Why are Black Americans stereotyped as Afro-Americans rather than Americans? It insults Africans?

Answer 1

I agree with you somewhat...I am Hispanic and when asked, I say...I am an American of Spanish descent and I feel that putting it that way is better than saying...I am Hispanic American. If you are born in The USA, you are American period! I am very Proud of my Hispanic heritage but over all, I am an American!

As far as Blacks...they are constantly changing what they want to be called (it changes from one generation to the next) and that is why even today, I still say Black.

I am NOT prejudice...as a matter of fact, my best Friend in the World is Black.

The part that I don't agree with is...where you say it is an insult to Africans. Remember that most Blacks can trace their roots to Africa but I would prefer if they would just say...I am an American of African descent. I wouldn't mind that term.

The same goes for all the races who live here. It is fine to be Proud of your heritage but if you were born here, you are an American!

If you were born in Africa and now live in The USA, then I don't have a problem with saying African American because it is true...You were born in Africa and now live in The USA so you are recognizing both of the lands. Any Hispanic, Black etc. born in The USA is American period!

Answer 2

The whole question of what to call blacks has been perplexing to white folks for years. We all want to be sensitive but what's a fellow to do. First is was colored people but then we learned they didn't get their skin color from no box of crayons. Then the term Negros came into Vogue, well that sounded too close to another more offense word. Black took over as the moniker of the day, but look up black in the dictionary and all the negative definitions should give us pause. Now it is African-Americans, but that discounts the Negros(there I go again) that came from the Caribbean or South America or other places than Africa, it also seems to lump all the non-black(oops) Africans into that mix(Arabs, white S. Africans you get it) Just what is a sensitive white guy supposed to call these folks. It would be allot easier on all of us if they decided to stop playing identity politics and the use of the race card, but maybe I'm hoping for too much

Answer 3

Afro or African Americans is the name they chose not everyone else. I think this is funny because I know several Africans and they look down on the black Americans. They are considered trash to the Africans.

Answer 4

Even if I agree with you, I think that a person (or a group) has the right to be named as he/she/it prefers.

But...
What's racism?
Thinking that some differences in physical appearance entail other differences (intelligence, behaviour, etc.). So it is racism to confuse some meaningless blood tie (so said "race") with cultural issue.

Why meaningless blood tie ? We have 2 parents, 4 grandparents,8 .... (and all mankind comes from Africa).Genetic ancestry means nothing.

From a cultural point of view, Black Americans are All Americans, i.e. a European origin culture.

Therefore Black Americans* aren't first in this attitude. It is an all-American attitude:
1) a very partially different culture among Black Americans begins with slavery and then segregation. So they aren't liable for that
2) many Americans say "I'm a 0,5% Italian,1,7 Irish, etc "
A person isn't a bottle of mineral water

So it could be wrong, but...why Blacks can't do whereas others can?

Answer 5

The definition of black people is always changing. It is now correct to call them African-Americans instead of black or coloured. It honores their African heritage and it is not meant as an insult to Africans. However, even though I was born German and are now a citizen of my adopted country I do not call myself German-Canadian. I am a Canadian.

Answer 6

I guess we call them African Americans because that is how the black leaders have labeled themselves. I think we are all Americans and as long as people given themselves other titles there will always be a divide.

Answer 7

i desire American, using fact my people have been right here for hundereds of years only like white individuals... I resent african american using fact white africans that circulate to us of a of america at the instant are not noted as that so why am i...and not actual all and sundry of dark colour are from africa. i kno hispanics that are darked colour and arabs too... additionally if i moved to china and all started a elevating a kinfolk might they be african chinese language? i think of no longer!

Answer 8

You betcha. Declaring yourself or another anything-american is simply racist. You can be American or you are not an American. Finally enough time has passed I think that people are starting to figure out that the only "classes" in this country are rich and poor.

Answer 9

Yeah, I don't consider myself to be French-American, and my ancestors came over later than many of the darker-skinned Americans' ancestors did. MY family has only been in the US a little over a hundred years.

As far as I'm concerned, we're all Americans, even if we weren't born in the US, as long as we have citizenship.

Answer 10

I don't know but I'm black , my ancestors came from Africa but since my parents where Caribbean I'm Caribbean American i guess but why aren't everyone that was born here call Americans plain and simple
after all they claim to be non racist why create the difference ?? when we were born here or are all citizens of this country ??