I am NOT 'AFRICAN-' American!?

Question

Why is it that people try to say that I am African-American? I am NOT from Africa, and neither are my ancestors. I am BLACK.

And why is it that only Black people can African-American? A white person could be born in Africa, and come to America, and technically, they would have to be considered African-American right?

I'm just tired of people trying to be politically correct all the time and calling me something that I am not (not that I am offended, I have nothing against African-Americans).

David D, if you are right, then that means that ALL people are African-American because isn't there a theory that EVERYONE was from Africa?

Very true Electrifyin'Mojo or whatever your name is. I AM brown like sh**. But it doesn't mean I AM sh**.

But even though you probably aren't brown like sh**, you are still considered sh**. In my book.

Michael. My ancestors are from Dominica, and Britain. Maybe I can give you another chance to give an appropriate answer?

Answer 1

Ok good now its official because there are a million questions pertaining to black or african american. I do not think its a big issue I have black relatives and they sometimes use either or. If you would prefer black I totally support you but either or, alot of things in life are not exact if you know what I mean.

Answer 2

First of all, If you're black (as you say you are), then you're ancestors had to be black too.
And African-American doesn't mean you were born in Africa. It means that you're an America of African descent.
Second of all, if a white person is from Africa, they're a white African. But if they move to America, they're a white American citizen from Africa.

Answer 3

This problem you are having was caused by the fact that every single term that has been used to describe a black person has been deemed unacceptable by blacks themselves. In my lifetime I have been told to call black people Colored, *****, Black and African American. It is not only confusing but also very tiresome at this point. The African American thing is the funniest because like you---not all blacks come from Africa and also because there is no equality in that term. I am not called a European American---I am called white. It is a big mess that I choose now to ignore. The other hilarious mess is the "N" word that no one is allowed to say because it is so horrendous but I hear blacks saying it on the street to each other and in their music on a daily basis. Very funny ....Very sad....

Answer 4

lol, me and my dad were talking about this. most black people from my school get offended if you call them black. but then what do you call black people in england? african-englishmen?? lmao!! people have been coming out with new words to call themselves for hundreds of years, mostly the hispanics and blacks, not to be racist. most black people from america now were born here, so why call them africans? i don't know... i hate people who are politically correct too. why not stop relying on race when you're hiring people for a job or asking people to come over towards you? i don't do that. i say the person's name. i think most black people call themselves african-american b/c they don't really know where they came from if their ancestors were slaves. then again, there were white, mexican, and asian slaves too. that's the best i got. :)

Answer 5

I'm also black but not African American. Any person can be African American, but it's mainly whoever has the latest history of family from Africa, which is mostly black people.

Answer 6

Good morning. Terminology is constantly changing on federal, state, local forms. We are a diverse country. We also say: Native American instead of American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic American, etc. These terms do not suddenly pop up out of nowhere. They are preferred terms and will change again. Best wishes!

Answer 7

Im Black/African, Nigerian actually but I dont identify as Black American, because Im not a descendant of slaves and there isnt so much racial mixing in my ancestral lineage, as a lot of them have. No offense to Black Americans though.

Answer 8

Umm...if you're black you have ancestors that came from Africa for sure. You haven't done your research obviously. Black people originally come from 1 place in the world, and thats Africa. European settlers and colonists settled in some parts of Africa. But originally white people from Africa did not originate in Africa. Black people come from Africa (originally) so yes you are an African-American if you're black.

Answer 9

Refreshing to hear you say that, as I don't like the term either (I am caucasian) because it never really made sense to me.
I collect Barbies, and to be PC we have to call the black ones AA, which just kind of bugs me, why can't we just say BLACK and not offend anyone?

Answer 10

people try to be PC and say 'african american' because they are told that it is polite to do so.....so that's why people 'try to say that' about you.

i guess that no matter what people say, the world as a collective group will never be entirely happy.