Why is it we be callin or selfs African Americans?
926834
I don't know who started it but it should be stopped.  We should ALL just be AMERICANS.
308441
My heritage is french and russian...however..i NEVER refer to myself as anything other than an American. People who do this in my opinion have an identity problem. Many of these people seem afraid to call themselves what they are..an American. People from around the world call us Americans. People in Ireland don't refer to my friend as an Irish American.
703908
I prefer to be called Black, not African American. No, I'm not from Africa but of course my ancestors are. But given the fact that many African Americans from Africa have treated me like sh*t like any other racist idiot, I'd rather not be called that. I have heard from many of them that we (Blacks) are not pure Africans and that we are a disgrace to their people. The ones I've encountered looks at us and treat us like dogs. I'm cool on them. Don't want to ever be associated with them. Don't get me wrong, not all of them are like that. But the majority I've encountered are.
545795
I'm with you on this one.\nPeople who say you're white-washed for being yourself have a pretty poor idea of how blacks are supposed to behave.\nIgnore them.
942880
.As a black person i fell that we  must teach our children the sevenpence of this ugly word, that means the history and how it was used to demoralize us and how some of us died to eradicate this word in  association with our Race. It also has to do with self hater. we must at all cost  educate to never except this in our ever day conversation. I can't say the word either but my parents instill the important of it.  we come from the greatest civilizations.  Lets wrap ourselves in it we mustn't forget those that died for the right to definite ourselves. Great subject thanks for asking.
363098
Terms of ethnicity and race are just labels.  I place no importance on either of the words...you are who you are no matter your race, creed, etc.\n\nAs for the person who said we are all americians.  Hmmmmmm....I think you should look at a map and then you may realize there is more than one country on planet earth
678643
American is the proper term for a citizen of the United States of America. While Americans speak the English language, they are not generally considered English by nationality -- they are indeed considered Americans.\n\nWhile many Americans will identify themselves as just Americans for their nationality, Americans also identify themselves by their  racial or ethnic origins or their immigrant origins. Some might refer to themselves as "Irish Americans" (meaning Americans whose ancestors came from Ireland) or "Japanese Americans" (meaning Americans whose ancestors came from Japan) or "African Americans" (meaning Americans whose ancestors came from Africa).
434353
'cause some Dill-hole thought it was PC to say African American .. and a bunch of other dill-holes all said that sounds ok lets call them that .. i think they need a kick in the dill-hole\n ... -- from a canadian sista
1053328
They are probably referred because their roots are from Africa. Their forefathers lived there.\n\nThough I am not Black (neither I am American), I would prefer to call you a Canadian (if I knew your name, I would call you by your name) rather than a black Canadian.
928972
Jesse Jackson has a point.  By black-media's (not all of course) insistence on adopting the term in order to (fill in whatever justification you have heard over the years) they have basically stripped away the true negative meaning of the word.   It's just a word that non blacks think is a "term of endearment" among blacks.  While that couldn't be further from the truth it does make clear the fact that African Americans do have some measure of control of how the world views us.  Personally I feel that rap artists and black comics share a major role in this.  These are the two main groups that are capable of influencing our young ones.  If no one was using the word in the first place a person wouldn't be able to play off their racial outbursts as just using the words they have heard used.  \n\nUnfortunately this goes way beyond just the use of a word.  The negative aspects of black culture gain far more attention then the positives.
