Can you call a black person black now or do you still need to say African-American?

Answer 1

Just call them by their name.

I'd get weary of being called an Irish/Scottish/French/Dutch/
German American after a while.....

Answer 2

The "politically correct" term is African American, but it isn't very correct since not all Black people are from Africa, some are from South America, France, etc.
I refer to my self a Black American, because I am American: the USA is all I know. I've never been to Africa, don't know what part of Africa my ancestors are from, so I don't plan on going there, I'm just Black.

But you shouldnt worry to much on this, unless someone black brings it to your attention. Most of us don't care. Just call the person by the name their mother gave them.

Answer 3

I honestly don't see the need to identify someone with their race, but I personally prefer black. I'm Jamaican, Irish, and Indian more than I am African so it bugs me when people call me "African American". There's also the fact that I was born here, and whites who are born here aren't called European American so it would be nice if all races could just be American if that's where they're from.

Answer 4

I believe it depends on your relationship with that person. Although I'm of Native/African American heritage, I’m very proud of the achievements of those African-Americans that came before me, which, one of them is to be called by a proper name. I do get offend in a business environment being called colored or black, I’m not a crayon box, its a level of respect. Now when I’m chilling with my homie, the respect is already understood that’s why we're friends. So, its no need to be all that formal. I understand we are just having friendly communication. Being in the south has taught me that racism does live on and unfortunately, some people still get a kick out of simple things like name calling. If u don’t know that person, or have that type of relationship with them, I think its best to use the proper term; African-American.

Answer 5

I'm not sure what situation would ever involve calling someone by their race. "Hello sir, did you know you're black?" I think such situations would be so rare that you wouldn't need to worry about it. However, in reference to other people, so long as you use "black" as an adjective I'm sure no one would be offended. I'm sure it would depend on the situation. However, in formal situations, if it happened to come up, I think African-American (or Australian Aborigine as the case may be) would be more appropriate simply because it's more specific.
But, really, how often does it really come up?

Answer 6

Well, not all black people are African-American. Why some might ask....because if there is a black-frenchman/woman here..and we refer to them as african-american we would be wrong.

*if we would start to be so dang politically correct, you would have to call me German-Irish-American*

Answer 7

It's very rare that I ever hear anyone actually use the term African-American in normal every day conversation.

Answer 8

African american is more formal and black is more like a friend thing or something...I don't know black is fine to me or African american, I don't get offended either way

but their are some that get offended though when using african american or black...yeah...I know kinda of confusing...

this whole world is confusing

Answer 9

African-American is politically correct, black is not. Take your pick.

Answer 10

i`d say African-American

Answer 11

I personally don't care, however, people usually say African Americans because it sounds more proper and is more accurate.