Should black Americans really be called African-Americans?

Question

Is this ridiculous to anyone else? I have many black friends, not one of them has even been to Africa. Nor can they tell you of any family history they have in Africa. If you are born and raised in this country, regardless of race, you are AMERICAN!

Answer 1

Here's something else to think about: Due to past colonization by Europeans and missionary work by whites, there have been substantial number of Caucasians born on the African continent. Shouldn't then white people whose great grandparents or grandparents emigrated from Africa to the United States also be referred to as "African Americans"?

After all, they're Americans and their families were originally from Africa. Why should this designation just apply to blacks?

Answer 2

Well, maybe not, but all black people did originate in africa at some point even if it was a long time ago. What else can we call them, when we have to dicuss race for tests and stuff? I suppose they could just say black, but most wouldnt' just say american and i wouldn't either, because i'm a white american and there are different types.

Answer 3

Black ppl should be called black. Or another term besides African American, because what do you call a person who was born in africa and becomes a natraulized citizen of the US?? African-American. That's what I would call them. Not black ppl whose ancestor's were brought here. Black ppl as we know in America are not fully African regardless of there skin color. There are many years of interracial relationships. That too may be another reason why black ppl in america today have a hard time tracing their ancestory. There is so much mixing all ready.

Answer 4

Every black person I know does not ask to be called African American. I've never seen any of them get offended when someone calls them black. Usually the only people I hear say African American are people on TV and white people.

Answer 5

Great question ... No, they shouldn't be called african americans. No more than white people with irish ancestory should be called irish americans. Its silly and inaccurate because in probably every black person there is more than just pure African genes, just like there is in the rest of the population of America. If you have to use a label, then Black people should be called ... Black people. White people are ... white people.

Answer 6

That definition would be great and all...if your outlook was indeed true.

Unfortunately America is a country that likes to put people into groups based on appearances. So until we can get a majority of this country to think like you, blacks will continue to be called "African-American", "Black", "Non-white", etc.

Answer 7

Is it really your business what we're called. It's up to the individual person what they want to be called. If you don't like it, tough.. don't call them that. But you seem to have only singled out blacks. What about the Hispanics who were born here in America but still choose to call themselves Mexicans. What about some white people who are not even Irish, Italian, German etc. but their family was generations ago but they still choose to call themselves Irish, Italian, or German.

Answer 8

The buzz words change every few years. In the 1950s, it was suicidal to refer to a "*****" as being black.
Then came Harry Bellafonte, and people began to realize that it is not a crime to be black; it could be wonderful.
The "Portuguese" population in the US suddenly dropped to a very low number.
Now the term "African American" is falling into disfavor.
I am white. Just don't use the N word around me.

Answer 9

I will call them Pringles if that's what they want to be called. Is this really something that keeps you up at night?

psst - most Black people do say Black now. African American is a bit passe.

Answer 10

That's true, but your family originated in Africa. Hence African-American. It's like that for all races here, unless, of course, you are white, then your just American. I'm American Indian. my best friend is a Chinese-American. That's just the way things go.