Why is it that some peope cal us African American but others say Black (American)?

Answer 1

black is more generic and would include people form carribean islands and of european decent

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Answer 2

I don't consider myself African American or Black. I am American been here for more than 3 generations. I think because of the whole PC (politically correct) era that rished in during the late 80's early 90's. Some terms people find negative such as Black (cuz think about it...do you know any actual 'black'(the color) people?

And for the person who used n****r, why does it always go there? Why can't we act like civil people and have a real discussion without acting ignorant and offending others?

Answer 3

Personally, I think it is because the term Black American is more accurate. Let's say an African from Nigeria came to America and got a citizenship. That is when I think the term African American should be applied.

Answer 4

Here is the deal. Most dark-skinned Americans know little or nothing about Africa and would not want to live there if given a chance, so why would anyone want to call them African-Americans.

On the other hand, I have had the opportunity to work with people actually born in Africa and become US citizens. They are African-American in the true sense of the word. They know Africa; they were born there; they have family there.

Now, stand me next to a black American, who is my same height and weight more or less, stand back a few yards and how would you describe the difference between us. One of us is black and one is white. It is that obvious.

There is nothing racist about describing the color of someone's skin when that is the most obvious trait.

Me, I would just as soon we all just called ourselves "Americans" and stopped being divisive.

Answer 5

Well, the philosophy behind America is that of a one-nation melting pot. That is, we should meld together and not segment ourselves into splinter groups. Some who complain about the term African-America are simply complaining of a segment wanting to exist and not mix with the rest. So.....unless you have dual citizenship, you are African or you are American. Some will resent any other ideal.

When I began to answer, no one had yet answered. Looking back, I am sorry for the meanness of the answers you received. I hope this is not your typical experience with non-black America. If it is, I can see why America remains fragmented, and I'm not sure I'd assign most of the blame to your race/color.

Answer 6

Because you change your minds every 25 years or so...

First it was proper to use "*****"

Then "Black"

Then "African American"

I believe the proper term now is "American of African Decent" or "The People Formerly Known as African American"

Who knows what it will be next, but I keep changing with the times, so make sure to let me know...

Funny thing is, through it all you have consistantly continued to call each other n*gga...

Answer 7

I was born in Tanzania, I like to be called by my name typically lol but I don't care whether it's Black or African American. I see some people can't answer a simple question about race or Nationality with class and dignity.

Answer 8

its all about being politically correct. all minorities go through it because generally speakiing white people run this country (as well as many others)...so first you go through being called racial slurs...then equality comes around. legally anyway. also a lot of us dont agree on the same thing. i know several that dont like being called "african american" even though technically thats what we are. so im guessing the people that call themselves black exclusively are just separating themselves from africans which is ridiculous. i dont mind either term but "black" means different things to some white people. ive met a few that actually thought it meant anyone with dark skin including asians and hispanics and they thought lighter asians were white. i also remember filling out a couple forms
(you know where you have to check off your race) and they had two "black" categories, one being "of hispanic descent" and the other saying "non-hispanic". did you know that the p.c. term "hispanic" in america is supposed to mean "anyone that speaks spanish regardless of race". i dont see it that way but you know..interesting.

its all about being p.c. which is sometimes over rated. i also hate the term "pacific islander"..

Answer 9

There are several "reasons". People want to be politically correct (for the most part) and are afraid of being offensive. That is difficult to do, when "African/black" Americans each say something different; some say one, some say the other. If we use what one "African/black" American says, we risk offending another! Since Egyptians (and some others) are "white" and from Africa, saying "African American" to refer to "black" Americans is not fair to either side.
When I was young, even Disney movies referred to your "race" as "darkies". Otherwise, people said "Negroes/*******".
I am labeled "Caucasian" [meaning, one from the Caucasus region of Russia], "honky", "gringo" (BUT, only by the so-called whites).
The real question is: why do we need to use any of these labels? It should be enough to say "retired", carpenter, accountant, businessman, etc.
Let's face it: life is not fair, it is difficult, why not all try to get along and drop the labeling?
P.S.
Have you noticed that the Govenment, in its infinite wisdom, does the very thing (regarding "race") that they tell us not to do? You know: we are not supposed to consider race as a factor in hiring, renting out an apartment/house, selling things, etc., yet the Government does!
It is time to "educate" the Government and tell them to butt out.

Answer 10

If someone asks my husband, he will answer that he is a Black American, not an African American....but he prefers to just be called an American....as he should be.

Answer 11

The only african american Ive seen on this site is Sparlhaswa.....he immigrated from Africa. I would still just call him an American like the rest of us though. Get over it people.

How do you expect racism to end if you constantly find ways to seperate yourselves from the rest of America?