306125
Well you can say it because as you said you have the right to say anything you like.  Just keep in mine they have the right to get angry as you do if someone called you something your not. I'm not saying it right I’m say that's the way it is.  Now being of African descent it would offend me greatly if some called me that in fact when my friend uses to I would tell them I’m not a nig anything, call me by my name or just don't call me.  Now why they do it is the same reason that people call themselves Christian today. Although both roots are from a negative origin, they have chosen to uses it as an expression to communicate some fellowship and commonest with Christ or in the African American community with each other.  So, I hope you understand my answer, once again I think it is stupid to identify yourself with a word your enemy came up with or mispronounce to identify you with but hah that just my opinion.\n\n\n\nLet me first say I called myself of African descent, so not all Americans of African decent call themselves African-Americans.  No as far as them being black and your and other Europeans being white is just foolishness. Just look in a mirror one day wearing a white T-shirt then you'll see what color you truly are. The so-called "black-man" is not black as far as the color of his skin goes but dark brown.  Not every one of us call our women ho.. Or Biches, and other degrading name just like not all Americans of many so-call races, call their women out of their names.  From personal experience I have heard some so-call white friend of mine call not only their girlfriend biches to their faces, but their mothers as well. Now would you think its' true or fair to assume or teach that all so-called white people call their parents out of their just because those idiots did?  There are many people of many “different colors of skin” who do not show their parents the popper respect they deserver as parents?  Would it not be wrong to say because some do it all do it?  Come on let not be so blinded by the media propaganda.  Now as far as abusers of social programs go, I’m sorry but the greatest abusers of social programs where by the same grope who started them.  Started for "white" by "whites" not others.  Hope you have a nice day.  No offence intended.
539034
Think about America as a whole. Americans think that our country is the best , therefore, AmericaNS "are the best." \n\nALso a strange part of our culture is that we call all blacks African Americans even though they could be from other places like the Carribbean or Haiti. \n\nA lot of Americans are ignnorant. You just have to brush it off.
959259
Very good question, I don't know why black people are called African Americans. Some black people have never even been to Africa. But it everyone wants to get technical we are all African Americans. when life frist started we all came from Africa. When all the contenients were together it was call something like( shit I forgot the name ) but africa was the center of it all . even in biblicul times, it said we all came from that region. So again we are all African american in a way
223543
I have heard many white/Caucasian Americans call themselves Irish-American, or Italian-American etc.  It's just the fact that as the "Melting pot" we feel like we have to have an extra identifier.\n\nBecause of the negative connotation with the word Black I preferred African American, until I went to Africa.  That experience taught me how truly American I am.  African American is a huge misnomer.\n\nSo I prefer American, but if you must be specific Black or Brown.
1018914
Caucasians in Africa call themselves white or by the  country's name ex: South Afrikaner or Nigerian.  When whites migrate to America they realize it's more advantageous if they call themselves plain old white.  \n\nWon't you do the same thing? Unless you think  blacks have been given too much and need to be be worse off than they are and so you wish to take the tag for yourself just to compete with the - measly - edge you imagine we have. \n\nNo one in their right mind wants to be treated badly and unfairly. I would do the same if I were white too, just so I'll get the automatic privileges whites get.\n\nAfrican American is term reserved for all  blacks - with the option to call foreign blacks by their nationality.\n\nAffirmative Action is less than 40 years, slavery over 400 -you have not yet repaid us in full for those terrible years. Now live with it!!  And I hope when you drop on the floor you never get up!\n\n\nThis is a popular topic in this forum - I'm beginning to realize it's a code to incite.  The people who object to the term African American have no problem calling us the n* word.
888604
Your right Dan.\n\nAlot of people say the "N" word is rude and hurtful and while i agree but i wonder why do black americans call each other that all the time? If a white person walked up and said it all heck would break lose.
925551
I'm black and I say we are people too. Yes there are some black people that commit crimes, but there are people like that in other races too. I feel trully honored to be a young black woman in the world today. I'm proud about my race and heritage. But the one thing I can not stand, about some people of my own race is that the ones that don't use their education call the ones that do use theirs, acting white. I don't see how wanting to better yourself and secure your future is acting white. I mean I think more education anyone has should make them better off in the world. Because you can get great jobs and be able to take care of your family. So that is one of the things that I don't like about my own race. Another thing I can't stand is the fact that some people of my race seek out reasons and ways things are racist. I say if you go looking for it you will always get smacked in the face with it. I think a few of those people are being even more racist, because you are searching for reasons for someone to hate on you. I say everyone in the black community and myself included should just go and live life, if you are held back in one area find another arena to get involved in. But don't give up at all. Just keep striving forward more than ever before. But thats just how I see things.