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LuvinGuy (m)
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The people in Africa are black and that is where blacks in this the US. orginated from so why not be called African-American. It's a true description.
If I'm right, I think it has something to do w/ the media outlet. Blacks see tribal people or people with face paint on TV talking in click languages and they feel its backward so they are ashamed to even associate themeslves with africa a lot of Black people have said this. So they feel ashamed and mock Africa.
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Drusilla (f)
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African American or Black or African is fine with most African Americans. Sometimes it comes from bad images of Africa. A Black Journalist went to Africa and came back and wrote a book that Thanked God --African Americans were not born in Africa. So there is the whitey side of the camp, the ten percent of AA who say they are not African. There are those who just think Continental Africans thinks they are better than us and so want to be called Black defiantly to reflect the fact that we alright with who we is. There are those who think of themselves as African Americans and still want nothing to do with Westernized Continental Africans.
For various reasons this "Black is all I need to be". Came into being.
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LuvinGuy (m)
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African American or Black or African is fine with most African Americans. Sometimes it comes from bad images of Africa. A Black Journalist went to Africa and came back and wrote a book that Thanked God --African Americans were not born in Africa. So there is the whitey side of the camp, the ten percent of AA who say they are not African. There are those who just think Continental Africans thinks they are better than us and so want to be called Black defiantly to reflect the fact that we alright with who we is. There are those who think of themselves as African Americans and still want nothing to do with Westernized Continental Africans.
For various reasons this "Black is all I need to be". Came into being.
Judging by your posts, you seem to know your stuff, so I have another question? How come everytime in the media when the statement All-American boy/girl or girl/boy next door it is always in reference to a white person. I have never seen an Asian, Black, Indian, or Hispanic person ever referred to as an All-American anything or boy/girl next door. Maybe if our society were to be more aware of accepting us all as just Americans instead classifying us, there would be no problem. When the media says All-American boy/girl you think of some blond haired blue eye girl with good looks and a great smile. With the All-American boy they are basically saying are north-western european features. |
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Drusilla (f)
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Luvinguy,
Americans live by a lot of code words. "All American" is the same as saying -- white. "Inner city" -- the same as saying Black.
Everything in America is so raced, it could take decades literally to unrace us.
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Hero (m)
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Some folks not born into this American system have a hard time grasping just how astoundingly racially based this nations fabric is. ((EVERYTHING)) has a racial element to it in one way or another.
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Drusilla (f)
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Hero,
I think Africans find that out a lot quicker than other immigrants. As I say: Even if we did not say a word to Africans, white people would indeed teach them, that they are Black. And that is a crime punishable by death and starvation in this world.
African people lack nothing. God has given them a wonderful continent full of abundant resources.
When will we see that we are worth it, even the lowiest slave African? That is where the Vision needs to start.
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drrionelli (m)
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I have a somewhat different take on this, so if I may:
It seems to me that the term "black" in lieu of "African-American" is less about denial of culture or heritage than it is one of linguistic expediency. In the States, some time ago, it became more convenient to make the distinction between "races" in the simplest terms. "Black" became popular simply because it was easy and it made the clearest delineation from "White." Nobody took issue with making reference to or being "white," so it was accepted that such would be the case with the term "black."
And, from a standpoint of semantics, being black is neither more nor less valid than being white. Neither term is truly descriptive of those to whom it is applied. Really, how many people have you ever seen whose skin is truly white? How many have you seen whose skin is truly black? Clearly, the terms have no literal value in this case, but are used, rather for the sake of convenient reference.
And, considering that in the US, blacks have been known as "colored" (a bit vague), "Negro" (simply Spanish for "black"), "African-" or "Afro-American" (a bit long), the term "black" seems to work most ably in parallels to other groups.
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younghoodi (m)
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because they black,if u call a african-american an african he might get mad or tell u he don't look like no african so u call him black i don't like when they call me african either i prefer to be called nigerian because there's different kind of african people.
