Ok Now! The point I am trying to make by asking about African-Americans, is:?
613940
Ask the government people who created the labels to put on all the forms you have to fill out. Historically, African Americans did not chose that lable for themselves, it was given to us by the government. Same way they give everyone else a label because categories make people comfortable. Are white people really white? It's a color right? Not a nationality, so why is white on the forms, same reason African American, Asian, etc. is - because we hate ambuguity! And becuz we like to divide and categorize.
1081792
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.
516150
Is this question seriously getting posted, again?  What happened to the African-Americans that are asking for reparations in today's society that they deserve them?  What did I do to them that my taxes should higher to support such a thing?
731074
I guess I should be called then African German?  Never heard that one before.  But I don't mind either African American or black, I usually use black.  I don't know what the big problem is for white people to call us black?  We call you white (even though you are more light-pinkish) and we are not really black but different shades of brown, so what's the big issue?\nWhite people, it is not a crime to say "Black" or "African American".  Just don't call us "Colored" people, we are not in the 60s.  That's all.  I always have to laugh when white people look at me and ask me, is it ok if I say "African American" or black.  Please, come on, do black people really get upset about that?
884920
Well the simple fact that you actually feel the need to state your family race mixture is ridiculous, Why can we not ask valid questions in a mature and rational way without having to worry about "offending" anyone. The mere fact that you need to write a paragraph stating that you are not racist and merely asking a question, is racism on their part...A white person should be able to ask a simple question about another race and not been seen as a racist, but as of now everyone is racist to some extent. whether it be a good or bad assumption about a race. I have not seen any official lawsuits against an African American.vs.Caucasian but I am sure there are there...plenty of situations in my town would validate one.
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!
883413
the answer is 0...There are some black americans. but technically they are not "african americans"...an african american is born in africa and then migrates to the usa....a black american is born here.....if this wasn't true, it would make me a german, irish, english, indian american.....but im not...im a white american...
970120
In college, we called our African friends Africans... and they were all black.  Even though lots of Africans are white... so I would just use a generic regional term such as African, Jamaican, Haitian, etc.  And let everyone have to ask if that person is black or white...
631863
slavery has impacted the u.s. by former slaves ancesters thinking they are still owed something today. affirmative action is the worst thing we as a country could've done and acknowledging a race which automatically singles one out from the american whole.  African American.  I don't call myself all my nationalities before american.  ex.  german, italian, irish american.  see what i mean.  then to have sepatory groups such as the naacp is bullshit.  african americans have it all going for them today but they're just to caught up in having to have the latest tommy shit (which who is as racist as the come) which shows the stupidity of race as a whole.  come on they recieve higher test scores and get reconized for acccomplishing less than the fellow american.  wake up america time to play cowboys and n........
1108923
Do you mean blacks in America, or Europe, or Africa?  Not trying to be inflammatory, just a question.  Because each group has a different perspective.\n\nI'm white, so I'd admit that I don't have the same perspective as you, but I'll try to answer as an American.\n\nFor a long time, blacks lived with the stigma of slavery and inferior status, which was thrust upon them upon a racist society.  Recently, not soon enough, they have realized that are not inferior and been proud of their heritage.  It is certainty an atrocity the method of arrival to America that blacks endured, which white Americans can not apologize enough for, but many blacks have learned to take advantage.  So now more and more black people are taking advantage of the opportunities afforded them as Americans.  The problem still remains that some blacks still view themselves in a slave mentality that makes them dependent on white society.  What they should do is view themselves as part of the larger American society, that now for the most part views racism and discrimination as a shameful chapter in America.  Sure there are still backwater bigots out there, but for the most part they are no longer in position to discriminate.  They just have their primitive ideas, what are no longer the normative viewpoint.\n\nI'm sure I'm oversimplifying black culture and views in America, but I still believe that there are wonderful opportunities in America that aren't available elsewhere.
773895
You asked a rhetorical question here - what do you want answered?  The African-American community as a whole is hypocritical on the use of this word - that's all.\n\nGood Luck!!!
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!
1043151
i  agree,  and  your  not  a  racist,  for  asking  your   question.
892370
I think I understand what your trying to ask.....you're wondering if the African people distinguish themselves like "I'm Nigerian, I'm Egyptian, I'm from Mali, I'm South African"......etc. I believe they do. I've got two African friends who are Somalians. That's what they call themselves.\n\nNow to the African Americans here in the US. We consider ourselves blacks or African-Americans, because some of our ancestors were African....many can't say "I'm Kenyan" because we don't know where our first African ancestor came from. (By the way "black" means from the darkest to the lightest of us.) I'm black, native indian and caucasian and probably a lot of other ethnicities. But I call myself Indian, because that's what I am predominantly.....I guess your next question will be....is there a difference between Indians? Of course. (smile)
410832
What's ironic is that many times those equivocating hyphenations are seeking 'equality' by differentiating themselves from the whole.  I've never quite understood that paradox.\n\nI think Colin Powel answered correctly when he said, "i'm not African-American, I'm American."
1118685
interesting question.  i remember once when i was in college, i was talking to a friend of mine with whom i had just finished an african american studies course.  the friend  was black.  i was talking about the impact that the course had on me, and made some generalized statement about african american culture.  my friend was quick to point out that he wasn't african american - he was jamaican.\n\nblack is a race, much like white, asian, or indian.  blacks can be african - american, jamaican, haitian, brazilian, nigerian, or some other nationality.  i'd say this is comparable to the way whites can be australian, irish, or american.  i think that the term african-american, however, refers solely to the descendants of slaves who were born in and live in this country.\n\nso, to answer your question, i doubt any west indians take offense to being considered black.  they probably would take offense, however, to being called african american.
1179095
I think this is a good question that cannot be answered broadly.. It's not fair to say "a lot of african americans are racist toward white people" Just like it isn't fair to say "a lot of white people are racist toward african americans" .. granted it is easier to "name call" racism stemming from "white people" but from what I know about history african american people were opressed by whites for a very long time..\n\nContinue to open your mind and be friendly with people of all cultures, backgrounds, skin color, etc.  The world is a more interesting place with diversity, you can't change other peoples' minds, so do the best you can with your own.