why are black people, african-americans, and native americans indian, and white people are just white?

Question

any one for adopting euro-american, or making us all americans?

some ppl who answer are just dumb, if 20+ ppl understand the question then it must have been asked right. basically we're all humans like it or not w/ no real differences. all our dna is the same, eventually we will realize it and live much better lives

Answer 1

Do you have any more grown up questions to ask then race, or did you not get the proper education?

Answer 2

I think it is important to recognize our differences and still live with respect for one another. Saying we are all humans and all the same assumes that this is true. We all have unique and beautiful But very different cultures. We should acknowledge that and respect it.

As for the terminology. African American and Native American (and Indian) were all terms coined by the White government of the United States. These people did not have the option to choose what they would like to be called. That is why they have different terminology because the White government is quick to label Others and not themselves.
I think Euro-American makes sense but it is overgeneralizing just like African-American and Native-American.

I am a Native American woman. For the most part we prefer to be called Indigenous. Tribal, Native or even better by our specific tribes name (i.e. Apache, Modoc, Cherokee, etc...).

Answer 3

Because it is a clever way of stating a very subtle and crafty bias. Whites are just called white on the assumption that they automatically belong to America, while all the other races are just here at their good will and mercy. So everyone else has their affiliation stated to remind them that they are really part of another nation or group but whites are just Americans period, when the only race that needs to be stated straight out are the Native people. Otherwise, yes, whites need to be Euro-American, if Blacks, Asians and Hispanics have to add "American" behind their racial designation because they as a racial group did not originate here either.

Answer 4

In this day of rapidly changing, dynamic political correctness, it is impossible to keep up with the "right" term to call a specific race.

Anyone in this country legally is an American. Plain and simple.

"American" shouldn't be a part of any racial description in my humble opinion...

I am not opposed to being called "white", even though my skin isn't really white. Some may be.

Some of African ancestry may be offended by "black". I, personally, would be offended by "colored". It's impossible to tell.

We spend so much time in society trying to convince us all that we are the same... equal. The fact is, everyone is different. We shouldn't be afraid to point out differences, but we should embrace them.

Ok *steps off his soapbox* carry on ;)

Answer 5

Before you ask such questions as this, do your research first. First, the words red, black and white are colors as in crayon colors. Second, if you were born in the U.S. then no matter what race you are, you are an american (african american, european american and native american). If you are a non-american born person, you are considered a foreigner. Last, had you had the proper training from your parents and schools, you would've had asked this silly question (unless you are still in grade school).

Answer 6

I can't speak for African Americans, and white people. But I can speak for myself.

Native American - A label placed upon us by the government, a politically correct term.

Indian - Columbus' mistake.

I am a Lakota.
My tribe was called Lakota many years before Christopher Columbus was born. My tribe was called Lakota before the land was called North America, United States, and Earth.

Answer 7

I think if it makes someone feel comfortable why not? If being called african american or native american helps them to identify with themselves, then fine. If someone wants to be called Jimmy Crack Corn and it helps them identify with thier ancestors in Iowa, who am I to complain., I think that Native Americans truelly deserve to be called Native Americans because historically they are truelly the only Native American. Now I am black and I do not care so long as you respect me when you address me.

Answer 8

Not true, people differentiate themselves through culture. Italian Americans, Irish Americans, etc. I hear a lot of whites celebrate their culture and countries from where their ancestors came from.

Answer 9

Personally, I think they are what they are primarily because dominant euro/white culture drew the lines. We set Black and Indian apart - we called them inferior, made them less than human in our dominant culture. NOW we want to pretend like we are all the same. We aren't. My ancestors weren't enslaved. Mine weren't kicked off their ancestral lands and impoverished.

Answer 10

lol good one
try euro Americans
Irish Americans German Americans Italian Americans

Answer 11

Why are we white people?Technically we are anglo-american.African-american is self-explanatory.Indian is comical,since explorers thought they had reached India from the East and called the natives "indians".Really you are confusing the question by mixing origin and color,so it is an unintelligent question.Red,Black,and White works for me if it works for you!