Why do black people insist that people always call them "african american",?

Question

(no racism intended) I understand that people can be racist and that it can be harder for black people, but i dont think that they would complain as much if they actually lived in africa, compared, america would be 20x better even with racism. It bothers me when black people insist on being called "african american" because in any second they will call a Caucasian person "a white boy" or "cracker". If black people really want to be called "african american" then i expect to be called "irish, german,french morrocan, cherokee,british american"??

Answer 1

I never insist on it. Black is fine by me. I wasn't born in Africa, and I've never been.

Answer 2

Wow this one is full of ignorance here! When people talk the same way you do, there is a high chance that you never knew a black person personally and just based all your stupid assumptions and generalizations on what you hear, which half the time isn't true. Not every black person, including myself go around using racial slurs about whites while at the same 'insist' being called African-American-- many doesn't mind being refer as black and not a politically correct term.

So I guess according to you, life will be much more better for us if we live in Africa, regardless they are facing social and ecomonic issues of their own. If this bothers you so much, let me suggest that you should go to Europe where you don't have to deal with blacks so-called complaining about not being label African-American.

Answer 3

Hey MonkeySlayer...Did it ever occur to you that 90% of "African-Americans" wouldn't be here without us having dragged them to America to begin with? They didn't want to be sold into slavery anymore than you would if the situation were reversed! Why should it bother you if they wish to be called "African-Americans" when that IS their identity and heritage?

You are speaking of derogatory name calling when you use words like "white boy" or "cracker" that is no different than calling a black person by any number of disgusting names! If you wish to be addressed by your caucasian mixture then I suggest you put it out there for people to see. By all means, purchase some tee-shirts and jackets in order to have your identity put on the front for all to see so they can address you properly!

There is one portion of your diatribe I do not understand at all. "...america would be 20x better even with racism." What on earth does that mean? Are you saying that America would be 20 times better if black people went back to live in Africa? If that is what you mean then I must say you are a poor excuse for a human being and prejudiced beyond all comprehension! Generation upon generation of black people were born here and America is their home now. Where do you come off to even suggest such a thing as to go back to Africa if that is not their desire?

Everyone on the face of the earth has a right to their heritage and if they wish to be identified or addressed that way what possible harm can that bring to anyone? It's hurtful to no one and respectful of everyone but I don't think respect is a term you are at all familiar with!

Answer 4

It's politically correct, and some minority groups like to focus on their race, though I believe we've moved past much of 20th century racism.

Africa is a hellhole for many people. Consider the genocide in Rwanda, the ritual mutilation of tribes in Benin, the war in the Congo, the child soldiers and spread of HIV, especially for children. I think these sensitive few are being ridiculous. Should I call myself "European American" because 300 years ago, my roots came from another continent?

I don't think race is an important issue. People can choose to whine as much as they like, but at the end of the day it all comes down to individuals. Of course, stop racism where it occurs, but I've seen the race card pulled more often than it should.

Answer 5

Well as Rev. Jesse Lee Paterson calls himself. "Black American" I always thought Black American would be a better way to label yourself but most would rather be African American. So should I call myself Scandinavian American? But then again my ancestors were Vikings and were responsible for slaughtering all around Europe, and N. America, so I will just go by American.

Answer 6

Call yourself whatever you like, but we prefer African American because we are descendants of Africa. It's better than the N-- word that that most White's like to call us. Why does it bother you so much, what we prefer to be called? is it hurting you in any way? You say black people use the word cracker and white boy, how often do white people use the N word, or just plain boy to describe a black man, just last night on this site we were refereed to as crack smoking porch monkeys, try that on for size. I don't approve of the name calling from either side, It just shows your ignorance.

Answer 7

The world would be a much easier place if people would do away with the hyphenated designators. If you're born in America, you're American. If you're born in Africa, you're African. If your ancestors came from Africa, that will be fairly apparent to anyone who knows you. But does it really matter any more?

Answer 8

Speaking as a Black Women I guess some might think it's politically correct. I'm keep this one short dig if everyone did buy into that type of propaganda wouldn't it make sense to call white people European-American and the list is on going.it's not what people call you it's what u answer to. to each is own

Answer 9

because the smallest thing sets black people into a frenzy. c'mon, think about it. you can call an irish person a mic or an italian person a guinea or a german a kraut and they'll laugh. if you say anything against a black(im sorry, african american) person they grab the yellow pages and look for an attorney. lighten the f*ck up already. we all sh*t and piss.

Answer 10

I insist on leaving this country too, so I wont have to deal with this bullshit in the U.S.

And here we go, another dummy generalizing ALL Black people, I dont insist on being called an African American, I would prefer American or Black American

Answer 11

I prefer to say black. It's what I grew up with. "Cracker" doesn't bother me. A black person calling me names, is as bad as a white person calling me names. It's all the same. It's hurtful.