"BLACK or AFRICAN AMERICAN" mainly a question...
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I personally do not want to be referred to as African American. Here is why...I do not hold a belief that all "Black" people are decendants of Africa. Plenty of people from countries such as the Dominican Replublic identify as "Black" even though they speak Spanish and are of "mixed" heritage. That is just one example. Myself personally...I identify as "black" but my great grand-father was in fact of Irish (white) descent. My father's father was hispanic. I feel that most "black" people are many things so to be labeled from Africa automatically is not ok to me. I don't get terribly offended when called African American because I know most people are meerly attempting to be politically correct. Howeverm those that I am close with I let them know I prefer Black. I think the term "black" also partially refers to our skin complexion (which is really brown...lol), but this is less offensive to me because as I stated before plenty of other nationalities (such as Dominicans) have dark skin besides "black" people. That's just my two cents.
You are also incorrect. Black dominicans are in the DR because they were originally transported there during the trans-atlantic slave trade. So, any person of dark or "black" skin are all descendants of Africa. You don't have to believe it, but it doesn't make you right.
The original people to inhabit these lands are native americans who came over (one theory) through Beringia - the Bering Straight over 18000 years ago. They migrated down after wild animals who were crossing and moved out over the land and down in to South America. Then the Europeans came....0 -
We are all from the continents known as the "America's" and the original descent of people who have a darker skin color is from the continent of Africa.
Not to be rude but that is also incorrect, not everyone with a darker skin color's heritage is derived from Africa.0 -
lol Love it from a BLACK woman across the pond.*throws feet up on desk* who brought the popcorn?0 -
How often do you have to call anybody anything to do with the color of their skin?
Now if you want to refer to a race of people, you might say, 'the black population" or "the white population"....
And if somebody stole your car and you watched them drive off in it and told the officer a more exact description of the person...
Well I guess there is that awkward moment at the future in-laws where you sorta break the news on the phone down the block that you are bringing home and white man or a black man or whatever.....
Otherwise, I can't really think of a time when you need to use color of skin to define someone.
But the brits all call us Fat - American....black white red yellow...we're Fat - American....that's not nice!!!!0 -
Personally, I never thought the term 'boy' was offensive. But fine, any word can be hateful if used in a certain context. Does that mean that 'n-gger' or 'n-gga' should become socially acceptable? No... because the word boy means 'male' and the N-word mean 'ignorant and uneducated'.
I think it is fair to say in modern American (emphasized only because I can't speak for other nations) society that everyone has an education to some extent. Therefore, it has no real place in the English language anymore. Does the term 'carpet-bagger' still exist? Only in historical context. So why is it too much to hope that this one word pass from the English language as the other words that were born of that era?
When I said That guy is one "bad dude"
You can look up the word bad and find all kinds of meanings.
The B word has all kinds of meanings.
F-g is a cigarette.
The N word is not ONLY an offensive word.
Finally Hate is in the heart....How any word is used can be offensive...
There are girls at my job who some guys say are ugly...
They call them Star...which is Rats backwards...
They in their face say Hi star...but really calling them rats...
The delivery of a word changes the meaning....
Sorry I just dont' agree with you
Yes "*kitten*" is a cigarette but the word "*aggot" is not. The derogatory meaning of the shortened word is derived from the derogatory latter word. Changing the word does not change the meaning or the damage it does.0 -
A lot of interesting thoughts here.0
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Meeeee! Because that was freakin well said! you go girl!I'm mixed black and white.
The other day another mixed man asked me if I was yellow.
Now I am not easily offended so it didn't offend me but I noticed I didn't like the term.
Even though I am mixed I predominantly go with calling myself black when filling out paperwork and such.
I don't say African-American when asked, but it doesn't bother me or seem politically incorrect to me if other people do.
I don't like colored. My grandma who I love so dearly and is the sweetest most accepting person in the world, is also white. We were in the store one day and she said to ask "The colored young gentleman" working there for help. I found myself explaining to her that I didn't think it appropriate in these days to use that term. My only reason behind it is this term along with the N-word was used in a derogatory fashion and when it's used it can be taken wrong.
I learned in my African-American studies class that the term mullatto was also derogatory, I used to use this term because I thought it sounded cool haha. My mom always told me when I was younger I would say "I'm not black, I'm brown!"
Times change, and with times terms will change as well. I have friends that use the N-word, my dad's family all use it, I don't like it, and I don't prefer to use it myself, but it doesn't bother me either because I know their use behind it is not to slander. And I would hope that anyone who does use it as a racist term will someday learn that no matter the pigment in our skin we all bleed blood, breathe air and live life. The same with the black community that still blame the white community or any other race...it's one thing to acknowledge history and your heritage but it's another to live in the past and continue to separate yourself.