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naija_diva (f)
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because they black,if u call a african-american an african he might get mad or tell u he don't look like no african so u call him black i don't like when they call me african either i prefer to be called nigerian because there's different kind of african people.
same here. if they ask me what i am, i am nigerian. you got to teach them that africa has countries inside it. |
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ladycalao (f)
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You know I find it sad that we have to go through all this none since. Chinese, Japanese or Korean. Can you tell the difference? Nigerian, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Ivory Coast . Who can tell the dame difference? White people from USA, UK, Canada, Australia or Russia. You can't tell who they hell is from where. Same goes for Hispanics. Mexico, El Savaldor or Equador. That's why people say Oriental, African, Caucasan, or Hispanic. Cause you can't tell where people are from. How can people tell your from Nigeria unless you open your mouth and say something. So if your offended then that just too bad maybe you should stamp your country on your head and help us out a little.  |
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drrionelli (m)
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Something else: In the US, Whites are so much more predominant than Blacks that it is to the minority advantage to embrace as many numbers as is possible. The Black population of the US is approximately 11%. It's therefore advantageous in the US to include as many as possible in a group, be they of African descent, Madagascar descent or whatever. But, allow me to ask this: Current anthropological thinking suggests that Homo sapiens , as well as other "proto-humans" originated in Africa. That being the case, should we all call ourselves "African?" |
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analyt82 (f)
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- LuvinGuy, The people in Africa are black and that is where blacks in this the US. originated from so why not be called African-American. It's a true description.
If I'm right, I think it has something to do w/ the media outlet. Blacks see tribal people or people with face paint on TV talking in click languages and they feel its backward so they are ashamed to even associate themselves with Africa a lot of Black people have said this. So they feel ashamed and mock Africa.
Yes, that's what it seems like huh? All blacks were "not" just in Africa. We we also located in South America and other places. Check the history and ancient status, sweetie. N E way, I prefer to be called black b/c I've never been to Africa. African is a NATIONALITY, NOT a RACE. Yes, my ancestors may very well be from Africa or South America, etc, but I was born here. White people are not originally from America either, so would they be called English Americans? Canadian Americans? German American? If you're born in American, than you're an American. PERIOD. Nothing beyond that. That doesn't make you more or less than what you are. If you're concerned, research your roots and heritage and find out about them  . I'm not an African. I'm an American. If you were born in America, regardless of were your ancestors are, then you're an American. So, African American is not a "true" description b/c that's not my "nationality". If that was the case, then the only people who can be called Americans are the Indians. I don't think I'm better or worse than anyone. I'm not out of touch with myself or my past. I've researched as far back and I could, but some of my family records were dedestroyed  . I know who I am.
I'm NOT ashamed of my ancestors b/c if it wasn't for them and their perseverance, then we wouldn't have a road paved for us today.
[li][/li]
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analyt82 (f)
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@ LuvinGuy
When the media says All-American boy/girl you think of some blond haired blue eye girl with good looks and a great smile. With the All-American boy they are basically saying are north-western european features.
I agree with that!!
@ Drusilla
Everything in America is so raced, it could take decades literally to unrace us.
I hate to sound depressing, but at the rate we're going this might never happen.
@ Hero
Some folks not born into this American system have a hard time grasping just how astoundingly racially based this nations fabric is. ((EVERYTHING)) has a racial element to it in one way or another.
You're so right about that.
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lazy (m)
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- LuvinGuy, The people in Africa are black and that is where blacks in this the US. originated from so why not be called African-American. It's a true description.
If I'm right, I think it has something to do w/ the media outlet. Blacks see tribal people or people with face paint on TV talking in click languages and they feel its backward so they are ashamed to even associate themselves with Africa a lot of Black people have said this. So they feel ashamed and mock Africa.
