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I don't want to be called African-American. In fact, I gave an entire speech about how inaccurate that label is, the main reasons being that it's geographically ambiguous (Africa is a continent with 50+ countries, each with very unique cultures and languages) and that it fails to account for the mix in the average black American's genealogy (70% west african, 20% european, 5% Chinese with nearly 13% variance).
It's mostly old timers who like the label "African-American," as it was created in the 80s to encourage solidarity and as an answer to identities like German-American and Irish-American. I think it's slowly fading out of favor, but the less educated among us will continue to cling to it since it's treated as the more politically correct term.
Is that how the term came into being? I didn't know that.
I just this minute got off the phone with a friend during which I conducted a non-scientific poll of one black American. I asked what her take was. She uses the term "black" and considers that, or African-American, both completely acceptable and interchangeable. She does not like "colored" or "negro" because they are outdated and somewhat derogatory, her words not mine.
She thinks the "n-word" is wrong no matter who uses it.
To embellish on my single data point, she is, like me, a 50-something woman.
For a couple of years I volunteered in a domestic-violence safe house where we were required to use the term "African American" on intake forms and when describing residents of applicants. Which I did; no skin off my nose either way, but I did note that the vast majority of black residents themselves simply used the word "black" when asked to describe their ethnicity, or that of their children/partners/abusers/family members etc.
To the best of what I've researched and from what I know, the answer is "yes." The title African-American evolved from a lack of respect as a people. Again, as soon as we were asked to be called that, and we asked all other races to identify us as African-American, more confusion has erupted from that name.
I don't want to be called African-American. In fact, I gave an entire speech about how inaccurate that label is, the main reasons being that it's geographically ambiguous (Africa is a continent with 50+ countries, each with very unique cultures and languages) and that it fails to account for the mix in the average black American's genealogy (70% west african, 20% european, 5% Chinese with nearly 13% variance).
It's mostly old timers who like the label "African-American," as it was created in the 80s to encourage solidarity and as an answer to identities like German-American and Irish-American. I think it's slowly fading out of favor, but the less educated among us will continue to cling to it since it's treated as the more politically correct term.
I think you need to continue your quest to educate and inform others how you feel. I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment.
For the same reason that white-mutt Americans describe themselves as "German" or "Scottish" or "Italian" despite never having been to those countries or knowing anything much about them (and yes I know Africa is a continent, not a country), because it gives a sense of history or belonging?
Uh saying I am German (I'm not lol) is NOT the same as saying I'm German American.
African American is not the same as African.
Context is important.
Saying "I am German" when discussing immigration implies that you are from Germany.
Saying "I am German" when discussin ancestry does not imply that you are from Germany.
See how that works?
Unless you were born in Africa and moved here, you are not an African America nor are you African.
Your heritage is African, but you're not African.
"An African-American is an immigrant from Africa. Charlize Theron is White and an African-American."
THAT IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO IGNORANT FIRST YOURE WRONG
An African American is a person who is of African descent and ancestors were part of the slave trade. Thats what a A.A is!
Example: If a guy Tundae was born in COUNTRY Nigeria in Africa and wanted to become a American citizen, and legally he is an American Citizen he would be a NIGERIAN AMERICAN!! At the end of the day he knew where he came from.
An African American girl Stephanie (whos ancestors were taken as slaves back in the day) the girl was born in Chicago,Illinois , she doesnt know specifically where the hell she came from in Africa unlike the guy from Nigeria because he lived there.
She is an African American because she doesnt know specifically where in Africa she came from and her ancestors were part of the AST.
Its time to wake up from being brain washed and not spread ignorance
This is really the raw deal. I'm not sure of one African that came over willingly exploring long ago. They were bought, brought and sold. Never to be treated the same again, IMO> That said, it is common usage in America to lump and label large groups of people.
Asian Americans
European Americans
African Americans
All these people have specific origin. We just lump and bump. We attend all kinds of festivals relearning our history, how we got here, where we originated. I'm not sure why African Americans can't do the same without an issue. But I have a clue.
I was born in the U.S. but my parents were not. I am an Asian American, the fact that American is put behind Asian means I was born in the U.S. or I'd just be Asian. When you are born into a melting pot, it's natural to identify with your ancestors. If I were in Korea, I wouldn't call my self a Korean Korean. That would be silly. But if I were born in Korea and wasn't Korean I would identify more with my ancestors than my surroundings when identifying my looks.
This is unique to America, why not just embrace it.
The term came of age in the eighties. I was still in middle school/high school then. I, like the OP, felt that the term was inaccurate because technically, we are descendants of people that, inevitably, can be linked to Africa, but not first or second generation, like Charlize Theron. Plus we're American first, not African.
My other issue with the term is that everyone in America, except for Native Americans, have descendants that immigrated. So why do Blacks and Latinos have to preface the fact that they're American, and Caucasians/Whites, do not. Though many do, because of their pride in their European heritage, it is not expected.
Just tell me I'm Black. I am more interested in the diaspora, ie. Blacks around the World, wherever they're from, than I am focusing on, and concerning myself with, exclusively, Blacks here in America.
Of my black friends, the only one who ever refers to himself as African was born in the Congo and lived there for 30 years. But he's proud to be an American now. When talks about being African, he's talking about his culture and upbringing, not his skin color.
I have never heard any of my other black friends and co-workers refer to themselves as African American.
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I asked what her take was. She uses the term "black" and considers that, or African-American, both completely acceptable and interchangeable. She does not like "colored" or "negro" because they are outdated and somewhat derogatory, her words not mine.