I find it to be very racist, I mean, not all black people are African.
Some may be latino, or Jamaican, or whatever.
And some may be just African (like the priest at my church) -- nothing American about 'em.


Just like all white people arent English.
All Asian people arent Chinese.
and all Latinos arent Mexican.

Do think the term "African American" is racist??

I think so. As you say, not all blacks are African, and also, not all Africans are black. There are whites from South Africa, as well as most of northern Africa. Would you call Omar Sharif and Charlize Theron African Americans? :crazy:

In any case, I'm not "European Caucasion." I'm white ;)

An African American is an African who lives in America. Nothing racist about it. But it is racist if you call all black people "African American".

It is stupid to say...I mean, they don't call me an Italian-Hungarian-Polish-American...so why should they call anyone who's black African American? Hell, it's even stupid to call them black because in fact, they're not. But whatever, people are stupid.

Originally posted by Liza
I think so. As you say, not all blacks are African, and also, not all Africans are black. There are whites from South Africa, as well as most of northern Africa. Would you call Omar Sharif and Charlize Theron African Americans? :crazy:

In any case, I'm not "European Caucasion." I'm white ;)

haha.
in the words of Dave Chappelle (a black comic for all of you living under a rock).... white power!
i kid
i kid

people are black, people are white -- enough of the this "African American" and "Caucasion" crap.
Its still segregation -- just fancier words.

Originally posted by BeaverFan5
An African American is an African who lives in America. Nothing racist about it. But it is racist if you call all black people "African American".

Exactly. That's how the term should be used. But it's not. And, out of curiosity, what are we calling the Africans who may or may not be black? Egyptian American? South African American? Tunisian American? Madagascarian American? :rolleyes:

Originally posted by *A TV People*
It is stupid to say...I mean, they don't call me an Italian-Hungarian-Polish-American...so why should they call anyone who's black African American? Hell, it's even stupid to call them black because in fact, they're not. But whatever, people are stupid.

exactly.
I know you're an SNL fan so....
Have heard of the time when Chirs Rock (i think it was him) said something along the lines of "my big black dick", but the FCC wanted it to be changed to "my big african american dick"
hahahaha

Yes.

It is dumb to call people a nationality. We are all people. Anyone who lives in America is an American, regardless of heritage. I'm not an Italian-Portuguese-American, I'm just American.

Originally posted by barwars88
exactly.
I know you're an SNL fan so....
Have heard of the time when Chirs Rock (i think it was him) said something along the lines of "my big black dick", but the FCC wanted it to be changed to "my big african american dick"
hahahaha Yeah, I've heard of that ohno:

Originally posted by *A TV People*
Yeah, I've heard of that ohno:

haha
I cant remember if it a real thing -- or Weekend Update.
but in my book.... WU is the ONLY news source.

Some of my favorite African-Americans:

Charlize Theron
http://www.cinematrix.hu/fajlok/muveszek/kepek/9327305459799.jpg
Richard E. Grant
http://www.ayme.org.uk/celeb/images/grant2.jpg
Omar Sharif
http://www.thegoldenyears.org/omar_sharif.jpg

Originally posted by barwars88
haha
I cant remember if it a real thing -- or Weekend Update.
but in my book.... WU is the ONLY news source. Amen to that :rock:

Originally posted by Liza
Some of my favorite African-Americans:

Charlize Theron
http://www.cinematrix.hu/fajlok/muveszek/kepek/9327305459799.jpg


shwing!!

If I could add my perspective to this. The thing with being called African American comes from the fact that alot of black Americans want to be identified with who we are as a people. For years Italians, Irish, Polish and other ethinic people have been linked with their being able to say I came from wherever and were called or identified with their ethinic heritage and group of people. Alot of black people because of the need to identify and say we have a place or homeland where we came from, and because people who are of African heritage were stripped of our language and our culture when brought to this country, and therefore want to have that connection. If we could stop pigeon holeing everyone these kinds of things would not be necessary, but this is how the game is played. There was a thread on this board not long ago, where someone asked "What heritiage are you or what your ethinic background," and everyone started naming off "...oh I'm Irish, French, Ductch Asian and a little Italian." And this, at least in my opinion, is why the term "African American" is so important for some black people to be called African American.

I for one don't think its racist, but it is incorrect for black people born in this country to be called African American .

JMO. Stepping off the soapbox :wave:

I never understood why people say "African American" but not a specific country.... like "Kenyan American" or "South African American"

well, it's either that or the n word. which do you prefer?