Like some few have said, I prefer to be called by name, I am Mariah, I am human as are you.
Now who wants to be this human's friend
Yeah, awesome post!0 -
I'm mixed black and white.
The other day another mixed man asked me if I was yellow.
Now I am not easily offended so it didn't offend me but I noticed I didn't like the term.
Even though I am mixed I predominantly go with calling myself black when filling out paperwork and such.
I don't say African-American when asked, but it doesn't bother me or seem politically incorrect to me if other people do.
I don't like colored. My grandma who I love so dearly and is the sweetest most accepting person in the world, is also white. We were in the store one day and she said to ask "The colored young gentleman" working there for help. I found myself explaining to her that I didn't think it appropriate in these days to use that term. My only reason behind it is this term along with the N-word was used in a derogatory fashion and when it's used it can be taken wrong.
I learned in my African-American studies class that the term mullatto was also derogatory, I used to use this term because I thought it sounded cool haha. My mom always told me when I was younger I would say "I'm not black, I'm brown!"
Times change, and with times terms will change as well. I have friends that use the N-word, my dad's family all use it, I don't like it, and I don't prefer to use it myself, but it doesn't bother me either because I know their use behind it is not to slander. And I would hope that anyone who does use it as a racist term will someday learn that no matter the pigment in our skin we all bleed blood, breathe air and live life. The same with the black community that still blame the white community or any other race...it's one thing to acknowledge history and your heritage but it's another to live in the past and continue to separate yourself.
Like some few have said, I prefer to be called by name, I am Mariah, I am human as are you.
Now who wants to be this human's friend
THAT was AWESOME! Well said.0 -
One of my friends who is black once told me that he finds the term "white trash" to be particularly offensive to black people. I would never have thought of it, but after he told me this, I totally understood where he was coming from. Since then, I can not stand that term. It always reminds me that we are all probably far more insensitive in our ignorance than we care to admit.0
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You asked for thoughts from "older" people and I qualify on that account. It is an interesting and important question. Way back when -- I'm thinking back to way before you were even born, the terms were either "people of color" or "Negros." But at that time, Caucasians were typically called "white." Now, I'm actually no more "white" than you are "black." I was always told my complexion was olive, which always upset me because it made me think of a sickly green shade. Yuch! And you, your hair is more black than your complexion. Actually, my hair was the same color as yours before it turned gray.
It was sometime in the 1960s as I recall that it was thought that if Caucasians were white, then Negros would insist on being called black. That was also the beginning of the phrase "black pride." A decade or so later, about the time the TV mini-series "Roots" came out, someone decided that black pride needed to incorporate a pride in the African continent. With that, came the African-American label. Why? We don't refer to Irish-Americans, German-Americans, Polish-Americans. But, the term stuck and left many with the same question you have. What term should we use? Besides, it seems silly to refer to anyone by a continent. There are many countries on that continent and it certainly makes a difference which part of Africa ones ancestors lived in just as there is a difference in racial traits between people from the USA and people from Mexico even though both are technically from the North American continent.
As for me, I try not to use any term except American, or American Citizen. Our census forms ask for race -- I write "American Citizen." Race or the continent of one's ancestors going back dozens of generations shouldn't matter, period! Sadly, it does. Maybe some day we can all just be people.
Of course, this is only my thoughts on the topic. I'm certain that others think differently and that's okay, too. Especially for those of different races. There is no way I can ever share the experiences of people in another race so I can't possibly wrap my thoughts around how other think and feel. Please forgive this shortcoming in me.
Not only are you "old" - you are wise!
Thank you kindly. Now, if only laughing out loud counted as an exercise. . . :laugh:0 -
Maybe people think that if they are called "African-American" they automatically think they are from Africa. Your really not Black...we should call you brown. White people should not be called white, they should be called tan. And then Asians, Why aren't they called Yellow people? Hmm..they mysteries of the world...
winner!
That has to be the funniest converstaion. I guess this is why people circle "OTHER" on there applications instead of African American, Caucasian, or Hispanic.:laugh: Funny Story. My 5-year-old daughter says that im nt black....i'm yellow. Or she would see someone with brown skin and say that he is brown not black. She would see a Caucasian person and say that they are peach and not white. If you think about it, this is true.
