Do ppl prefer being called black or African-American? Does it even matter?
359596
Either is just fine with me! Black seems more comfortable...it seems like a lot of times when people say African American they are trying really hard to be respectful, which is appreciated, but its not necessary, especially if it makes them feel uncomfortable in referring to me.  As long as you don't call me the n word, we're cool!
951601
Sometimes I don't tell people my ethnicity because I don't want people to label me, and when I meet new people I don't really want to know what they are because it'll affect how I perceive them. \n\nAnyways, if you go back 2,000 generations we're all African. Race is only important if you want to generalize.
585370
HMMM... that's funny because i sometimes fell like africans don't except black american (maybe it's becuase i'm light skin lol) but I don't know the answer i love all people
1052856
I agree.  I don't like to use the term because I believe that it is incorrect.  It is also promoting segregation and misunderstanding.  When people choose to separate themselves by racial titles they are saying that they are unwilling to be a part of this culture.  This breeds contempt amongst other groups who feel that they are being pushed aside or belittled because they don't have a special title for themselves too.  \n\nI find it amusing that some black people are offended for being called black but then the next words out of their mouths are about white people.  If I'm white you're black.  I really don't see what's wrong with that.\n\nAlso, almost no one in this country is all of any ethnicity.  I don't want to be called French-Canadian-Belgian-Spanish-Lebanese American.  What a freakin' mouthful!  Blacks are no different.  If you go back into your geneaology you will find many different groups represented in there.  Why would you choose to leave those out?  They are as much a part of you as any other group.
747658
No, the term "African American" only applies to people with black physical features who vote Democrat.\n\nFor instance, if you are only half black, like Barack Obama, but are in the Democrat Party, then you are still "African American."\n\nBut if you are fully black and a Republican, like Michael Steele, then you are an "Oreo" or an "Uncle Tom."\n\nDid that help?\n\n-Aztec276
960948
I dont know why we are not even REALLY white nor black.  But it has been that way for years.   I perfer to call my self Caucasion and African American or what ever the case.
741406
The thing is that black people started the hip hop/urban culture you are talking about, so that's why people say they act black.  The term I hear a lot is "wigger", that term has been around for years and years.  I know it sounds offensive to some, I am just stating the term and I don't mean anything derogatory by it.
773424
You have to go back in time a little. Pre slavery days. Before there were any black people in North America. There were the Native Americans. We called them "red man" They called the invaders "pale face" "white man". But you have to remember. That the black man coined the term themselves. They didn't like being called Negro. So they insisted themselves that they were "black". There's your origin of the black man. The white man didn't give him that name. He did it to himself. \n.
193854
Well, I have been discrminiated against and racially profiled. I am a militray wife and been just about every where and because of my fair skin I have been assumed to be Everything but, black. Because they say I "sound" white. Many people are under the assumption that all black people are "brown skinned". NOT TRUE. we come in different shades. I am mixed with Seminole Indian, African American, German and Irish. Despite of my many mixed nationalities I am abdominatly "Black". But, it's ashame to see that people still use the "N" word even within the black community. But, as soon as a person of a different race says it, it's offending. So, why call eachother that. It is a sticky discussion and can go on for years to come.
533495
I like to take a few things from all races.... as far as fashion goes. I am white and I was born with a big ol booty, thick hair and big lips.....so guess its not just a black thang anymore. I really don't understand the conflict between black and white.....I live in the south and its always a heated debate. We live in this world together and I think that we just need to open our eyes and realize that. Learn from one another
567708
I believe there is someone for everyone as a person, why do you find it necessary to say, I'M Black. I don't say when I put pen to paper or talk I'M WHITE. Either your a lovely person and thats all that counts, or you're not. Think of being a lovely person then others will think the same. Hope you get what you want have a lovely life.
25885
good lord, i hope so. if you werent born in africa, then moved to america, then you are not african american. i am just american. that should be good enough if you are black, white, latin, asian, or of any decent. until 'African American' becomes politialy incorrect, i will refer to myself as 'German-Norwegian-French-American'.
832080
This is an confusing issue, indeed. Just because a person is from Africa does not mean that they are African American. The term African-American is specifically for blacks born in America who are from black African decent (the Negroid race). The term is not used for Caucasian or Mongoloid people from African nor for blacks who were born in Africa.
201843
I'm not black either but, most post i see if it's asking about a black person it starts off as the "N" word instand of the intelligent way of saying African American.That's not to say you can't ask a question about them.It's usually how it's frazed that "GETS" some people.
305840
Well, honestly a bi-racial person is just that.  And they should not be made to chose one or the other.  But, I have found they tend to chose Black.  Or there are those that say you are what your mother is.
493261
I refer to my self as white.  and when I am talking about a black guy I say, that black dude.  It just sounds too touchy feely to say African American,   and hey what if they are cuban!!!    just grow up poeple, these are not insults!  Blacks are black, whites are white, and asians, um ok their just asian. and all latinos, sorry Im from california your all mexicans!
320025
People are still prefer their own race. A documentary was on TV recently that showed how black women preferred black men over white and hispanic. The men had to earn an average salary higher than the black man to even be considered.\n\nYou theory about black guys pertains to black women only. Hispanic and white women both preferred their own races in this study. Search CNN for more information.