Shouldn't African Americans drop the Africa part since they were not born in Africa and have no link at all?

Answer 1

WHAT and stop this major promotion of multi-culturalism in America....?

I couldn't agree more, I'm sick of it.
If you came here to be an American and enjoy our way of life....then be one and call yourself "American".

This "half breed" crap needs to stop before it completely destroys this Country.

Answer 2

It can be confusing. I used to know a white medical doctor who was born in Zimbabwe and was a naturalized United States citizen. Technically, he is an "African American" in spite of the fact that he is white. Also, isn't Theresa Heinz Kerry {Senator Kerry's wife] also an "African American"? She was born in Africa and she is a United States citizen.

Black African Americans have a historical tie to the continent of Africa. Sure, they were not born there, but their ancestors were.

The French use the term "noir américain" when they speak about black "African Americans."

I don't want to get into a point where I am using a descriptive appellation that makes people uncomfortable. It used to be common to use the term "Negro", colored, black, and "people of color" to describe those we now call "African Americans." I THINK THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT WE RESPECT THEM INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY. They have a unique history, and we must honor their struggle and their successes.

Answer 3

They have a link to it. It is not only an ancestral link (although that is a legitimate link in itself), they also have a link through some cultural ties that still exist (in a very different, but linked, form) eg. music forms/singing. Black people in America have a culture different from White people in America. Black people in America did not create their culture out of nothing. Culture ALWAYS evolves/changes - so their culture does have links with Africa (even though the links are distant).

However - I think that the term "African American" isn't very useful today even though its 'politically correct' - some people argue that "Black American" should be used instead, because it doesn't assume any important historical etc link.

Answer 4

I thought one of the funniest things was when Kerry's wife was speaking to a group of blacks. Old white lady telling them she was the ture African American. Boy did they get pissed, but at least she grew up in Africa.

Answer 5

In my opinion, yes. You don't hear of African Europeans or African French, etc.
But in effect, we are all supposed to come originally from Africa, so it makes us all Africans by descent.

Answer 6

For this country to be united we must first be pround enough just to say American. I had a great JROTC instructor who always said he was an "American of Mexican decent", he was first an American and second a decendant of Mexicans.