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[Sullichin]

I dont know about the rest of you guys, but I hate when someone calls me "Black", theres no such thing. African American maybe?

Surely, by that logic, there's no such thing as being "White" either? Do you ever hear someone get offended if they are called white? No one asks to be called Irish-American, Italian-American, etc. Not trying to offend anyone, just trying to understand this logic.

 

[bishoptl]

I remember this anecdote from a friend way back - his sister insisted that when she took her coffee black, you couldn't call it "black"...you had to call it "clear". I shit you not.

So this black woman would go into her coffee shop, order a "clear coffee", then get all mad when the barristas asked her if she meant black. Ridiculous. :lol

Q-Tip said it best - black is black is black. Oh yeah... *poops more pixie dust*

 

[tedtropy]

I prefer to be called slightly-translucent-caucasian-American.

 

[bishoptl]

this'll get old real fast, though no doubt that was the intention.

I just really do not understand why black people who have been here for years and years and years in their families still wish to be called african-americans. Some are black, some are white. What's the harm in going by skin tone? nobody is denegrating anybody because of it. NOBODY here is really 'american' insofar as their actual bloodlines, as we're all immigrants in one form or another. Some of us are black, and were forced, some of us white, and willing. That's like the one common bond among people here... we're all American. Somewhere along the line our ancestors were either brought here or came here willingly, and when doing so, were forced to accept the loss of culture.

ooh, I wanted to touch on this.

All kidding aside, the reason why African-American is such a popular term is due to the fact that most of us can't trace our ancestry back more than a few generations, thanks to the slave trade. While non-blacks whose families have been in America for hundreds of years can - as a general rule - and in order to reach back for something, anything that's solid...that we as a people can point to and say "this is where I come from", the term African-American pays homage to that.

Hopefully that provides a bit more insight.

 

[karasu]

this'll get old real fast, though no doubt that was the intention.

I just really do not understand why black people who have been here for years and years and years in their families still wish to be called african-americans. Some are black, some are white. What's the harm in going by skin tone? nobody is denegrating anybody because of it. NOBODY here is really 'american' insofar as their actual bloodlines, as we're all immigrants in one form or another. Some of us are black, and were forced, some of us white, and willing. That's like the one common bond among people here... we're all American. Somewhere along the line our ancestors were either brought here or came here willingly, and when doing so, were forced to accept the loss of culture. This counterculture, so to speak, is wholly American, whether it's by residents in Canada (outside of Quebec), US, Mexico, or even South America to a lesser extent.

I guess I don't have a problem with the "african american" stuff, but if it gets to like "Angolan-Sudanese-American" for anyone who was already born here... then, uh... well I'll be beefin' some more. Sorry if I offended any of you.

Most Africans Americans haven't been to Africa sure, and most of us dont really have black skin either. :/ Some people see the use of the term 'black' as no different than the use of the term 'colored'. "Asians' don't check a box labeling themselves as 'yellow' or 'white'(coz yeah theyd o tend to have pretty white skin), nor do Native Americans, and the box for 'white people' says "caucasian'. I'll never grasp why it's such a hard thing for people to understand. Because you know, when they called you black or colored back in the day, they were calling you nothing. If nothing else "African-American' is an attempt for a people to define themselves instead of running with the label that old school oppressors hit them with. I don't feel too strongly about it either way, but I dislike how the efforts of a people to define themslves are so casually dismissed with the "I've never been to Africa lol lol lol'. No label will be 100 percent accurate anyway.

 

[BlackMage]

I dont know about the rest of you guys, but I hate when someone calls me "Black", theres no such thing. African American maybe?

but that's 7 syllables man!!

 

[MIMIC]

Meh...

I saw this almost a week ago, and I didn't think much of it. I thought that it was just an honest mistake/fuck-up, as strange as it was. Plus, "so black" doesn't sound like your typical racist comment, so while my eyebrow WAS raised, it didn't sound offensive.

And this is coming from a black guy.





And I see we're at the African-American vs. Black thing again...

 

[DCharlie]

i'm the whitest black guy yous all know.

 

[sc0la]

I dont know about the rest of you guys, but I hate when someone calls me "Black", theres no such thing. African American maybe?

I never use African American, probably because a lot of black people that I came into contact with were from Haiti, Jamaica etc. directly, but I will use African American if you emigrated from Africa and you want me to. If you were born here or are a naturalized citizen, then you are American to me, but I will say black if I need a physical descriptor.

I think African American is an unfortunate outcome of over PCification.

edit: This is grossly oversimplified, and I know it, but I am done typing for now ;p

 

[Vennt]

I generally don't refer to someone as black unless I'm describing their appearance, such as "..You know, he's the tall black guy that works for..." in the same way I'd refer to someones hair colour:- "...you know, the blonde-haired guy."

