Why in the USA do blacks ask to be called African Americans?

Question

I live in Canada and we just say blacks . And no offence is given or taken from it.

Answer 1

I'm an American and I prefer to be called black (anyway, I'm only half American and I'm not African at all). Most American blacks prefer that term as well. I think what you're seeing is just the media being overly PC in most cases.

It's also worth noting that there is a lot "hyphenated Americanism" running rampant in the states in general and not just from blacks. Irish American, Italian American, German-Scots-French American, etc. It never ends... From what I've noticed, people in other countries don't do that.

Answer 2

To refer to the African in African American, it's proper to use the term because of the descent from which we come from. We are of african descent, no? It is irrelevant that we have never been to the continent. I've never been to a place called black either, so I'm a bit confused as to why discussion of this topic was needed. Some of us have toooooo much time on our hands.

Answer 3

I'm African American and it really doesnt bother me if i'm called black or african american because thats my race and the proper/ correct terms to use when saying it and im proud of my race and heritage, but personaly I think and from a little knowledge I know that some blacks prefer to be called african americans because of the black and white segregation but its confusing to understand because no matter black or african american your still not being called outta pocket

Answer 4

I haven't asked anyone to call me African American. I'm cool with being called black.

Answer 5

i'm black and it never bothered me and to tell you the truth i never known a black get mad when someone called them black instead of african american. although black is not an ethnicity, i never took offense to someone calling me that. now a days you gotta be extra careful what you say to people or they start having a hissy fit but that's just me.

Answer 6

in the movie Malcolm X i saw that, in the dictionary, the word "black" has a lot of definitions that are negative. black is associated with being dirty and evil according to the dictionary. maybe that's why. or maybe its the same reason that i rather be called asian american instead of ***** or yellow.

Answer 7

We don't it's a PC term. A LOT of us prefer Black,

Answer 8

frankly, I've never understood it myself. A majority of them have never seen Africa, and know literally nothing about the history of that continent...they are American citizens, born and raised, yet insist on tacking on african to American.
It makes no sense, and maintains their own views of victimization. As long as they see themselves as victims, they will remain victims and by their own doing.

Answer 9

I don't really care...My name's Tracey.

Answer 10

They're confused.