Yes, that's what it seems like huh? All blacks were "not" just in Africa. We we also located in South America and other places. Check the history and ancient status, sweetie. N E way, I prefer to be called black b/c I've never been to Africa. African is a NATIONALITY, NOT a RACE. Yes, my ancestors may very well be from Africa or South America, etc, but I was born here. White people are not originally from America either, so would they be called English Americans? Canadian Americans? German American? If you're born in American, than you're an American. PERIOD. Nothing beyond that. That doesn't make you more or less than what you are. If you're concerned, research your roots and heritage and find out about them . I'm not an African. I'm an American. If you were born in America, regardless of were your ancestors are, then you're an American. So, African American is not a "true" description b/c that's not my "nationality". If that was the case, then the only people who can be called Americans are the Indians. I don't think I'm better or worse than anyone. I'm not out of touch with myself or my past. I've researched as far back and I could, but some of my family records were dedestroyed . I know who I am.
I'm NOT ashamed of my ancestors b/c if it wasn't for them and their perseverance, then we wouldn't have a road paved for us today.
[li][/li]
Well I have to disagree when you say African is a nationality. Nigerian would be a nationality because it is a nation-state but Africa is a continent. I personally don't like to classify myself by "racial" standards because we all know that there is no such thing. This was something created by European Scientists. I don't care if anyone refers to me as Negro, Colored, Black, etc, but all those are just substitutes to say some is African. Europeans from the moment they encountered people from Africa , they called Africans "Black" in some form. I think the term African American refers more to someones culture. I agree that anyone born in US is a citizen of the United States but as we know in the States the African American culture in many cases developed outside of what is known as (mainstream) European American culture. I consider myself an African because I descend from African people. From my research the enslaved population that came to the Western Hemisphere (North America, South America, and the Carribean) came from the continent of Africa. I know in history that Africans traveled outside the continent and it is shown around the world but they still came from Africa. |
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rookie (m)
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Lazy- Well I have to disagree when you say African is a nationality. Nigerian would be a nationality because it is a nation-state but Africa is a continent. Thank for spelling that out. Analyst82- Please note the above. |
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lazy (m)
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Lazy-Thank for spelling that out.
Analyst82- Please note the above.
You are welcome. People talk about Africa like it is a nation-state. It is a continent so it can't be a nationality. Race is a social construct that means nothing and if you choose to follow that social construct then I don't know how you can be Black and not African. The words in historical times from Greek "Ethiopian", "Moor", etc, all were meant to describe African people as Black in some form. The words used today Negro, Black, etc, are the same and meant to describe African people. Saying that you are African is not saying that you are a citizen of any country or nation-state. You are just saying that you are an African person. You still can be a citizen of any country and pronounce that as your Nationality. So you can be African and a citizen of the United States. |
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younghoodi (m)
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a black aa's a yoruba,i have read them and compare them,most of the slaves came from benin and southwest naija so they are yoruba.
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chiogo (f)
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@poster, i didn't quite get d topic but i just did. No, africans are not black. They are simply africans. African-americans are black!! Take for example if a white person wants to describe a person of color, they'd call him/her black because u have dark skin and there's no other way to put it since they don't know your nationality but really, d word "black" originated from slavery times, that was used for african slaves in the United States. When you go to Africa(like Nigeria), u don't hear people usin' d word black because Nigeria is not a united state like America, most people livin' in Nigeria are from Nigeria but America, bein' a diverse nation, uses such terms but really, u are only black if you're African-american accordin' to Debra Dickinson, an African-American writer. A nigerian is just an African/Nigerian but if u're born in the states, you're technically an African-American. I prefer to be called Nigerian.
AS for preferrin' to be called Blacks, idk about that, they(african-americans) are called both.
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lazy (m)
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@poster, i didn't quite get d topic but i just did. No, africans are not black. They are simply africans. African-americans are black!! Take for example if a white person wants to describe a person of color, they'd call him/her black because u have dark skin and there's no other way to put it since they don't know your nationality but really, d word "black" originated from slavery times, that was used for african slaves in the United States. When you go to Africa(like Nigeria), u don't hear people usin' d word black because Nigeria is not a united state like America, most people livin' in Nigeria are from Nigeria but America, bein' a diverse nation, uses such terms but really, u are only black if you're African-american accordin' to Debra Dickinson, an African-American writer. A nigerian is just an African/Nigerian but if u're born in the states, you're technically an African-American. I prefer to be called Nigerian.