In any other circumstances it's not a factor that needs to be expressed, if I'm talking about someone and their appearance is irrelevant then what need is there to mention it? - Surely bringing it up where there is no need is a form of discrimination?

People is people is people.

(But then that coud just be due to the fact that I grew up near Soho in Birmingham, where I was an ethnic minority )

 

[Price Drop]

haha; what a screw up. maybe he meant bleak, but then pulled a freudian slip. or maybe he's all racial up in that.

 

[temp]

I never do this but...

Doth Togo FOR TEH WIN!!!

Why isn't it just "he's the guy that worked on yadayadayada"??

I've always had trouble grasping this oddity.

I'm pretty sure Blackace is black. And he was trying to show how saying "black" sounds a lot more natural than "African-American," so that's a stupid point.


P.S. I really hate "African-American."

 

[SonnyBoy]

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

:lol :lol

 

[Zep]

lmfao

Should I say Cherokee-African-WhitepersonrapedmyslaveancestorsoIhavewhiteinme American?

Yes ..

I also have Cherokee in me (it shows in my curly,naturally straight hair.)....

 

[Pimpwerx]

I say black. I don't say AA. I'm not african. I'm west-indian. I grew up around black people who called each other black. I'm not even American, except by citizenship. So as a foreigner, the term african-american really means nothing to me. I do, however, say native-american out of general respect. Indian has been used as a kinda derogatory term for a while, so I try to pretty up my words there. Meh. PEACE.

 

[The Shadow]

I don't know. That didn't scream racist to me. If he was racist, wouldn't he be, you know, completely indifferent to their suffering?

I dont know about the rest of you guys, but I hate when someone calls me "Black", theres no such thing. African American maybe?

Are you African born immigrated to the U.S.?

 

[Zep]

Are you African born immigrated to the U.S.?

Nope. Born in US scrap...and if your gonna use the argument I think you are please read my post about why i prefer AA over "Black".

Edit: Just to get it out the way, im Black (Mom and Dad), Italian(Dad's Mom), Cherokee(mom's side).

 

[Star Power]

 

[The Shadow]

Nope. Born in US scrap...and if your gonna use the argument I think you are please read my post about why i prefer AA over "Black".

I did. I don't see "History" as being a good reason though. There are derogatory words that are used to describe the black race that have a "history" too. Black is just a descriptor. Culture defines a race.

Do you by any chance consider Charlize Theron an African-American?

 

[Zep]

Do you by any chance consider Charlize Theron an African-American?

No sir I do not. And yes, i do know shes South African (looked it up )

 

[karasu]

I did. I don't see "History" as being a good reason though. There are derogatory words that are used to describe the black race that have a "history" too. Black is just a descriptor. Culture defines a race.

Do you by any chance consider Charlize Theron an African-American?

Charlize Theron is not American.

 

[temp]

I don't get how you'd not like being called "black." It's just a physical descriptor; same as white or blonde.

 

[Zep]

I don't get how you'd not like being called "black." It's just a physical descriptor; same as white or blonde.

Like I was saying before, its just the history behind it. Africans helped make this country flourish and I dont think we should be downgraded to another name(Black).

Hence why I prefer African-American./

 

[whytemyke]

Should I say Cherokee-African-WhitepersonrapedmyslaveancestorsoIhavewhiteinme American?

Don't joke around about that shit man, or you'll be WEARING that name. Trust me. I know.... personal experience, haha.

I guess I understand why people get upset about not being called african-american. I guess on the same token, asians would fucking flip out and kung fu my ass if I started referring to them as 'yellow' people. Sooo.... guess I'll have to suck it up. I'll probably still call black people black, as I'll call white people white, but if I see a black guy who wants to be called African American, I'll do what I can to accommodate them.

 

[karasu]

I don't get how you'd not like being called "black." It's just a physical descriptor; same as white or blonde.

No it isnt. Well, it hasn't always been. White people chose to call themselves white, but "Black" was a racist term. What does the word Black represent in American culture? Everything bad and empty. It doesn't describe my skin, my skin is brown. Do people complain when Italian-Americans call themselves Italian? Or when the Asian dude says he's Chinese, even though hes never been to China? It's true that most of us have never been to Africa, or know very little about our heritage, but that's because it was stripped from us back in the day. Even more reason why some cling to "African-American"as opposed to 'black'.

 

[Blackace]

No it isnt. Well, it hasn't always been. White people chose to call themselves white, but "Black" was a racist term. What does the word Black represent in American culture? Everything bad and empty. It doesn't describe my skin, my skin is brown. Do people complain when Italian-Americans call themselves Italian? Or when the Asian dude says he's Chinese, even though hes never been to China?

Sure but the Chinese guy will still be called "The asian guy" and the Italian will be still be called "the cocky white guy".