Originally posted by Kristina
well, it's either that or the n word. which do you prefer?

or black.
or nothing


people are people, leave it at that.
color should only come into context when describing someone's phsyical features

Originally posted by barwars88
or black.
or nothing


people are people, leave it at that.
color should only come into context when describing someone's phsyical features

let's say a white person got ripped off at a store, they are going to say a black man did it (if he was black and a man) and if it was a white person they wouldn't say anything about the race. that's just the way it is. get over it.

if anything using african american seems to be the least offensive.

Originally posted by Kristina
let's say a white person got ripped off at a store, they are going to say a black man did it (if he was black and a man) and if it was a white person they wouldn't say anything about the race. that's just the way it is. get over it.

if anything using african american seems to be the least offensive.

If they described the guy and didnt say what color he was -- it'd be a waste of time!!

Originally posted by barwars88
If they described the guy and didnt say what color he was -- it'd be a waste of time!!

... lol, nvm. i gave a bad example, i wasn't talking about to the police.

Originally posted by barwars88
I never understood why people say "African American" but not a specific country.... like "Kenyan American" or "South African American" I dont think they know what country they came from anyway since many were brought as slaves and pretty much lost all of their heritage...

I've had to write essays this year about movies features experiences of African-American people. What am I supposed to say for essays about movies like The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and A Raisin in the Sun?? I had to say SOMETHING about their race considering it's at the core of both of their movies. I don't know what country those people portrayed are supposed to be from. If I said "black" it would sound rude and immature. I definitely wouldn't use the n word-- never said it my life. I think you're all asking a bit much! If you're going to be as a radical as to call anyone who uses the term "African-American" racist, atleast give an appropriate and realistic alternative.

Originally posted by barwars88
and all Latinos arent Mexican.

That's why the term "Hispanic" was created in the 1960s to cover all Latin/Mexican/Spanish decent people.

No.

Originally posted by Jrnygrl
If I could add my perspective to this. The thing with being called African American comes from the fact that alot of black Americans want to be identified with who we are as a people. For years Italians, Irish, Polish and other ethinic people have been linked with their being able to say I came from wherever and were called or identified with their ethinic heritage and group of people. Alot of black people because of the need to identify and say we have a place or homeland where we came from, and because people who are of African heritage were stripped of our language and our culture when brought to this country, and therefore want to have that connection. If we could stop pigeon holeing everyone these kinds of things would not be necessary, but this is how the game is played. There was a thread on this board not long ago, where someone asked "What heritiage are you or what your ethinic background," and everyone started naming off "...oh I'm Irish, French, Ductch Asian and a little Italian." And this, at least in my opinion, is why the term "African American" is so important for some black people to be called African American.

I for one don't think its racist, but it is incorrect for black people born in this country to be called African American .

JMO. Stepping off the soapbox :wave:

Well Jrnygrl. If you don't mind me stepping on your soapbox for a bit, I do want to point out a few things on your opinion. ;)

Africa is not a country, but a continent with hundreds of different cultures. I'll never understand the meaning of "Black History Month" in the US. Which Black history is it representing? There is so many unique Black cultures, I don't know where to start. But I'll tell you one thing, Jrnygrl. Many Black Immigrants who try to start a new life in Canada and the US just loathe at the idea of Black racisim that is seen today.

They loathe it for the one big reason. That many modern Black Americans (and Canadians) have no clue what hatred is. Many Black Americans and Canadians don't travel overseas to Africa and experience the everyday civil wars in Africa. That often frusterates many African immigrants. They often loathe at the thought that Africian-Americans (and alot of African-Canadians) at being angry over racisim in North America. Especially when Canada and the US often ignores the daily conflicts in Africa.

There are so many immigrants who come to Canada and the US from places like Haiti, Jamacia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Somalia, and many many more that need to have their own individual cultures properly recognized by us. Not this "African-American" or "African-Canadian" foolishness that is often being discribed by our standards.

Okay. I'm stepping off my soapbox now. ;)

I don't know that I'd call it racist, but it just seems unnecessary.

Eh. Within a few thousand years we'll all probably be the same race, anyways.

Back in the 60's & 70's when there was so much rioting I remember that the people were shouting that didn't want to be called "n" They wanted to be called African American.
That may have been where the term came from.

Originally posted by ElvisDustyfan
I don't know that I'd call it racist, but it just seems unnecessary.

It is extremely important to many Black Immigrants to have their culture recongnized. And I agree with them 100%. Every country has a national flag and a unique culture with it. They have the absolute right to express thier national pride and their frustration with us, when they immigrate to North America and start a new life. I think the term African-American and African-Canadain is a very dumb stereotype that is often abused over here by all of us.

