"BLACK or AFRICAN AMERICAN" mainly a question...
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Not black myself, but got my undergrad degree in African-American history (focus on Civil War era). I took several courses from the same professor since the school only had one in that subspecialty. On the first day of every class, he would start with an explanation of why he used the term "African American" rather than "black" history.
He reasoned that for a very long time, African Americans were denied their African heritage. During the slave trade, Africans from the same region would be intentionally split up so that they did not share a common language or common history that they could share together. They were told for years (even up to today) that they were lucky to have been brought here, that they came from a place with nothing to be proud of, from a history of savage heathens, that they'd be living in misery if they or their ancestors hadn't been taken as slaves across the Atlantic. On top of that, they were long denied status as Americans as well. They started out as property, then became free with conditions, then became legally equal, but continue to struggle for true equality. African Americans are often seen as mere hangers-on to the greatness of America rather than an integral part of its success.
So "African American" means something different than "black." It is not merely a way to identify someone's appearance, but a way to acknowledge their history, heritage, and contribution that were deliberately ignored and denied for so long.
Not everyone sees it this way of course. Many people are just fine being called "black." And it's sometimes ridiculous how the term has come to be used to describe any person of African descent. But I don't think it's ridiculous or overly-PC to use "African American" as many people seem to gripe about.
Just my perspective.
I like the way you explained this. I understand a little clearer myself, and it makes me want to learn more about "OUR" American history. This was one subject I hated in school when I was younger, but now that I am more maturer in age, I really get interested in our past and how it came to be - with "everyone" and all events. I am actually taking a History class this semester. Thanks for sharing your perspective.0 -
I didn't read the previous threads... so I have no idea what was said..
I'm replying because I'm sick and tired of everyone having to be black or African American. The whole fu*king thing is ridiculous to me.
You are black... and you are African American. Why can you not be both??? I'm Scottish, but I was born and raised in America. I am efffffing American. What is that a problem?!?! I live where I live, do what I do, and am who I am. I don't understand why it matters whether you are black, negro, African.. African American, Indian, Italian or just plain here. I don't hear Italians moan and groan every day about whether they are Italians or American Italians. WHO CARES? JUST BE. LIVE. AND make your mark on the culture.
No one is fuc*ing judging... just do what you do! And realize no one is looking at you any different than anyone looks at anyone else!!! GAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWD.0 -
I didn't read the previous threads... so I have no idea what was said..
I'm replying because I'm sick and tired of everyone having to be black or African American. The whole fu*king thing is ridiculous to me.
You are black... and you are African American. Why can you not be both??? I'm Scottish, but I was born and raised in America. I am efffffing American. What is that a problem?!?! I live where I live, do what I do, and am who I am. I don't understand why it matters whether you are black, negro, African.. African American, Indian, Italian or just plain here. I don't hear Italians moan and groan every day about whether they are Italians or American Italians. WHO CARES? JUST BE. LIVE. AND make your mark on the culture.
No one is fuc*ing judging... just do what you do! And realize no one is looking at you any different than anyone looks at anyone else!!! GAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWD.
thinks this person needs a hug.....feeling left out just a little?0 -
Not black myself, but got my undergrad degree in African-American history (focus on Civil War era). I took several courses from the same professor since the school only had one in that subspecialty. On the first day of every class, he would start with an explanation of why he used the term "African American" rather than "black" history.
He reasoned that for a very long time, African Americans were denied their African heritage. During the slave trade, Africans from the same region would be intentionally split up so that they did not share a common language or common history that they could share together. They were told for years (even up to today) that they were lucky to have been brought here, that they came from a place with nothing to be proud of, from a history of savage heathens, that they'd be living in misery if they or their ancestors hadn't been taken as slaves across the Atlantic. On top of that, they were long denied status as Americans as well. They started out as property, then became free with conditions, then became legally equal, but continue to struggle for true equality. African Americans are often seen as mere hangers-on to the greatness of America rather than an integral part of its success.
So "African American" means something different than "black." It is not merely a way to identify someone's appearance, but a way to acknowledge their history, heritage, and contribution that were deliberately ignored and denied for so long.