Also, most when they claim their background claim it fully... like in your example, I'm Chinese or Italian... most don't say I'm Chinese American

 

[karasu]

Sure but the Chinese guy will still be called "The asian guy" and the Italian will be still be called "the cocky white guy".

that would depend on who you're talking to.

Also, most when they claim their background claim it fully... like in your example, I'm Chinese or Italian... most don't say I'm Chinese American

Yeah, but does that really matter? The American part is usually a given, since this is America and all. African-American doesn't flow as easily yet because it's only been in public use since the 80's, and we've struggled to define ourselves ever since we've had freedom and equality. I don't really mind too much if someone calls me black, but I also don't mind if some prefer the term African-American. I don't believe for a second that 'Black' is the superior term just because it's shorter and been in use the longest. Or because most "African-Americans' can't directly trace the history and culture that was stolen from them. If anything, it's tricky. :/

Edit: Plus, I think it's sad that what's meant to be a counter to a term with a racist history is brushed off as "overly PC'. I mean how detached does a person have to be to think that way @_@

 

[Blackace]

that would depend on who you're talking to.



Yeah, but does that really matter? The American part is usually a given, since this is America and all. African-American doesn't flow as easily yet because it's only been in public use since the 80's, and we've struggled to define ourselves ever since we've had freedom and equality. I don't really mind too much if someone calls me black, but I also don't mind if some prefer the term African-American. I don't believe for a second that 'Black' is the superior term just because it's shorter and been in use the longest. Or because most "African-Americans' can't directly trace the history and culture that was stolen from them. If anything, it's tricky. :/

I think it does matter. Not all, but a lot of people of different backgrounds have had history with their said background. Take a random Chinese-American most likely they have had dealings with their language and culture. Therefore they know what it means to be Chinese. Even my close friend in college who is a 3rd generation Japanese-American. I speak more Japanese than he does, but when he was a kid he could speak some because he had his culture shown to him.. so he can say he is Japanese... I have no idea what African culture is so how can I claim it?

 

[Zep]

I have no idea what African culture is so how can I claim it?

Claim it by knowing your ancestors helped make this country(America).

 

[Blackace]

Claim it by knowing your ancestors helped make this country(America).

Which at that point they were more American than African... because they were forced to speak only English and were not allowed to display any forms of their culture...

 

[karasu]

I think it does matter. Not all, but a lot of people of different backgrounds have had history with their said background. Take a random Chinese-American most likely they have had dealings with their language and culture. Therefore they know what it means to be Chinese. Even my close friend in college who is a 3rd generation Japanese-American. I speak more Japanese than he does, but when he was a kid he could speak some because he had his culture shown to him.. so he can say he is Japanese... I have no idea what African culture is so how can I claim it?

Well, I'd say "African" was claimed because of the very fact that everything African about the slaves was taken away. I don't know that it's claiming a culture so much as claiming a point of origin. Or simply to claim something other than vacancy. I mean, we fought against the term Negro, and that meant pretty much the same thing. Also fought against "Black" in favor of Afro American, but then pop culture said "hey let's go back to black and throw it in 'their' faces". Eventually doing the same thing with 'nigga'(which I detest) I dunno man, racial identity is a fucked up thing. It's all pretty much illogical to begin with.

 

[Blackace]

Well, I'd say "African" was claimed because of the very fact that everything African about the slaves was taken away. I don't know that it's claiming a culture so much as claiming a point of origin. Or simply to claim something other than vacancy. I mean, we fought against the term Negro, and that meant pretty much the same thing. Also fought against "Black" in favor of Afro American, but then pop culture said "hey let's go back to black and throw it in 'their' faces". Eventually doing the same thing with 'nigga'(which I detest) I dunno man, racial identity is a fucked up thing. It's all pretty much illogical to begin with.

Well when a person claims a background I think they are claiming a little bit of both, point of origin, and culture. if you look at most white people, mostly (and this is very general I know) the people who have had some sort of connection with their background claim it. For example family still speaks native language or family still lives in different country. Otherwise they come into threads like this and say stuff like "well I'm germanirishenglish American hahahomgwtfbqq iamthefristpersontosaysomethingthatclever" So I would say it is a little of both...

 

[karasu]

Well when a person claims a background I think they are claiming a little bit of both, point of origin, and culture. if you look at most white people, mostly (and this is very general I know) the people who have had some sort of connection with their background claim it. For example family still speaks native language or family still lives in different country. Otherwise they come into threads like this and say stuff like "well I'm germanirishenglish American hahahomgwtfbqq iamthefristpersontosaysomethingthatclever" So I would say it is a little of both...