Originally posted by Pitooey
I remember that the people were shouting that didn't want to be called "n" They wanted to be called African American.
That may have been where the term came from.

I thought that is what black people WANTED to be called here in the USA too. Everyone just needs to face the fact that in a multi-ethnic society like the US, people are classified by their race. Hispanics are called hispanics, blacks are called African-Americans, whites are called whites, etc. There is no racism in calling somebody a proper term for their race or nationality. This is just another issue that crops up in a mulit-ethnic society.

Originally posted by Jenya
Well Jrnygrl. If you don't mind me stepping on your soapbox for a bit, I do want to point out a few things on your opinion. ;)

Africa is not a country, but a continent with hundreds of different cultures. I'll never understand the meaning of "Black History Month" in the US. Which Black history is it representing? There is so many unique Black cultures, I don't know where to start. But I'll tell you one thing, Jrnygrl. Many Black Immigrants who try to start a new life in Canada and the US just loathe at the idea of Black racisim that is seen today.

They loathe it for the one big reason. That many modern Black Americans (and Canadians) have no clue what hatred is. Many Black Americans and Canadians don't travel overseas to Africa and experience the everyday civil wars in Africa. That often frusterates many African immigrants. They often loathe at the thought that Africian-Americans (and alot of African-Canadians) at being angry over racisim in North America. Especially when Canada and the US often ignores the daily conflicts in Africa.

There are so many immigrants who come to Canada and the US from places like Haiti, Jamacia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Somalia, and many many more that need to have their own individual cultures properly recognized by us. Not this "African-American" or "African-Canadian" foolishness that is often being discribed by our standards.

Okay. I'm stepping off my soapbox now. ;)

Jenya, your point is well taken, and I do agree with you. There are many African brothers and sisters that I worked with in the past that did not understand what it is that we "African Americans" are talking about when it come to being called "African Americans." And you are right again about black Americans and Canadians needing more understanding of what is going on in Africa and how the issues are not addressed by the US and Canadian govt. And yes I understand that Africa is a continent, but many black Americans and Canadians who were brought here on ships want to be recognized by the motherland, and this is why this is happening. :wave:

Here where I live a term I find kind of offensive is when they call them "colored" people.

I suppose it is but so is "Native American "then, right? It is a polite way of distinguishing one race from another. Which is necessary sometimes. Geeez! People are so touchy nowdays!:rolleyes:

Originally posted by julian bozo
Here where I live a term I find kind of offensive is when they call them "colored" people.

Around here, Michigan , the only time that I hear the term "colored" is by the WW2 or earlier generations! My dad still uses that term! He was born in 1922.He doesn't mean anything by it. It is just how they spoke then and it has stuck!:D

Originally posted by Penny Lane
Around here, Michigan , the only time that I hear the term "colored" is by the WW2 or earlier generations! My dad still uses that term! He was born in 1922.He doesn't mean anything by it. It is just how they spoke then and it has stuck!:D

My grandmother used it (she's from Indiana). I was so shocked. But we talked about it, and she actually thought that was the polite term :eek: She knows not to use it now :)

Weren't black people, themselves ASKING to be called "African Americans" instead of "Blacks" or "Negroes"?? I thought that was a term of respect for black people. Now I guess I can't call anyone anything for fear of offending someone! :rolleyes:

Originally posted by barwars88
I find it to be very racist, I mean, not all black people are African.
Some may be latino, or Jamaican, or whatever.
And some may be just African (like the priest at my church) -- nothing American about 'em.


Just like all white people arent English.
All Asian people arent Chinese.
and all Latinos arent Mexican.

Do think the term "African American" is racist??

In some ways I think it is. My boss was talking about that awhile back, he wondered why people called them African Americans when they aren't even from Africa, they are Americans just like the rest of us are

It's racist in the notion that every person- according to this lableling system- must identify their lineage.

That's crap.
I think it's just a way to lash out against people who won't conform to someone's notion of how people should be categorized. And there is a fine line between categorizing and racism- since you think that your lineage puts you in a separate category, with inherent props.
All black people are not from Africa, as much as most white Americans have been mixed with a crapload of races.

Posing heritage for solidarity is a crock.

Originally posted by BeaverFan5
An African American is an African who lives in America. Nothing racist about it. But it is racist if you call all black people "African American".

An African American is NOT someone who is African and lives in America. An African American is someone whose parents are both African, but the child was born in America.

White people can be African American's too.