Not everyone sees it this way of course. Many people are just fine being called "black." And it's sometimes ridiculous how the term has come to be used to describe any person of African descent. But I don't think it's ridiculous or overly-PC to use "African American" as many people seem to gripe about.
Just my perspective.
I like the way you explained this. I understand a little clearer myself, and it makes me want to learn more about "OUR" American history. This was one subject I hated in school when I was younger, but now that I am more maturer in age, I really get interested in our past and how it came to be - with "everyone" and all events. I am actually taking a History class this semester. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Big bump to this. My additional two cents here is that each individual needs to also retain their connection to the perspective of their identity - it's something of a free will choice that really shouldn't be defined by others, a personal nuance or comfort bubble. Not everyone knows the whole length of their lineages, there are some who do, and I imagine there are many who don't ponder the notion much and prefer to live in the present.
All that aside though, there are lessons that bear repeating when the same mistakes are made when we ought to know better. "People of Colour" was the 'Gentile' way of reffering to African-Americans in the early to mid 1900s. Many times we see the elderly hold onto this phrase purely because it was the era they grew up in. As far as "African-American" being the standard, I think the original quote put it the best from an intellectual stand point. It is academically accurate and informed, as well as factual to the best of my knowledge.
But even with this being said, I think I personally would say "Black" or "White" or "Sioux Indian" or whichever short simple response was the accurate one. I have a casual nature, and if we really want to promote an equal American society, just stop pointing out the differences and be more accepting of others. Do we have historical lineages and identies that we ought to be proud of? Absolutely, its part of what America is and should be, but it ought to bring unity instead of segregation.
Each label we place on ourselves puts another barrier between "us" and "them", and I'm not a fan of this, nor do I enjoy conflict between peoples, I'm very avoidant to conflict, and perhaps that is a fault in some ways, but here is my bottom line: at the end of the day, would you rather argue minutia, or have a giant 26 pound gummy bear party and the largest ultimate frisbee tournament anyone in your state / province has ever seen?
http://youtu.be/kRcCWIuvDis 0 -
I'm not of the older generation but I'd like to know why as well. I met a White guy in college who was from Zambia and had lived there pretty much his entire life. I dont know of anyone who would refer to him as...."African American". I honestly dispise the term "Atfrican American" when it's used to discribe Americans who aren't actually from African. I have brown skin and embrace the fact that I'm of African heritage. I'm also a proud American. Never been to Africa and I never lost anything there.
We aren't so hip to finding out the heritage of others so as to call them "Irish Amercan" or "Britsh American"; they are simply White Americans. we only do that with people of "colour". I prefer the term "Black"...or if you're more concious...brown
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I didn't read the previous threads... so I have no idea what was said..
I'm replying because I'm sick and tired of everyone having to be black or African American. The whole fu*king thing is ridiculous to me.
You are black... and you are African American. Why can you not be both??? I'm Scottish, but I was born and raised in America. I am efffffing American. What is that a problem?!?! I live where I live, do what I do, and am who I am. I don't understand why it matters whether you are black, negro, African.. African American, Indian, Italian or just plain here. I don't hear Italians moan and groan every day about whether they are Italians or American Italians. WHO CARES? JUST BE. LIVE. AND make your mark on the culture.
No one is fuc*ing judging... just do what you do! And realize no one is looking at you any different than anyone looks at anyone else!!! GAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWD.
thinks this person needs a hug.....feeling left out just a little?
lol... I don't feel left out at all.. I mean, Why would I? I feel like everyone needs a hug tho because being called black or African American makes a difference... when it shouldn't ...I guess we should all hug each other and make everyone feel special because they showed up to the ball game.
just my opinion
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I didn't read the previous threads... so I have no idea what was said..
I'm replying because I'm sick and tired of everyone having to be black or African American. The whole fu*king thing is ridiculous to me.
You are black... and you are African American. Why can you not be both??? I'm Scottish, but I was born and raised in America. I am efffffing American. What is that a problem?!?! I live where I live, do what I do, and am who I am. I don't understand why it matters whether you are black, negro, African.. African American, Indian, Italian or just plain here. I don't hear Italians moan and groan every day about whether they are Italians or American Italians. WHO CARES? JUST BE. LIVE. AND make your mark on the culture.
