I know that it means biracial, esp. an African and European mixed child. But I'm not sure if it's an offensive term or if it is a politically correct term.
215100
It's not offensive at all
612937
It's a personal choice.  If you don't want to be called African-American, then tell them so.  I myself am Black and I also use the term African-American.  I may be wrong, but I don't think the politicians came up with this term.  I believe we started using this term as a way to honor our ancestors.  Check on wikipedia.com for the origin of the term African American.
403171
Prejudice is one word, it can be good or bad (a prejudice that all blacks are criminals is bad, but a prejudice that dogs foaming at the mouth will attack you is good). If someone is a racist, they are sometimes called "bigots", there is no positive use of the word "bigot"
496585
It is a real word it means 'not mixed'.\nIt is quite a badly written sentance though.
240761
I don't think it necessarily is, however, I do think that the word used above (starts with N) should not be used by anyone.  Black or white, it is still a racial term.  Sy what you will, the simple fact that it's groundings are where they, says it is not a word that should be used anywhere, by anyone.
439396
Well, I don't know about that but in Chicago it doesn't happen that way. But a lot of people just joke around with those words, because of the rap music and everything. All I know, is that nobody should be called that word based on their skin color. N*gger refers to a ignorant, dirty person and from my experiences anybody can be ignorant and dirty regardless of race.
538776
I don't see how, it's a Latin root which simply means ' black '. What's offensive about that? Confusing, maybe, for me. I'm an artist. I work with color. Having a conversation with someone who's ' black ' but really what I see is Burnt or Raw Umber! Really throws me for a loop. Then, can you see explaining; " No, you're not really black. I see a lot of Iron Oxide Red, with a tad of Ivory Black or, in your case - Burnt Sienna, definitely, maybe a tad Caput Mortuum. " So, for expedience sake I say, yes. You're black ", and relegate it to Academia!
348234
it has to do with the thickness of the skin, sweetheart. i don't think we should use racial epithets, though.
79217
This is one of the great flaws in labeling people, especially using politically correct terms.\n\nLogically, if someone with Irish ancestors is an "Irish-American", and someone with Italian ancestors is "Italian-American", then someone with white ancestors from South Africa is "African-American".\n\nMy friend Janus is very dark skinned, but was born in England to family from the carribean. Nothing sets her off like calling her an African-American. She'll tell you quite properly that she's English!!\n\nI have no idea what to call my friend who was born in India, raised in Tanzania, Toronto and New Jersey, and now lives in San Francisco. Perhaps "Well travelled" is the best description!
575873
Many people are instantly offended when this question is asked, even in the most respectful way from a curious mind.  So now instead of getting information on your question people are attacking you for asking the question.  This is why this question and the word in fact remains a taboo, because most people will not talk about it openly with another race and automatically take offense to the inquiry.  \n\nI don't know why any race would refer to themselves with an offensive word or term.  But in the same sense a word only has the power to offend you when you allow it.  And in reference to this word it carries so much meaning historically, and not in a good sense, that Americans as a culture should make the decision to omit the word from our vocabularies.
549885
You shouldn't, if you don't identify with the term! I am also tan and dark haired and always put "other" under the race designation. Somehow, I don't feel "White" describes me and thus never adopted the term!!!
284253
well it is bad and derogatory. i think if u replace the w with an "N" u will figure out what it means for a white person.
441515
Ignorance.  I live in a community with a large black population and I never hear educated blacks use the word.  The whole "term of endearment" is BS.  Why would anyone refer to themselves in a negative way?  Its a learned response from a household that is probably poor and uneducated.  The truth is that there are many such households in our country.
17934
Like many acronyms, it has evolved into a pronunciation that, due to a more rhythmic sound, people are likely to find more "catchy" and memorable.\n\nAnd simply calling us "colored" doesn't make people racist, but imagining oversimpllified explanations for racial defensiveness probably does.
267715
I agree that it sounds kind of racist...as does the census.  I think that we should break down racial barriers and stop identifying people on the basis of their skin color.  Granted, having a heritage is important, but when it comes right down to it, would you not rather simply say that you are an American, instead of trying to separate yourself from the country that you inhabit?  I also believe that calling people [or yourself] "African-American" is designed as a racist term, as about half of the people that I know who came to the U.S. directly from Africa are white and from South Africa.  Yet, this term is generally used to refer to skin color and a history of slavery [which ended about 140 years ago].  In short, multiculturalism is not bad, as long as people remember where it is that they live, and the freedoms granted to them by the government where they live.  Although heritage is important, you should always remember that you define who you are, not whether your ancestors were refugees from Russia, or slaves from Sierra Leon, or immigrants from Italy.  So, perhaps the next time someone asks you what you are, if you have dual citizenship, then say both country names.  But, if you are American, then answer with "I am American."  If they want more details, then say "I am of ____ heritage."
536159
If you use it in a racial overtone....or threat.\nBut if you are using it as a statement in the mix of joking around...I see no harm..but the fine line is not using as a joke by using a specific race in the joke.\nIt really depends on the person....recieving the word....some people are so sensitive it's pitful.
517493
It's not a bad word, just out-of-date -- like Negro.  I think the history of the mulatto experience (especially in the Americas) and the connotation assigned to the word by some of it's users is what upsets people.  As a 'technical mulatta' I'll tell you...I could give a damn.