And no, i do not find it racists

I dont find it racist, what I hate is when theres a list of races on a survey or standardized test:
African American
Asian American
Hispanic
Pacific Islander
Native American
WHITE


Whenever given a blank space to write race I either put Irish-American or Northern European in protest.

I think the only way the answer can be resolved is by one of our black(hope I didn't offend anyone by saying "black" )SOL members to clue us in.

Okay, I guess I should rephrase my original answer: I don't think the term is 'racist,' just stupid. It doesn't cover the blacks who aren't from Africa, or the whites that are.

Originally posted by Penny Lane
I think the only way the answer can be resolved is by one of our black(hope I didn't offend anyone by saying "black" )SOL members to clue us in.

Penny Lane, I understand that you are trying to get a resolution from someone who is black that posts on this board. Not all black people in this country think alike. That would be like asking me to speak for all the women who post here, any question that may be addressed to women, and therefore the only resolution that I can give is for myself, and that is to call me "FRIEND!" :wave:

Originally posted by lifesuxorrox
May I ask ?
Why isn't there ANY black people here ?
It seems there isn't.

Methinks you need to re-read the thread.

I don't see anything wrong with either one. However, I usually say black because the word black has only one syllable, while African American has 7 syllables.

From what I remembered the term African American was started back in the civil right days.

The people were shouting that they hated to be called "n"........ They wanted to be respected (which is right)... They wanted to be called African American because that is where there roots started....... in Africa. They would chant this over and over...... They started to wear Dashikis (I can't spell) and the movement started that Black is Beautiful..... A good example is just look at Sanford and Son.... There is an episode of this.,

Maybe as the decades go by they don't like the term African American (I don't know but, I'm just trying to explain things)... As we all know in this country whatever you look like you will be labeled. No matter who you are. It's a shame but, since I've been on this earth I haven't seen otherwise.

As far as having Black, Hispanic, White etc... on the forms they should abolish that!

I feel that that is a racist thing.

Again..I thought that "African American" is the term we are "supposed" to use to be politically correct when referring to black people. I guess I missed the boat somewhere....:confused: Has this changed? Are black people now offended when they are called "African American?" :confused:

I would like to know the same thing. I don't want to offend anyone.

In every race there are disagreememnts about what to be called.


I have a friend who tells me that she hates to be called Chinese because she's Japanese.

Another friend of mine gets mad because people think they're Puerto rican when they are really Cuban... etc.

The point I'm trying to make is it happens in every culture.

Originally posted by Pitooey
[COLOR=firebrick]From what I remembered the term African American was started back in the civil right days.

The people were shouting that they hated to be called "n"........ They wanted to be respected (which is right)... They wanted to be called African American because that is where there roots started....... in Africa. They would chant this over and over...... They started to wear Dashikis (I can't spell) and the movement started that Black is Beautiful..... A good example is just look at Sanford and Son.... There is an episode of this.,


Oh my gosh! That was a funny episode!:lol: When Lamont came into the room wearing that robe and telling Fred that he had changed his name to an African name. Fred's reaction was just hilarious! And he just kept on needling "Dummy". :lol: :lol:

I grew up in the 70's, and I don't recall the term "African American" used to describe black people. Not that it wasn't being used outside my small town, mind you. But we referrred to black people as black people. There was certainly a movement back then that "black is beautiful" and I remember the "natural" hairdo's and dashikis. Blacks were gaining more respect in every area of society in the 70's. There was still plenty of opposition of course. The term "Afro-American" still to me refers to an American with African, especially black African, descent.

Well, I can personally say that while the term "African-American" may offend some people, it doesn't offend me at all. I haved mixed feelings about the word "blacks," but I wouldn't get angry if someone used the latter instead of the former.

I just use the term "people."

Originally posted by AKA
I just use the term "people."

AKA as usual all Beatle fans are cool. :nod: :yeahthat :clap :thanks: peacesign: peacesign: :cheers:

Originally posted by Penny Lane
Oh my gosh! That was a funny episode!:lol: When Lamont came into the room wearing that robe and telling Fred that he had changed his name to an African name. Fred's reaction was just hilarious! And he just kept on needling "Dummy". :lol: :lol: When I saw that episode it made me laugh too because I remember back in the 70's there were alot of people who acted like Lamont did.

Even people who were not Black acted like they wanted to be African American.

Whites, hispanics, Blacks and many others.... Now remember I am speaking as a person who lives in a melting pot NYC.....

If African-American is a racist term, so is Italian-American or German-American. It's just not racist.