No one is fuc*ing judging... just do what you do! And realize no one is looking at you any different than anyone looks at anyone else!!! GAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWD.
thinks this person needs a hug.....feeling left out just a little?
lol... I don't feel left out at all.. I mean, Why would I? I feel like everyone needs a hug tho because being called black or African American makes a difference... when it shouldn't ...I guess we should all hug each other and make everyone feel special because they showed up to the ball game.
just my opinion
Lol.......exactly
It's called AMERICA! people you all have to have a title so we oppress at any given time..... Dem, rep, race, beliefs, size, marital status...etc0 -
Danilee...I will go out on a limb and defend you for a second...
Referring to the time that I was insulted racially and fought fire w/fire. It really shows that either you have never been close friends with anyone black, or maybe they were raised different and don't use the word. IDK.
Whew. Glad you said that. It's always best for white people who use the "n word" to follow-up with, "I'm not racist either".I am not racist either, i am fair.
I totally get what you mean..There are few ...I mean a few white people who have been around black people soo damn long..it's as iff they are now part of the family...I myself have a white friend who we call the n word too..and he is allowed to use it among me and my family and friends...he is trully a black man in a white man's body...AND get this ...he from Texas.
Thank you I guess that some people just can't understand.
I am white and some of my black friends and I use the N word with an "a" at the end...not an "er" at the end. I guess the point is that it's about relationships and communicating with your friends and what's cool between you two. Not everything is the same level of comfort between different people. I'm pretty sure that if I was talking to a white friend and used the N word, even with the "a" at the end, they would be offended. LOL. Everyone rolls differently and nothing will apply to everyone.0 -
....for the Older generation. I know this is a weight loss site, but i know there's a diverse group of ppl here who i can get responses from. With that being said, why is it that some "ppl of colour" get upset when they are referred to as BLACK instead of AFRICAN AMERICAN. Maybe i hvnt spent enough time in history class, but i am black, whts the big difference?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFY2kJ96jNY 0 -
We aren't so hip to finding out the heritage of others so as to call them "Irish Amercan" or "Britsh American"; they are simply White Americans. we only do that with people of "colour". I prefer the term "Black"...or if you're more concious...brown
Actually, its very common for a person whose family has been in the US for several generations to proudly call themselves 'Irish', 'German' or 'Italian' simply stating and identifying their heritage.
African Americans seem to be the only group that when doing this, gets to hear everyone's thesis and deconstruction of the term.0 -
I prefer Black, but I don't get bent all out of shape if someone refers to me as African American. It does bother me a bit that people (of many colors) seem to get perturbed when I simply call myself an American. White folks don't go around saying white American or Irish American, German American, etc. unless it is time for their cultural festivities or something. They just say American or white. I just say American or black. It's not a big deal, Americans come in all colors.As someone who is half black and has a Bachelor's degree in 'African American' Studies, I prefer being called black. I'm not from Africa, my father is not from Africa, his parents are not from Africa, etc.
^This and ^this is awesome.
I'll admit, I didn't read all 17 pages (mostly because I assumed it would not be constructive since MFP usually doesn't do well with these potentially volatile topics (or even the seemingly benign)), but reading posts like these give me hope for humanity.
I was excited and read up to pg 11 bc the commentary, for the most part, was very intelligent and offered light to each side. Of course the d-bags chimed in, so from pg 12-16 you did not miss much. I'm a HUGE pot of mixed, so I, like most everyone else who DID comment intelligently, appreciate people who are just sincere and not assuming
I like your post and I agree! LOL. There were some people that wanted to turn it into a fight, but I can appreciate the intelligence and insight that many came to share without letting it become a bloodbath. I'm kind of impressed that most.... yes most and NOT all... people were respectful and enlightening. :-)0 -
I have always wondered what was politically correct. Just from my observation though AA or people of color or black people......are actually varying shades of BROWN.
so wouldn't refering to someone as the brown person be more appropriate?
