Black or African American?  

I agree we certainly don't refer to yellow Americans, of red Americans why should we say black Americans. If you are an American that is what you are.

I can very easily see your view point. They don't insist on saying English American, or French American. It hurts me to feel that I have to walk on eggshells and refer to certain races by their color or nationality. 4 of my great grandchildren are "half black"? Nope! they're just my great grandchildren. Why isn't that enough? Generation after generation of their fathers' families were born here, just like generation after generation of their mothers' families were.

Hi Marian,
Just last night I was reading oveer your profile a little bit. I was going through my friends to delete any that weren't participating anymore. I'm glad I didn't delete you.
Your post hit me as a truth well said. I understand what you are saying and I agree with your with your line of thinking. What I don't understand is why some feel the need to complicate the issue. As you said, you are a Black American, I am a white American. Where is the question in that simple statement? My heritage is a combination of Ethnicities but the bottom line is I'm a White American. If you and I stand face to face, the obvious facts are you are Black and I am White. No brainer. But as a friend on Mylot, all I would want to know is how you are and what are we going to do to entertain ourselves in our first meeting. Iwould be there to meet you not to find out if you consider yourself African American or Black! There is so much more important things to learn about you, my new friend, than that. Thankyou for your post, it was much appreciated. Hugss
leenie

I have to say that I agree with you 100%. If one is born here then they're an american but if they were born elsewhere and come here and apply for citizenship, then they're what ever the country/race and then american. Being a white person, I do understand your plight to make your ancestors proud because of the fight they fought for your freedom however, as long as we're not the blame or hated because it wasn't us who did the awful things but our ancestors are the ones who were so barbaric. I'm so happy things have changed for the better. Now if only we could show the world how to get along no matter what race a person is.

This was very well said. An American is an American and a foreigner a foreigner. Not all black people even have decendants from Africa. Yeah I know go figure that one out!

I'm actually a "Japanese American". I've never lived in Japan either but my relatives are from there. During the second war JAs struggled through internment camps and discrimination and they fought for our country, but MY personal ancestors were in Japan during those times as the 'enemy'. Some JAs don't like first generation babies to be considered the same as them because they fought against those grandparents. So there are different meanings if you are a Japanese American. People become confused when I answer that I'm American when they ask for my nationality.

Hi marian! I think what you wrote was quite eloquent and to
the point! You have the right to be considered an American
as that is what you are! I agree with you that there is no need
to attach anything else to it! I am White or Caucasian, but
I too am an American! I don't feel the need to bring color or
race or nationality into the mix either! My boyfriend is Black.
He refers to himself as an African American. If that makes him
feel better so beit! I guess it depends on who you speak to
and how they feel about themselves. My boyfriend and his family
were all born here so I have no idea why he refers to himself
that way. But, I leave it at that. I am a huge fan of Whoopi's
and I commend her for speaking out on how she feels too! I wish
that everyone was on the same page about this, but everyone
has the right to think and say whatever they want to. As long
as we all know that we are Americans and that is the most
important thing to remember! Thank you marian for being honest
and for giving such a thoughtful and intelligent view on such an important
topic!

Well said!

I have to agree with everything you stated here.

I also saw in another comment from you about a job application that you would write "human" under race... I had to laugh because at times I myself wonder why these applications still ask what race someone is... why does it matter? I think that should be taking off applications...

Anyway, good post!

well i would say black but i have found that more people get irritated when i called them black than african american so i just started calling them african american.. i think its stupid because like you said its your ancestors and heck no one really is from here except for the native americans yet no one calls me irish american or italian american etc.. but i figure i will call people what they wont be offended by so that is my reasoning behind saying one adn not the other

Hi.I am a Chinese,and my girlfriend is Muslem and has a different blooding with normal Chinese;we are living in China.We dont call her Muslem Chinese,besause we are living in the same country.More important, we are growing up in the Chinese-culture.We have no different in our life including job,education except some living habit.
In my opinion,Amirica is a more free and just country,so all the people there should be equal.
I believe that culture is the most important factor. If your are growing up in American culture, you are American. No doubt about it!