Well yeah. I dont see that as reason enough not to use the term though. I mean, because those old school racists were successful in their plot to strip Africans of our (their, whatever) culture we should concede defeat, never claim it, and stick with the empty label they came up with for us? I don't think so. One of the ugliest parts of oppression is how willing the oppressed are to accept it. That's not a diss to anyone or anything. I'm just talking about our casual acceptance of things like 'black', 'negro', nigga' etc etc as the final words on who we are.

 

[Blackace]

Well yeah. I dont see that as reason enough not to use the term though. I mean, because those old school racists were successful in their plot to strip Africans of our (their, whatever) culture we should concede defeat, never claim it, and stick with the empty label they came up with for us? I don't think so. One of the ugliest parts of oppression is how willing the oppressed are to accept it. That's not a diss to anyone or anything. I'm just talking about our casual acceptance of things like 'black', 'negro', nigga' etc etc as the final words on who we are.

well I know I am not African.. but my veiw is all twisted because I'm mixed.. Irish and Slave.. so I decided to become a prt of Japanese culture... go figure..

 

[karasu]

well I know I am not African.. but my veiw is all twisted because I'm mixed.. Irish and Slave.. so I decided to become a prt of Japanese culture... go figure..

haha.

Yeahm I know I'm not African either, but I can appreciate the need for a group of people who were oppressed for hundreds and hundreds of years to define themselves by drawing a connection between their current home and the one they were taken from/kicked out of. if it provides nothing more than a much needed sense of pride, so be it.

 

[Phoenix]

Living in Canada that makes you a African-Canadian.

Afronadian to be exact.

 

[way more]

Sure but the Chinese guy will still be called "The asian guy" and the Italian will be still be called "the cocky white guy".

In that case its for the better that the Chinese guy be called Asian or Chinese-American. As for the example of the Italian guys all white races like that, Irish, Germans, Slavics, Poles, and Swedes have at one time been a minority in America. Today they are all capable of "passing" as white. The only way to distinguish them is though clothing choice or accent. Of course white and black are not descriptive terms, have you every seen a person black as the Ipod nano? They are words with sociological meanings behind them.

 

[temp]

I think my problem is that I don't really get why an American-born black guy would care about Africa, especially why you'd care about defining yourself with a culture you probably don't know much about and almost definitely aren't really a part of.

 

[karasu]

I think my problem is that I don't really get why an American-born black guy would care about Africa, especially why you'd care about defining yourself with a culture you probably don't know much about and almost definitely aren't really a part of.

Sometimes I don't feel very welcome in America. Despite the fact that I was born and raised here.

 

[temp]

Sometimes I don't feel very welcome in America. Despite the fact that I was born and raised here.

Yeah, that has to suck. I don't really see how calling yourself African really fixes that situation though.

 

[karasu]

Yeah, that has to suck. I don't really see how calling yourself African really fixes that situation though.

I don't think of it as a 'fix'. Imagine if the only history you could connect yourself too was one of slavery. One where you were whipped, beaten, raped, sprayed down, blah blah blah. Chances are you would look for something, an identity, outside of that. You would probably look to where your ancestors were before slavery hit. Even if you couldn't narrow it down to a specific tribe or region, it would probably mean a great deal to you just to be linked to something other tha the lowest of the low. Then again maybe not. Maybe you wouildn't care about things like this at all.

 

[Takuan]

 

[norinrad21]

 

[Xenon]

White people chose to call themselves white

Ahhh yes, I remember that meeting. What a great time we had cutting holes in sheets and eating mayonnaise sandwiches.

 

[karasu]

:lol

 

[temp]

I don't think of it as a 'fix'. Imagine if the only history you could connect yourself too was one of slavery. One where you were whipped, beaten, raped, sprayed down, blah blah blah. Chances are you would look for something, an identity, outside of that. You would probably look to where your ancestors were before slavery hit. Even if you couldn't narrow it down to a specific tribe or region, it would probably mean a great deal to you just to be linked to something other tha the lowest of the low. Then again maybe not. Maybe you wouildn't care about things like this at all.

Yeah, not really. I'm probably just not looking at it the same way you are; I don't really care about, you know, family and racial history. It doesn't really make a difference to me. And then it just sort of seems lame to try to tack something like that onto pretty much a physical attribute. I really don't know, though.

 

[Meatpuppet]

I guess as a white European I'm not really in a position to comment much on this topic (though Blackace has refered to the Irish as the white equivalent), but I don't really get the appeal at times of associating oneself with Africa.

I mean, it's a continent with a long history of slave trade both internal and external. It's not like the whole place was some sort of utopia till European explorers came along and fucked things up (not to say that they didn't do this).

Also, on the concept of black vs. brown, I've seen people from India whose skin colour is closer to black than to brown. I'd agree that it's something of a misnomer in terms of a descriptor for most Americans.

Meh, just my two cents.