It is weird though, because I am caucasian, but my skin is quite dark naturally and goes quite a bit darker when I tan (darker than some of the "black people" I know) so why I am not labeled as something other than white (since I'm not actually white at all)?? Is it other physical differences that play into that??0 -
We aren't so hip to finding out the heritage of others so as to call them "Irish Amercan" or "Britsh American"; they are simply White Americans. we only do that with people of "colour". I prefer the term "Black"...or if you're more concious...brown
Actually, its very common for a person whose family has been in the US for several generations to proudly call themselves 'Irish', 'German' or 'Italian' simply stating and identifying their heritage.
African Americans seem to be the only group that when doing this, gets to hear everyone's thesis and deconstruction of the term.
That is simply not true. Plus, to be honest, there is a difference between saying I'm Italian and I'm African. Italy is a country. Africa isn't. I don't care what people call themselves. But if you're saying I'm African, do you even know what that means? It's like saying I'm European. Each country has it's own history, it's own culture.1 -
Sorry, I say black. I don't go around calling people European American I just call them white. and so on and so forth. To me it is like calling every Spanish speaking person you meet Mexican and I know for dang sure that couldn't be further from the truth.
there are native people in other continents that have skin as dark if not darker and hair as kinky if not kinkier as mine but they are not of African decent at all.
And if Charleze Theron has her US citizenship, she is more African American than me.
austrailian aborgines
http://traditionscustoms.com/sites/default/files/aborigine.jpg
some people in India:
http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/923612/Jarawa_N_B_Titre_low_def_large.jpg0 -
We aren't so hip to finding out the heritage of others so as to call them "Irish Amercan" or "Britsh American"; they are simply White Americans. we only do that with people of "colour". I prefer the term "Black"...or if you're more concious...brown
Actually, its very common for a person whose family has been in the US for several generations to proudly call themselves 'Irish', 'German' or 'Italian' simply stating and identifying their heritage.
African Americans seem to be the only group that when doing this, gets to hear everyone's thesis and deconstruction of the term.
That is simply not true. Plus, to be honest, there is a difference between saying I'm Italian and I'm African. Italy is a country. Africa isn't. I don't care what people call themselves. But if you're saying I'm African, do you even know what that means? It's like saying I'm European. Each country has it's own history, it's own culture.
It is true. You even see threads here where people break down their lineage all the time. Yes, Italy is a country and Africa is a continent but keep in mind, descendants of African slaves, for whom the term was coined, do not have the details of the countries their ancestors are from. We were stripped of that knowledge yet we still have the right to recognize and appreciate that heritage. Everyone should have the freedom to self-identify without judgment. How does it take away from any other American? Also regarding "saying your African do you even know what that means...", with the term no one is saying their African but African-American which has its own unique culture which is American with roots and experiences that are a result of our ancestors having come from Africa.
This makes me think about the term Native-American. It is recognized and accepted as the term for the indigenous people who were in America before colonization. It is not taken literally to mean a person who is native to (born in) America which would include many people black, white, brown, yellow and other.
All that being said, I am not offended if I am call Black or African American. I am both. I particularly call myself Black because that was how I identified growing up. For those that are Black but not African American, I'm not sure why one would take offense if someone honestly mistakes your background. A simple correction should suffice. It happens to me often since I speak Spanish but I just let them know.0 -
We aren't so hip to finding out the heritage of others so as to call them "Irish Amercan" or "Britsh American"; they are simply White Americans. we only do that with people of "colour". I prefer the term "Black"...or if you're more concious...brown
Actually, its very common for a person whose family has been in the US for several generations to proudly call themselves 'Irish', 'German' or 'Italian' simply stating and identifying their heritage.
African Americans seem to be the only group that when doing this, gets to hear everyone's thesis and deconstruction of the term.
That is simply not true. Plus, to be honest, there is a difference between saying I'm Italian and I'm African. Italy is a country. Africa isn't. I don't care what people call themselves. But if you're saying I'm African, do you even know what that means? It's like saying I'm European. Each country has it's own history, it's own culture.
Actually its very true, the second part of your post shows that.
As far as the difference between saying "African" vs "Italian" is almost splitting hairs; is the heartburn really about continent vs country? Really?
Unless you were actually born in Italy (or Germany or France etc), then you're just a white from American,not Italian. Isn't that the typical argument against the phrase African American?0 -
I'm Black I don't call myself African Jamaican so I don't get why Black Americans try to stand out with their "African American" title. You want eqauity but you don't even call yourself Americans you say "African American", while caucasians just say American and not "European American".
