I have a sociological/cultural question about the term "African-American."?

Question

I was told by one of my college professors (in American history) that the term "African-American" is a generally acceptable term.

However, in my opinion, it implies that someone immigrated to the U.S. from Africa. The term is applied to a great deal of individuals who were born here and never came from Africa (had African descent) or were born here and were of Jamacian, West Indian descent.

I'm not racist or anything. My question is why do we apply the African-American term to those who have African descent but weren't born in Africa. It would be like applying a European-American tag to most people in the U.S. with European roots.

Any thoughts or comments about this?

Answer 1

That's why I don't refer to myself as African-American. I've never seen Africa and I have much more than just African in my heritage. I think it's as odd as a person referring to themselves as Irish American when they can't even say which ancestor on what side of the family how far back was Irish. I'm black. Black American if I'm splitting hairs. Mostly, I'd rather just be called by my first name.

Answer 2

The African in African-American is just a prefix that means black. For example you hear people say Italian neighborhoods, Polish neighborhoods, Irish neighborhoods etc., but you never hear people talk about African neighborhoods. The term African-American is a way for black Americans to feel connected to their heritage. It's a way for them to put their race first. It would be considered racist for white Americans to be called European-Americans, because it's considered racist to be proud to be white. And saying European-American would signify that a white person is proud to be of European descent.

Answer 3

first, all black people ultimately come from Africa.

African-American is acceptable, but it doesn't mean that is preferred. If you must refer to my race. Black is good enough. No sense wasting all those syllables.

Answer 4

I've always wonder if white folks from the RSA, etc. would be considered African-American if they moved to the USA.

Answer 5

I agree with you, we should all refer to ourselves as Americans and be done with it.