AS for preferrin' to be called Blacks, idk about that, they(african-americans) are called both.
The word "Black" did not originate during the time of enslavement. It was created when Europeans came in contact with Africans thousands of years ago. They called them Black from Day 1. Now the way that Black is used today came out of creation of RACE which will take us to Darwinism and the whole Enlightenment period. The whole concept that there are White, Yellow, Red, Brown, and BLACK races of people. European Scientist created this. We know there is only the Human race and that was garbage. Now the idea that Black only relates to African Americans is nonsense and has no historical backing. Under the social construct of Race if you follow that, "Black" refers to anyone of "Sub-Saharan" ancestry. That African American Debra Dickinson has no idea what she is talking about. She needs to provide some documentation. The enslaved African people were not brought to the States only. In fact only around 5% of the total enslaved African population. Tthe rest went to the Carribean and South America. So even if you go with that slavery theory and that is where Black comes from, their are more "Blacks" outside of the States in the Western Hemisphere in the Carribean and South America. |
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chiogo (f)
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Lol, i want to clap for you now  well, you are right. I'm not sure about the "word black originatin' through slavery times" i just like to talk a lot but it's good how u pointed out that slavery was not only in the United states, it was in Europe as well. From what i've gathered, i guess d word "black" is only used in countries originally populated by whites but since people of color joined them, they termed them black. Hey, am not Debra Dickinson, up until the day we watched a movie in class where she analyzed that theory, i believed i was black. It doesn't matter anywayz because am not black, my skin is not black, it's brown neither are "white" people white 'cause they don't really have white skin, their skin is red/pink.They need to be shown what WHITE is, like them white t-shirts black boys wear, that is white and that is so not their color.
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lazy (m)
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Lol, i want to clap for you now well, you are right. I'm not sure about the "word black originatin' through slavery times" i just like to talk a lot but it's good how u pointed out that slavery was not only in the United states, it was in Europe as well. From what i've gathered, i guess d word "black" is only used in countries originally populated by whites but since people of color joined them, they termed them black. Hey, am not Debra Dickinson, up until the day we watched a movie in class where she analyzed that theory, i believed i was black. It doesn't matter anywayz because am not black, my skin is not black, it's brown neither are "white" people white 'cause they don't really have white skin, their skin is red/pink.They need to be shown what WHITE is, like them white t-shirts black boys wear, that is white and that is so not their color. LOL! You don't have to clap. It took me some time to learn that information and I learn more everyday. Yeah. I think people forget that the smallest portion of enslaved Africans were brought to the US. African people were spread out across the Western Hemisphere. Well I think I would phrase it that the word "Black" is only used in countries where "Whites" control it. I think in South Africa where obviously they didn't originally populate the area. They still had those classifications and called African people Black just like in the States. LOL! I wasn't trying to say that you were. I was just saying that whomever she is, that she needs to back up her statements. You are right that no one is part of the "Black Race". That is just a made up term. "White" people are not white they are those colors you said. |
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lanegra (f)
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The original poster calls "African-American" an "accurate description", but actually, a lot of black Americans would disagree. Many say that since they are not from Africa, and they know of no one in their family who was ever born in, or has so much as even been to, Africa, that they are not African.
Besides, when you say "African", that is kind of a general term. What is "African"? The term "African" is too vague, really. There is Nigerian, Ethiopian, Sudanese, Somalian, Moroccan, South African, Senegalese, etc. etc. I guess if someone takes a DNA test to find out which country specifically their ancestors most likely came from, then they could really have pride in calling themselves "African". But even then, it's only a conjecture, and not absolute 100% proof of where their ancestors likely came from,
Most "black Americans" have absolutely no idea where specifically their ancestors came from, or who they could relate to.
But you know what? Most of our immediate ancestors came from, America! We have many black American ancestors, as well as ancestors from Africa. So really, I don't know, I think we get too caught up in all of these terms anyway. I say, America is the great experiment, of bringing people from all cultures together. And calling ourselves, uniformly, "American". At least that's how it's SUPPOSED to be, in theory. And really, even the term "black" is questionable to many people.
