Black vs. African-American

[salsashark]

How do people feel about these two terms? Personally, I can't stand African-American because it seems so diluted now. "African-American" doesn't seem right when there are Italian Americans or Mexican Americans or whatever Americans that actually have immediate (or at least semi-immediate roots) to their country whereas most black Americans nowadays probably have very, very weak ties to Africa, if any. Plus, someone once pointed out that Charlize Theron is an African-American, which is an amusing way of showing how outdated the term is. It just seems silly.

I like "black" much, much better. Sounds like it represents Americans of its type better and doesn't beat around the bush in the incorrect way African-American does. Plus, it allows people to tell black American versus actual African-Americans apart.

This has potential to get divisive (so be nice!), but I'm interested in hearing everyone's thoughts anyhow.

[Magic knows Black Lives Matter]

As a black guy, I really could not care less what you call me. It's not like I'm gonna get offended if you just call me black instead of African-American.

[AFN: Judge Shred]

Ever call a Black Irish an African American? They don't care for it, neither do Jamaicans I have met. Nor Black English. Or Black anything else. Assuming someone is African by their looks is kind of offensive in and of itself. Or assuming they are American because they are black.

[Orange]

For me, African-American sounds dated - just like colored. I say "black", it's a general term, isn't offensive, and doesn't sound dated - good enough for me

[Mozenrath]

It sounds kind of patronizing, really.

[Cyno]

"Black" is more encompassing for people who don't necessarily have their most significant roots in African culture but also the Caribbean, be it African slaves that were shipped there or the Caribe tribe of natives. It also works for any folk who aren't necessarily American.

Plus there's a lot more racial diversity to Africa than just black people. Especially Northern Africa, Madagascar, and South Africa.

Though if we want to be technical, just about every person can trace their roots to Africa.

[A Platypus Rave]

This thread just reminds me of the time I heard someone refer to Nelson Mandela as an African-American....

[erisi236]

I can't stand "Hyphenated Americans", heck back in the day it used to be epithet.

["Playboy" Don Douglas]

I'm waiting for the day when someone calls me an "Appalachian-American." That's when I'll know things have truly gone too far.

[Deleted]

I much prefer to use black. For one it's a lot easier to say, and it isn't always the most appropriate to refer to someone as African. Plus referring to the group as a whole as African-Americans is when you think about it about as goofy as it'd be to refer to groups like European-Americans, or South-American-Americans (named by Jack Swagger, I assume). It's just awkward.

[Back to being Cenanuff]

Generally, the people who insist upon using the term African American aren't the type of people I like to be around. They're usually assholes, and they always call me white. Where's the two way street there? I want to be called an Irish English Scottish Welsh French Belgian Native American.

[dlg3000]

Personally, I prefer to use black or Black American.

[Deleted]

I'm Canadian so I say black. Plus most black Canadians ancestors are from the Caribbean anyways.

[Allie Kitsune]

I hate, hate, HATE the whole hyphenation thing.

[Red Impact]

When I was a journalist, we never used the hyphenated American terms unless it was a quote. So I use black, hispanic or latino, Asian, etc.

[Baldobomb-22-OH-MAN!!!]

Black. there aren't many African-AMERICANS in Canada or England, for example.

[Deleted]

That should answer your question.

[Clash, Never a Meter Maid]

I usually say "black", as I knew a contingent of African kids in high school and I felt weird referring to myself as African American in that context.

[salsashark]

Feb 14, 2012 5:24:31 GMT -5 erisi236 said:

I can't stand "Hyphenated Americans", heck back in the day it used to be epithet.

How do you feel about people like legit Italian-Americans (ie, they were born in or raised in Italy or are first generation American children of Italian parents)?

[Andrew is Good]

If Justin Gabriel moves to the States permanently, would he be an African-American?