You call yourself African American when some Africans look down at you as decendants of slaves and no genuine Africans and at the same time you call yourself African American when you know nothing about Africa or it's culture. Some African Americans even look down on Africans as if they are better and feel offended if you mistake them for Africans.
The rest of the world looks at everyone born in America as Americans. Why take on a different title we all know you are decendants of Africa and other places, the African American title just makes the country seem segregated and hilights that race is still an issue you.
"My Opinion"0 -
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.
This is a perfect explanation. My husband is from the Dominican Republic and he prefers the term "black" as well for the same reason. Well said!0 -
I'm Black I don't call myself African Jamaican so I don't get why Black Americans try to stand out with their "African American" title. You want eqauity but you don't even call yourself Americans you say "African American", while caucasians just say American and not "European American".
You call yourself African American when some Africans look down at you as decendants of slaves and no genuine Africans and at the same time you call yourself African American when you know nothing about Africa or it's culture. Some African Americans even look down on Africans as if they are better and feel offended if you mistake them for Africans.
The rest of the world looks at everyone born in America as Americans. Why take on a different title we all know you are decendants of Africa and other places, the African American title just makes the country seem segregated and hilights that race is still an issue you.
"My Opinion"
Although I see your point, it is very a generalized and a somewhat uneducated statement. Not all Black Americans that are descendants of Africans call themselves African Americans. Some choose to be called simply Black. And for the record, Blacks do not always choose to stand out but rather they can be simply singled out because of the color of their skin. This has and will continue to happen. As a descendant of Dominican, White and African ancestors, I am still considered Black.
Even as an American, citizens of other races and cultures are categorized as Asian American, Native American, Mexican American - for reference you may google Race & Ethnicity surveys. Is owning the title African American such a crime? If that is what the individual chooses to do, then so be it. I can and will not judge anyone that on the account of wanting to be called Black, Brown, Yellow, whatever.
You said that Caucasians label themselves as such; however, none of my colleagues of that particular persuasian do so. I have heard, "My great-grandfather is Irish and there is German on my mother's side." They are proud of their European ancestors. And I am proud of being Afro-domini-casian. LOL
In truth, yes, we are all American, but being individualized by our ancestoral heritage is not what divides us. It is racism, bigotry and fear of the unknown that causes division in our country.0 -
Thanks for calling me uneducated hope it made you feel better. The person who posted asked "black or African America" obviously my answer is Black.
No where did I say allllll Black Americans call themselves African Americans read and understand. My statement was towards the ones that do that.0 -
Thanks for calling me uneducated hope it made you feel better. The person who posted asked "black or African America" obviously my answer is Black.
No where did I say allllll Black Americans call themselves African Americans read and understand. My statement was towards the ones that do that.
I said your statement was generalized and SOMEWHAT uneducated - not you.0 -
Thanks for calling me uneducated hope it made you feel better. The person who posted asked "black or African America" obviously my answer is Black.
No where did I say allllll Black Americans call themselves African Americans read and understand. My statement was towards the ones that do that.
I said your statement was generalized and SOMEWHAT uneducated - not you.
When my Internet is back up and I'm off my tiny phone I'll be better able to address your response, it's difficult to scroll up to what you said.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.
Actually "aggot" is a traditional english dish! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/*kitten*_(food) , so sometimes the delivery can change the meaning.
However, I do think that certain words should just never be used at all, and the N word is one. I also get annoyed with the general trend to swear or insult each other in the guise of affection e.g. the B word0 -
Unfortunately, people were taken from many different countries in Africa, and cut off from their history. Many African Americans today have no idea which country they are descended from.That is simply not true. Plus, to be honest, there is a difference between saying I'm Italian and I'm African. Italy is a country. Africa isn't. I don't care what people call themselves. But if you're saying I'm African, do you even know what that means? It's like saying I'm European. Each country has it's own history, it's own culture.0 -
Are you sure you aren't thinking of the term "colored people"?I was born/raised/live in the deep south. Calling someone a "person of color" would get you slapped. It implies that white/caucasians are devoid of color. Surprisingly enough though, more people here seem to prefer to be called "black" though African-American is used when describing the culture.0 -
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Although I see your point, it is very a generalized and a somewhat uneducated statement. Not all Black Americans that are descendants of Africans call themselves African Americans. Some choose to be called simply Black. And for the record, Blacks do not always choose to stand out but rather they can be simply singled out because of the color of their skin. This has and will continue to happen. As a descendant of Dominican, White and African ancestors, I am still considered Black.
