Why are they called African Americans when they were born in America?

Question

I believe they should be proud of America First... since AMERICA is where they were born and raised. That really chaps my hyde.

I'm not only talking about African... but Mexican... and any other country of heritage.

Thanks for the English language lessons, though I already have a "Basic understanding of English grammar". Yes we've had teachers on the reservation for quite a while.
The question clearly asks why don't American people put America first. One person got it right. Thanks.
I can usually tell by looking at a persons face if they have African, Mexican, Asian, or American Indian heritage. Mixed bloods are harder to tell, but their titles would be to long read.
Thank you for your answers.

Answer 1

A true American is simply that, a American. If they have to add another word to explain that they're not true Americans. Besides the ones who feel they have to explain what kind of American they are haven't even been to those countries where they claim to come from.

Answer 2

Because of the English Language. Even the most basic knowledge of English should make it clear.

The words African and American have 2 meanings, the first is a noun mean "a person living in or from America" or "a person living in or from Africa".

The second is an adjective meaning "related to, in the nature of or relating to America" or "in the nature of or relating to Africa".

English works like this: #1 ADJECTIVE #2 NOUN.

In the English language the adjective (the word that modifies or describes the noun) the adjective is first in the word order.

So check it out "African American" let's break it down into two words.

That means "American" is what they are (a person living in or from America) and "African" is a description (relating to Africa).

Look at the following examples:

Tall Americans
Young Americans
Overweight Americans
Famous Americans
Handsome Americans
Hard Working Americans

It's not like they're prouder of being tall, young, overweight, famous, handsome or hard working than of being American. It's just how the language is structured.

I can even say "I am a tall, young, overweight, famous, handsome, hard working, African American."

It's the last word that means the most because that tells you what something ACTUALLY IS, all the words before it just tell you what it's LIKE.

Understand?

Answer 3

"African-American" is just title for your ethnic background. Many ethnic groups have found politically correct ways to describe their groups. Ex: Asian-American, Native Americans, Irish-Americans,etc. If we went to another country, and those people asked us what nationality we are....we answer American or Black American. Blacks came up with "African-American" to get white people to basically call us something nice, not the N'word.

Answer 4

African American---live in America, ancestors from Africa. Mexican American--live in America, ancestors from Mexico. Does that unchap your hide?