Why do you want to be called African American if born in the state?

Question

I just need to understand this better. What does the term African American mean exactly? Why do you prefer that over being called black or or just american? I was born here in the states-german descent but I go by white-not german american. can you explain this and what term do you prefer the most for us to use that gives the most respect to you? I am not trying to be racist. I am trying to undertand and really want to show respect the way it needs to be shown so I don't look like an idiot and you are not offended?

Answer 1

i personally prefer black...but i am american !!! the african american designation, in my opinion, was made to distinguish between those who were born and raised in africa and came to america. if i'm wrong so be it. my only problem is that my actual skin color isn't black...i'm brown...but that's how it is to be of color in america

Answer 2

It's just a way of being politically correct. like Mexican American, European American, African American... It's just a general way of addressing someone's ethnic background before their country. People use it more often with black people, because they don't want to offend anyone, but some still get offended.

The term "African American" really just means an American of African and especially of black African descent. Just how Mexican American means, an American of Mexican descent... You know? It's just specifying a certain group of people by ethnic background and country, mostly used in statistic documents or a business setting.

Honestly, I really don't mind what people call me because I know what I am and that's all that really matters.

Answer 3

I prefer that you not have to say my ethnicity or nationality when speaking to me or of me. However if you are talking to someone about me, and they are not sure who you are talking about. I would prefer you to say the pretty girl over there with the red scarf. I dont mind being called black, or African- american. However its not a one size fits all with us. What doesn't bother me might be offensive to someone else, and vice-versa. The reason some prefer it over being called just American.is because our African ancestors came over here,worked,toiled,some maimed and killed. This is our way of saying that even though we are far away from Africa. We still have pride in our ancestors,and even though we have freedoms they only dreamed about we have not forgotten where we come from,and all that they endured. We are proud to be African and American and we dont have to separate the two. Because we are just as much American as anybody else actually prolly more. Because most people in America can say that their great-grandparents were immigrants about 50 years ago to this country. However are forefathers came to this country over 400 years ago. So I dont feel the need to let one go in order to claim another. However I do believe it is a choice. Thank you for taking the time to ask instead of assuming like most people. To HISTORY HEART if some1 is black and born in the Carribean they are of African descent. They slave trade was not just in America,but the West Indies also. It is not racist to call yourself Arican-American I went to high school with the majority of Italian Americans however they called themselves Italian. Even though they had never seen Italy before and I didn't think they were racists just proud

Answer 4

What if there was this scenario:

There was a man, on the outside, he is clearly black.
But he is from Denmark, he was born in Denmark.
He goes to United States for his studies.

Would he be African-American? No.
His ethnicity is African, yes, but he was not born in America.

therefore i answered your question.

Answer 5

because of the fact on the time that they coined the word african american, black individuals have been being referred to as negroes or colored and that they felt that those words have been derogatory. they felt that those lables in basic terms pointed out the colour of their pores and skin, and not a nationality. alongside with different peoples nationalities linked them to a land... Irish=eire Italian=Italy chinese language=China Black=???? *****/******=???? for this reason they needed a label that would connect them to their land of commencing place, which became Africa. you ought to learn the social and political climate interior the U. S. on the time that the term African American became created. you are able to experience which you cant relate to that on the instant, because you dont experience linked to that land anymore. yet on the time, the individuals have been finding for something to connect themselves to...

Answer 6

I think the racists called them African Amewrican because their ancestors came from African as slavers.The African American themselves do not want to be called like that.It is better if we call someone only his name because they do not want to be called black too.Black,white and brown are only the collor of our skin.The value of a human depends on his/her behaviour,faith and his good doings benefited to other people .The skin color can not be changed because it is the gift (decision) from our God Almighty...God in the holy Qur'an prohibites us to call someone on his/her physical shortcoming.It is caused someone shortcoming is determined by God.

Answer 7

Most "African-Americans" use Black. It's fine. It's not as distinct and clear cut, but African-American just seems too fictitious IMO. It isn't real. Just some coddling type of word to mollify hesitation and uncertainty about interpersonal feelings THAT MANY FEEL. I AM NOT SPEAKING ABOUT IMMIGRANTS OK.

HISTORY HEART? UH HONEY IF YOU HAVE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST AMOUNT OF BLACK IN YOU, YOUR ANCESTORS CAME FROM AFRICA. ALL PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT ORIGINALLY SPAWNED FROM AFRICA, DON'T GET IT TWISTED.

Answer 8

I've never understood that concept either. You're either African or you're American. Combining the two words promotes racism. I don't go around saying I'm European-American. You're either one or the other. If you're born in America, you're American.

Edit: Black people aren't always African-descent! You have all the people of Caribbean-descent who get called black but aren't African.

Also bigmha, I agree. I'm Italian-Cherokee-Irish descent and people have actually mistaken me for black or half-black because I get so dark sometimes (especially during the summer). But when I have register for school and stuff, I have to check the box for white. Once someone went over my application and they thought I was joking when they read I was white.

Answer 9

white people gave them that name

Answer 10

This goes back to slavery times, everyone knows this. Black ppl are descendants of Africa. Europeans weren't slaves. The only Europeans that struggled really were the Irish. But, that was many yrs after slavery.