If you color a picture of people, in order to decipher the race, you either you a brown crayon if their black or a peach crayon if their white (unless their skin was really that color). Innocent as it may be, its the damn truth. In America, I have not met anyone that were purely white or black. Some of our family history may include all kinds of ethinicities. We say we're black or we're white because thats what we were told we were and thats what society will view us as.
However, if you think outside the box a minute, some of us should be considered "other". What is the race of a mixed child if the mom is white and the dad is black (or visa versa)??? My great grandfather was Caucasian with Blond hair blue eyes, my Great grandmother was African American and Cherokee Native.
I said all that to say this................................. I NEED A DAMN DRINK :drinker: !!! If none of this makes sense its because i have worked all day and tired as hell.0 -
I actually don't like being called African American. Never been to Africa, wasn't born in Africa. That would be like saying European American to white people. We should just be called Americans or black(even though we're really brown but i won't get that deep)0
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As a white woman, I don't get the luxury of labeling myself with over-politically-sensitive ethnic descriptions. My heritage is primarily European, but my choices on a ethnic reporting survey are "White" or "Non-Hispanic". Kind of ridiculous.
If you are born in America, you're an AMERICAN. Period. No hyphenating that *kitten*. Own it.0 -
In my grandmother's generation you were Negro or colored.
In my mother's generation, you were Black. Being called a Negro was less than desirable, but you could still get away with it.
In my generation, you were African-American. During the '90's the term African-American reached a fevered pitch. Being called Black was less than desirable, and being referred to as colored or a Negro would get you cussed out.
In my children's generation, it looks like we're going back to Black. Being called African-American is less than desirable, but you can get away with it. Being called a Negro or colored will absolutely get you cussed out.
My grandmother still calls Black people colored. She's not trying to be offensive, it's simply what her generation called Black people.
I guess I could get philosophical and say we are all Americans, why does it make a difference, blah, blah, blah. However, the fact of the matter is, it's just the way our society is; Black Americans NEED to be called something.
So, with that being said, I prefer Black, and always have.
Also, if you're White, and you call a Black person a ******, you're a racist in my mind. I couldn't care less what your explanation is. Of call words to pick, why pick that one??
I love what you have to say here and it perfectly illustrates why we white people get confused. I know I don't want to offend anyone but in my 43 years the 'correct' terms have changed many times and I'm never sure what to say so I usually stick with black, white, asian or mexican when I find myself in the position of needing to describe someone's physical appearance.0 -
We are all from the continents known as the "America's" and the original descent of people who have a darker skin color is from the continent of Africa.
Not to be rude but that is also incorrect, not everyone with a darker skin color's heritage is derived from Africa.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure a Sri Lankan might disagree with the original qoute.0 -
my fiance is Black and prefers being called Black instead of African American. He doesn't get all offended or anything if they don't though. I'm Mexican American yet I get called Hispanic all the darn time lol, everyone has their likes and dislikes.
Just like the black/African-American question from the brilliant OP, I want to know what the difference is between Mexican American, Hispanic, Latino, Tejano. If your BF is black and doesn't want to be called African American? Why do you refer to yourself as Mexican American? It's really hard to not say the wrong thing when none of it is black and white (pun intended)! I'd love some insight.
This is the best thread and I'm so proud of everyone for being so respectful. This has been fascinating to get so many different points of view. Thanks, OP, for making my day!0 -
I say why does skin color matter? Why can't we all just be "American"??? I see people, not color. Just sayin....:-)0
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I prefer brown.0
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my fiance is Black and prefers being called Black instead of African American. He doesn't get all offended or anything if they don't though. I'm Mexican American yet I get called Hispanic all the darn time lol, everyone has their likes and dislikes.
Just like the black/African-American question from the brilliant OP, I want to know what the difference is between Mexican American, Hispanic, Latino, Tejano. If your BF is black and doesn't want to be called African American? Why do you refer to yourself as Mexican American? It's really hard to not say the wrong thing when none of it is black and white (pun intended)! I'd love some insight.
This is the best thread and I'm so proud of everyone for being so respectful. This has been fascinating to get so many different points of view. Thanks, OP, for making my day!
Im hppy everyone has been respectful too. but yea, i really dnt knw wht the difference is. Something sparked this question in my earlier and i really wanted an answer. But question for the Latinos too..really good question0 -
can't we all just get along? it's Friday!
