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As for the OP's question, I prefer "black" and "white" but also "Asian" and "Hispanic." (So much for consistency!) I HATE the hyphenated-American terms, because it implies that the bearer is not fully American, or has divided loyalties. Also, "American" is a nationality, not a race.
That's really true african Americans should just call themselves mixed race.
What value would that be? I have a heritage that is unique to those of us who are descendants of slaves in America, and there is a lot in that heritage to be positive about. "Mixed" means nothing.
Can someone explain why the term "colored" is offensive? The NAACP used it in their name, so apparently it was acceptable at one time. Is it just considered archaic and not "trendy" enough?
It was "archaic" 40 years ago. The real question is: Why can't some people let it go when they weren't even in the generation that used it?
Where I grew up every one was black ,police, mail man , teachers, doctors , insurance man, school, church, etc., I didn't know I was black until we moved to be around white folks. Black compared to what? I used the word "feel" black because I have been around many non-blacks who have mastered the art of not making you " feel" different. As a child I didn't "feel" different because I looked different. I didn't know any better.
Were you on an all-black island without television?
I grew up in a black neighborhood surrounded by black people as well, but we knew which swimming pool we were allowed to swim in, which movie theater we were allowed to go to, which schools we were allowed to attend and which restaurants we could eat in.
I could see that none of the kids on television looked like me--none of the Cleavers, Andersons, or Nelsons looked like me. Except Buckwheat. There was Buckwheat.
I'm white. I'm not "Irish American". Someone along the way decided it was politically incorrect I guess. I say black..... but I think people almost force themselves to say AA fearing "Black" is a racist term.
Seems like a lot of Irish-Americans pop out of the woodwork on March 17, however. And we heard a lot about Irish-Americans back during the dark IRA days. There are scads of Irish-American clubs around the US.
The use of African-American came about in response to certain whites who complained about the existence of certain black organizations and events. They usually would ask "why can't we have white this, and white that? The answer was that whites do, but it's usually based on ethnicity. While people would frown on an amusement park having a "white day", no one would have a problem with them having a Polish-American, or Italian-American Day. Since black people lost their original ethnicity during slavery, race has to double as ethnicity. The use of African-American was supposed to portray blacks as an ethnic group.
As for black supplanting Negro (ironically, negro is the Spanish word for black), and Colored, this was all about stopping black people from being ashamed of their color. Black had always been used to some degree, but many were uncomfortable with it. The 60s use of black was meant to be provocative, and in your face. "Say it loud; I'm Black And I'm Proud!!!!! Guess what, it was very effective. There are still many problems in the black community, but in 2016, very few black people are ashamed of their color. It was effective to the point that in the 70s, some white ethnic groups that had kind of hung their heads in America, noticed what black folks had done, and found a new pride in their own origins. The Polish especially come to mind.
For what it's worth, black is what I use.
Indeed. To call oneself "Black" was a political statement, just as wearing the hair natural was a political statement.
In fact, when I first grew out my 'fro in 1968, I was explicitly challenged: "Are you one of those revolutionaries?"
I've never understood this, and it might have to do with me being fairly young (still in my 20s)...but why do a lot of people prefer to be called African American over black? I prefer black myself because I'm not African, I've never been to Africa, I don't speak any African languages, I wouldn't know what ethnic tribe I originate from, etc. so I feel totally disconnected from the average black African that I've encountered. Which is ironic, because I'm probably more "African" than most who prefer to be called AA. Can someone explain the justification for choosing "AA" over "black"?
I prefer "Black" because it's so much shorter and faster to say. One syllable versus seven is an easy choice!
Only American black(African American, Negro, whatever)people would ever ask such a question. You will never find a white person saying " why do people call me Italian? I've never been to Italy, i dont relate to it, I'm one eight of a percentage point black and a quarter irish......" Etc etc etc.
So much shame about their origins, such a chip on the shoulder. Such an effort to distance themselves from an origin they see as negative. All this in 2016. Back then it was 'we are more than a color, now i guess its okay just being a color.... In a few years it might be back to Negro as an official term. Then back to the color. N***a has already been okayed within the community. With time everyone will be using it.(In the open that is)Smh.
For the record, to the rest of the world, Americans are just Americans. And Africans come in all races too.... Including white. There is a majority....yes, but even that majority comes in all shades. Many of whom arent 1/8 of a percentage point white or indian or whatever.
Stop being so lost. Life and time is ticking while you ask pointless questions. If you dont have an identity, find one and stick with it. Then get back to the bussiness of life. A label shouldnt define you. Most people wear more than one. So what? Really...
Were you on an all-black island without television?
I grew up in a black neighborhood surrounded by black people as well, but we knew which swimming pool we were allowed to swim in, which movie theater we were allowed to go to, which schools we were allowed to attend and which restaurants we could eat in.
I could see that none of the kids on television looked like me--none of the Cleavers, Andersons, or Nelsons looked like me. Except Buckwheat. There was Buckwheat.
So I definitely knew there was a difference.
You are not getting the gist of what I’m trying to relay. I saw dogs, that were different from one another, cats, horses, birds, bicycles, and people too. What I didn’t know and what psychologist proved is that kids don’t necessarily associate good and bad with being different. So being different was not an issue until someone made it one. I was probably in the 1st grade when I knew for sure that having black skin was a disadvantage. It wasn’t until I was about 21 years old that I could call a white person my friend.
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