novel... Once again I'll go through and reply to your quotes one by one...

"Well in my first reply to you I explained that the term African American was NOT created by the govt but by the Black comunity." - What difference does it make? It is still a 'middle-ground' term (used by the government) that sustains hatred (in some people) and doesn't apply to all black people (as we've said).
"About posing as straight. You took that too far. I'm not closeted I'm trying to explain the difference between race and sexuality because while they are both oppressed minorities they are very different. " I never said the two categories of people were exactly the same (obviously, that would be moronic). And what did I take too far? I never said you were closeted and I could care less if you were. Like I said before, It's up to you what you allow to offend you.

Answer 1

Sounds like Seth is a facist, everybody should be classified the same, no-one is really different. Behind all of your long questions and reponses is a Nazi in hiding.

Answer 2

I agree, but so many people get offended by the term "black." In fact, the term "American" isn't very accurate, either. We should be "United Statians" or something, since there are different kinds of Americas (North, Central, South), and North America is made up of three countries (Canada, the United States, and Mexico).

In a situation in which you had to talk about race, what term do you think should be used? It would be nice if everyone could agree on something, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Answer 3

Its political corretness gone mad. I think its maybe an american thing. In england certain words arent used except in friendly jokes (with friends!). Maybe its just because London is so mixed but I never really notice people calling themselves a certain kind of english:s We say 'black' in england, it doesnt offend anyone! We also say white! Shock horror! Just because people are black, doesnt mean they're african :s I mean way way back, but still way way back I could be something I don't even know about so why drag it in!xx

Answer 4

Africa is the Continent of origin for the ******* race in the USA. We also have Italian-Americans, Italian Americans, Mexican-Americans, Cuban Americans, Chinese Americans, Iraqi Americans, Lebanese Americans, Aboriginal Americans etc. The labels are used to show the rich culture and history which your people inherited and can share with others. All of these heritages make us one people that is ever so rich because of our melting pot. It should never be considered derogatory, but rather the uniqueness of being Americans. We are one but also many. We paint our land with many colors. There are many groups in Iraq that can't appreciate that. Their group must be the only group. They don't understand how many mix and mingle and yet are one in their ideals. They just do not comprehend a holistic approach.

Answer 5

Call yourself what you want to call yourself. Its come PC crap that someone came up with. Yeah, all humans stem from Africa. But, obviously we're not talking about people from thousands of years ago. SOME blacks prefer to be called African-American because they want to acknowledge their heritage. Its okay for Mexican Americans, and Chinese Americans, etc. But, its a problem when its black people. I think its pretty obvious that we are American. We're here right? But, not all black people are from Africa. Some are from the Carribbean countries, etc. Just because we are in America it does not mean we have to forget about our ancestry.
Personally, I'm black and thats what I prefer to be called. I have never been to Africa and I know nothing about my ancestors. I wish I did, but I don't. So out of respect for the people who actually did migrate here from Africa (BY CHOICE) I do not refer to myself as African-American.
But, like I said before... call yourself what you want to call yourself. Your preference has nothing to do with calling black people African American.




Maybe you should attempt to actually READ what I said before trying to call me out on something. I do not call myself African American. And no where did I say I ONLY respect African people who migrated here by choice. I said out of respect for those people, I DO NOT CALL MYSELF African American. I really don't think racism has anything to do wanting to acknowledge your heritage. Just because a person wants to be called African American does not mean they hate white people. We can go back and forth all day, but the fact of the matter is that I do not agree with you. I have my own reasons for not wanting to be called African American. It has nothing to do with white people or anyone else. People should be called what ever they wish, regardless to what color they are.

I really don't understand where you got that I don't respect the people who did not migrate here by choice. I never said that and I never implied that. And what I said in regards to not knowing anything about my African ancestry, that was pretty specific. I don't know where my African ancestors are from, what tribe, what languages they spoke, what they did or didn't believe in, etc. So, stop trying to read more into what is there.

Answer 6

You are absolutely right. I've have different organizations try to get me to join and call myself an Italian American and I've told them to get lost. My grandparents were so proud to come here and be called American. That's what I am, an American.

May God Bless you.

Answer 7

It's just a liberal "politically correct" terminology, which I disagree with. I believe that if you are black, you are either African or American; you can't be both.
Also, "Native American" doesn't work either; if I was born here, aren't I a Native American?

Answer 8

Wow, you're very racist. I'll bet you're a hypocrit. The answer to your question is that they are part African, part American. Are those words too big for you? Do you really get upset over sh*t like this? Don't get angry but this makes me think you have a short fuse. You shouldn't be so racist.

Answer 9

well yeah but then u would get some blacks who want to u recognize there african roots but what do i know im white irish and from canada

Answer 10

Good question. I dont understand it either. If this is being politically correct than whites should be called caucasian-american.