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I say why does skin color matter? Why can't we all just be "American"??? I see people, not color. Just sayin....:-)
to some it does matter. but im tired of ppl hving to tip toe around me because they dnt want to b offensive. i mean dnt bark at them or anything...its just weird. and the funny thing is if im in a situation where i do hve to say "the black dude over there" everyone looks at me as if i cursed because everyone is on pin and needles about being "politically correct."
does it really hve to be this complicated. lol0 -
I say why does skin color matter? Why can't we all just be "American"??? I see people, not color. Just sayin....:-)
This is a noble and kind thought, but sometimes when you're trying to describe Person A to Person B, you need words to adequately describe Person A.... (i.e., short, tall, heavy-set, slim, brunette, blonde, black, white, etc)0 -
I prefer "soul challenged"... but I get called "ginger".... to each their own.
^ lmao YEP!0 -
RIght -- "getting scared and thinking they were packin and gonna shoot me had I said the wrong thing to them." Because that is what a lot of whites think. They live in fear, it's ridiculous.Really-They called me a cracker *kitten* *****. I don't want to be referred to as someone who ever BEAT A SLAVE W/A WHIP. Thank you. THAT is just as offensive to me. Also, they were about to get ran over and were PISSED at me for DRIVING ON THE ROAD-Funny how that can be twisted. I suppose I could have just hit them?... But by the reaction here, I chose the right thing, by defending myself verbally instead of getting scared and thinking they were packin and gonna shoot me had I said the wrong thing to them.
Stereotypes...
This is so true. An ex (black) boyfriend and I went into a shop with a long queue, my ex said he didn't want to queue and was going to push in. I told him he can't do that, for various reasons including people would argue about it and it would cause tension. He said no they won't, white people are scared of black people. So, he went ahead pushed in the queue, no one said a word!!!
Sorry but I think you're naive.0 -
Derogatory names are normal used to degrade others. Why would anyone wanna degrade the slave driver? Slave drivers were people with power over others so socially they were above others not below them. So how is calling someone with power a name be perceived as derogatory? Well mainly cause the term "cracker" does not refer to "cracking a whip"
The term "cracker" is derogatory in nature but for different reasons. The term originally was used a a racial slur to describe the poor Scottish/Irish and English farmers who had small land ( enough to feed their family). It was used by the rich British who owned huge land lots.
Now fast forward to the early British American colonies and the term pretty much carried through and was used to describe the poor Scottish/Irish/ English farmers on the frontier. And that how it came to be part of the US culture.
But what does it mean? Well the only decent definition is it was referring to the poor farmers diet of cracked corn. Which helped create cornmeal and grits the farmers food. So the term "cracker" came to refer to poor farms who "cracked corn".
Now to go to the whole East Texas situation that got people up in arms against you. I personally do not think it's entirely your fault but rather part of the blame is on laid on your "black" friends for using the "N word" with "er" in the end. Any person who uses that word to describe a person of dark complexion is simply lacking in education of the background of that word.
Remember words are just words it's the person using them that make them have an impact.0 -
I know this may sound silly, but on the same note as the OP, this is an honest question:
In Europe, is the term "African European" ?0 -
I say black. My best friend is black.
...And from England, so couldn't use 'African-American' even if I wanted to. I don't see the issue. People refer to me as 'white'. They don't get all awkward, take it back, and say 'caucasian' instead. 0 -
We are all from the continents known as the "America's" and the original descent of people who have a darker skin color is from the continent of Africa.
Not to be rude but that is also incorrect, not everyone with a darker skin color's heritage is derived from Africa.
with the particular shades of dark we are talking about, yes, they are and when you factor in other physical features, there are some that are distincly african. and not just all of africa, but very specific regions....certain cheek bones, nose widths, etc. they aren't scientific in terms of DNA, but they are evolutionary features of humans that developed in response to the geography of their original homeland.
there is also a large arab population from the northern parts of africa. there are different shades of different skin colors on the asian continents, again, based on the geography of the land. i am talking origins of race here. well, of the differences in skin color. race is social construct that came much later. but when we discuss certain shades and physical features, and when we refer to the now constructed racial group of "african" or "African american" their descendants ARE from the continent of Africa.
I promise. I have degree in the origins of race and African American history and the diaspora. I've studied this for man years. I'm not saying this to say I'm an expert on black culture or black people...but I'm schooled in the sociological approach to black history in the diaspora.0 -
Because only about 11-12% of the world population is American (including all of North, Central and South America)I say why does skin color matter? Why can't we all just be "American"??? I see people, not color. Just sayin....:-) 0 -
And I hate when white people say they are raising their children "color blind". I prefer to raise my children to see the beautiful and amazing differences that exist between people and to appreciate and respect these differences. Being color blind implies you don't see the authentic experiences of people based on their ethnicity. Dr. King would not have supported a "color blind" society.0
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