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toshmann (m)
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The original poster calls "African-American" an "accurate description", but actually, a lot of black Americans would disagree. Many say that since they are not from Africa, and they know of no one in their family who was ever born in, or has so much as even been to, Africa, that they are not African.
And really, even the term "black" is questionable to many people.
african aint good, black aint good, what do you want to be called? confused? |
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almondjoy (f)
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Please, that is their own wahala abeg. Anything they want to call themselves is fine with me.
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Hero (m)
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african aint good, black aint good, what do you want to be called? confused?
EBANE. The new and final terminology in which the grand Negro proportionate people of these United States of America have settled upon just last week by a majority 3/4 vote--- is Ebane, standing for the " Extended Body of the American Negros Enslaved". With this new name and the meaning behind it there'll no longer be any mistaking over who is who. The Ebane congress has conceded to turning over the use of the African-American title to those individuals who are and or the descendants of African immigrants living here in the US. The black-American title will we addressed to all of the people of the Negro race whom are citizens of the US, no matter what nationality they are sub-part to. This is a truly historical achievement.  |
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toshmann (m)
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hmmmn, achievement. congrats. but is this not another divisive stuff. the thing with the west is that africa has been presented as a very despicable place that no one wants to associate with it. may be that is understandable, but is it enough to dislodge from your real history as strongly evidenced in your skin? so the blacks in the US have been further divided. when they should strive for unity as the only way they can achieve anything in that country. where does this place Obama? is he african american/ebane/half white/ . . . ? what of the blacks born in america whose parents or grand parents came from the islands. . eg jamaica. what will they be? i guess they wont want to be called african america too? africa is bad today. . . poverty et al, but i'm still african. will be till i die. and proudly too. i can't disregard my father just because he is old, ill and poor. my dad will still be my dad. same with my african roots. but all the same, cheers to the ebanes. if it will make y'all happy. . . . all good?  |
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zigbo (f)
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How can somebody boldly say AFRICAN IS A NATIONALITY NOT A RACE?  like seriously  that has got to be the dumbest thing i have ever heard, its like are u in such self denial that u totally wana reject everything that has to do with your black roots. first nd foremost Africa is a continent some of y'all need to get that pass your nappy head and into your thick skull. nywyz jst so u know, once u ve a black skin, nappy sorry wooly hair broad nose etc u are black which automatically makes u african whether u find your self in jupiter,saturn or the moon.lik wise if u've got slanty eyes u know like the chinese, japanese u know what i mean, u are asian and etc. all these does not take your "american heritage" from u. nd for all i care u who was born nd breed in america is no different from one who jst got or won an american lottery/citizenship but lived in nigeria all his/her life. that explains why Obama can possibly be the next president its quite funny i don't hear asian americans say "i'm not asian i'm american" bla bla. blacks, africans watever u wana call urselves u need to realise your self worth and who u are. obv. i'm so black u can't see me in the dark nt literally . .lol. .the only diff between me nd uhmm people like analyt83 etc is I KNOW WHO I AM |
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romeo (m)
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- LuvinGuy, The people in Africa are black and that is where blacks in this the US. originated from so why not be called African-American. It's a true description.
If I'm right, I think it has something to do w/ the media outlet. Blacks see tribal people or people with face paint on TV talking in click languages and they feel its backward so they are ashamed to even associate themselves with Africa a lot of Black people have said this. So they feel ashamed and mock Africa.