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If you said i'm making uneducated statement that's saying i'm not educated on the matter threfore i'm uneducated. (Uneducated people make uneducated statements) As I said before I never said all Black Americans call themself African Americans, I know some simply call themselves Black as have been stated by others before my post. I never said "Blacks try to "always" stand out.
What do you being a decendant of Dominicans and white have to do with anything I said? irrelevant! However I know that.Even as an American, citizens of other races and cultures are categorized as Asian American, Native American, Mexican American - for reference you may google Race & Ethnicity surveys. Is owning the title African American such a crime? If that is what the individual chooses to do, then so be it. I can and will not judge anyone that on the account of wanting to be called Black, Brown, Yellow, whatever.
I do know that people are categorized as such however I gave my take on the whole "Black or African American" which was the question. I never said the term "African American" was a crime, stop reaching. I never in my statement told anyone to stop using the term. Again your last sentence is irrevevant to my post. However you wont judge anyone on wanting to be called whatever but yet still you will judge and lable my "opinion" as uneducated because you disagree with me. lol cuteYou said that Caucasians label themselves as such; however, none of my colleagues of that particular persuasian do so. I have heard, "My great-grandfather is Irish and there is German on my mother's side." They are proud of their European ancestors. And I am proud of being Afro-domini-casian. LOL
In truth, yes, we are all American, but being individualized by our ancestoral heritage is not what divides us. It is racism, bigotry and fear of the unknown that causes division in our country.
I never said caucasians label themselves as anything, learn to read and understand. I said Caucasian refer to themselves at simply Americans not European Americans. Again your last statement is irrevevant to anything said in my post.
To this I add as a Jamaican living in the United States growing up here and going to school here I based my opinion on what I see going on around me not what 'google' has to say, because I introduced myself as a Jamaican doesnt mean I'm in the Caribbean sitting on a beach talking out of my a ss. (((again my opinion)))0 -
I guess maybe my opinion doesn't matter since I am not black, but this is what I think anyway.
I don't get all offended when someone calls me "white". It would be dumb to refer to us as "caucasians" all the time. Makes it sound like a cadaver. So if the races are equal (which I believe they should be) why can't it just be black and white?0 -
I guess maybe my opinion doesn't matter since I am not black, but this is what I think anyway.
I don't get all offended when someone calls me "white". It would be dumb to refer to us as "caucasians" all the time. Makes it sound like a cadaver. So if the races are equal (which I believe they should be) why can't it just be black and white?
Agreed.0 -
Technically, isn't a caucasian and all other races "People of color."? Last time I checked, white is a color, black is a olor, red, brown and everything else is a color. What has happened is that being caucasian has turned into the generic standard in which any skin not that color is judged. As all ethnicities and races have thier nicknames both good and bad, I also had red hair. So, we got:
Cracker
Whitey
Wonder bread
saltine
Red
Rusty
Fire Crotch
Red on the head like the **** of a dog
Ronald Macdonald
Like I eluded to in an earlier post, this nonsense has got to stop. We are all AMERICAN regardless of your color. Nobody is saying forget your heritage, (if we were to go to war tomorrow under a mandatory draft) you would be fighting for AMERICA. We hopefully you would at least. We are so concerned about being so overly sensitve and politically correct, the "Melting Pot" of ethnicities that made this country great and what it is today is going to be the same reasons that it divides us. It is already starting.0 -
I'll probably get flamed for saying so, but I think African American is a little bit of a stretch for most people that describe themselves using that term. Most are not connected to Africa in any substantive way and are culturally 100% American. If someone referred to me as a European American, I'd probably laugh. I mean, my culture is not European, it's thoroughly American. So we can cut that whole first descriptor out, I think. I might have the same skin tone as someone from Germany, but we are not culturally connected in my mind.
Sometimes I get really radical and call people by their first names...0
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