Yes, that's what it seems like huh? All blacks were "not" just in Africa. We we also located in South America and other places. Check the history and ancient status, sweetie. N E way, I prefer to be called black b/c I've never been to Africa. African is a NATIONALITY, NOT a RACE. Yes, my ancestors may very well be from Africa or South America, etc, but I was born here. White people are not originally from America either, so would they be called English Americans? Canadian Americans? German American? If you're born in American, than you're an American. PERIOD. Nothing beyond that. That doesn't make you more or less than what you are. If you're concerned, research your roots and heritage and find out about them . I'm not an African. I'm an American. If you were born in America, regardless of were your ancestors are, then you're an American. So, African American is not a "true" description b/c that's not my "nationality". If that was the case, then the only people who can be called Americans are the Indians. I don't think I'm better or worse than anyone. I'm not out of touch with myself or my past. I've researched as far back and I could, but some of my family records were dedestroyed . I know who I am.
I'm NOT ashamed of my ancestors b/c if it wasn't for them and their perseverance, then we wouldn't have a road paved for us today.
[li][/li]
girl you are dumb!!! lol  , where are you from? North or South Carolina? i still remember one miss from there that fucked up big time during pageant interview |
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lazy (m)
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How can somebody boldly say AFRICAN IS A NATIONALITY NOT A RACE? like seriously that has got to be the dumbest thing i have ever heard, its like are u in such self denial that u totally wana reject everything that has to do with your black roots. first nd foremost Africa is a continent some of y'all need to get that pass your nappy head and into your thick skull. nywyz jst so u know, once u ve a black skin, nappy sorry wooly hair broad nose etc u are black which automatically makes u african whether u find your self in jupiter,saturn or the moon.lik wise if u've got slanty eyes u know like the chinese, japanese u know what i mean, u are asian and etc. all these does not take your "american heritage" from u. nd for all i care u who was born nd breed in america is no different from one who jst got or won an american lottery/citizenship but lived in nigeria all his/her life. that explains why Obama can possibly be the next president its quite funny i don't hear asian americans say "i'm not asian i'm american" bla bla. blacks, africans watever u wana call urselves u need to realise your self worth and who u are. obv. i'm so black u can't see me in the dark nt literally . .lol. .the only diff between me nd uhmm people like analyt83 etc is I KNOW WHO I AMGreat Post! You are so right that Asian Americans don't say they are not Asian but "Yellow People" (Term given to Asians under the social construct Race) and vice versa that Asians still on the Asian continent don't say they are "Yellow People" and not Asian, LOL! <shaking my head> If you call yourself Black, then you are an African, What your Nationality is? That is what it says on your passport. |
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almondjoy (f)
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Because there is nothing "African" about them let's face it--just the color. Sometimes the color is questionable too. Since we have 'black" people in India also. They may have ancestors as "Africans", but are not Africans per se. Even 2nd generation children born of "African" parents are not "Africans". You assume the nationality of the country you were born and bred in. Simple! For example, my kids can never be "Africans" no marrrrrer how hard they practice it. They are always going to be "Black Americans"! Period! Nothing wrong with that at all. Be proud of your identity for everyone is special.  |
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lazy (m)
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Because there is nothing "African" about them let's face it--just the color. Sometimes the color is questionable too. Since we have 'black" people in India also. They may have ancestors as "Africans", but are not Africans per se. Even 2nd generation children born of "African" parents are not "Africans". You assume the nationality of the country you were born and bred in. Simple! For example, my kids can never be "Africans" no marrrrrer how hard they practice it. They are always going to be "Black Americans"! Period! Nothing wrong with that at all. Be proud of your identity for everyone is special. I am trying to follow you logic, If we go by what you are saying, Are Asian Americans, now supposed to be called Yellow Americans? I think you are mixed up with different ways of classifying people. You used 3 different classifications in your statement above and I don't think you understand the differences in what they are. One is by Racial classification, which is: WHITE YELLOW RED BROWN BLACK The other way is by Geographical locations of indigenous populations after the original migration out of Africa by Homo Sapiens. I will give examples below: European Asian African American (I am not talking about US citizens but the Sioux, Seminoles, Cherokee, Powhatan, Aztecs, Incas, etc.) Another classification of people is by Nation State (your Nationality/Citizenship), here are some examples: Nigerian American (US Citizen) Canadian There are many other ways that the human species is classified. I could go into Ethnicity but I think you get the point. Everyone has a classification in each of these groups. |
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