Black or African American?
@marianstallings (201)
United States
February 19, 2009 11:12am CST
I was watching the View today (still am) and they were talking about the heated discussions they've had in the past. Whoopi mentioned the debate they had on the fact that she prefers to be called black not African American. I was pleasantly surprised because I thought I was the only one who was bothered by being called African American. My stance is this...some of my ancestors were brought over here on the deck of the boat and some were brought over packed like sardines under the deck. Both went through a lot to get here and both fought for my rights to stay here and life free. The one's on the top deck were escaping religious persecution and the one's underneath were bought and then sold here.
The slaves fought for this country, the right to be free and the right to be called Americans. I owe my ancestors...the various white ones and the various black ones, to own my American heritage. I think we all owe it to our ancestors, especially those who fought for equality for all of us, to proclaim ourselves Americans. The only artificial (for lack of a better term) American is the foreigner. If one ventures over to this country, applies for citizenship and is awarded citizenship then at that point he is an artificial or prefix American and he is more than welcomed. You can be African, Polish, French, Mexican, etc., if you become a citizen then you are African, Polish or whatever - American. I'm not a prefix American. I was born here. I'm simply American. If you must know attach a prefix to American then Black American is enough. I understand the melting pot and needing to know how many of which shades are milling around the country for census purposes, but if we want to be exact then I'm not Black American either, I'm more of a Caramel Mocha American. But I won't split hairs.
I have never been to Africa, not that I don't want to go, many of my relatives have gone there for vacation, but I can't afford it. I do know that when they were there they were still considered Americans, not an Africans. I'm not African and can't claim it as my own. I have no desire to become a citizen of any country in Africa nor do I feel the need to find my original roots in Africa. I have roots in almost every country (apparently my ancestors on my father's side were loose little rabbits)
There was a lot of blood spilled and a lot of injustices to overcome for me to not own my country. I am American and proud of it! Which do you prefer and why? All Americans are welcome to reply and voice their opinions? Foreigners can reply too. I would be curious as to whether these various titles are attached in other parts of the world.
5 people like this
14 responses
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
19 Feb 09
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.
2 people like this
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
19 Feb 09
Don't feel obligated. Stay above the fray. I try to avoid the distinctions as much as possible. I'm successful a good deal of the time but it is hard when you get dragged down that road.
1 person likes this
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
19 Feb 09
Thanks for replying...I still ask myself that question.
2 people like this
@Foxxee (3651)
• United States
20 Feb 09
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!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157552)
• United States
18 Apr 09
I think that somewhere there is still something that allows extra Federal money for different races (affirmative action?) or maybe it is just brownie points now. It is not fair to anyone involved though to award or withhold funding or jobs because of genetics.
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
20 Feb 09
I agree. We don't need to know exactly what type of American someone is. All we need to know is if they are legal citizens and qualified for the position.
1 person likes this
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
20 Feb 09
I tend to say African American in more formal settings like academia or conferences. I tend to call myself black in more community based settings or, to be honest, settings where there are not quite so many white people. I think all this controversy is good for African Americans as a people. We are at least talking amongst ourselves about what we want to call ourselves and naming is critical to empowerment I think.
1 person likes this
@gwoman2 (710)
• United States
20 Feb 09
Hi marianstallings,
when filling out an application for employment or anything else for that matter always remember that you do have a choice...it is against the law to ask these questions unless you are from the census...and on any application, you do not need to answer that question.
What about me? Well I am Puerto Rican, raised in the Bronx, NY but when I fill out apps I'm not given the choice of PR to the world I am Hispanic...I feel this is wrong and so I cross out Hispanic and add Puerto Rican!! It really does make a difference, to me anyway...I am not Columbian, Dominican, Cuban, or Mexican I am Puerto Rican because I was born in Puerto Rico, which of course makes me American since we are a commonwealth of the United States of America I was American the minute I was born!! Still I see where you are coming from and full agree with your opinion. Just want to point out to one of your responders that it took 100 years to get from N---- to Black and 100 more from Black to African American!
Thanks for the post, very interesting!
~G~
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
20 Feb 09
Thanks for the post. Now if we can get just get from African American to American. I'd be happy! I always wondered how the many different Hispanics feel about being lumped all together. You're pretty much in the same boat I'm in. If they're going to label, at least be accurate. If you can't be accurate then don't try to distinguish.
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
20 Feb 09
That's another thing I don't appreciate. Why do they need to know what type of American I am to decide whether or not I'm qualified for a position. If I'm a legal citizen and qualified then that's all they need to know to grant me an interview. I don't appreciate being asked on every job application what nationality or race I am. If they are lacking person's of color, are they going to pick me because of my skin tone. I hope not. I don't want to be the one in the middle of a meeting with "Token" stamped on my forehead. I want to be the one with "Top Dog" stamped on my forehead. I don't want there to be any question that I belong and am well qualified. I want to bring something to the table that's not tainted with questions of my abilities. I think that's a major injustice to anyone who works hard for what they want and relishes in the challenges of getting ahead.
1 person likes this
@urbandekay (18278)
•
20 Feb 09
The term 'African American' has always seemed odd to me but, as a European, perhaps, for very different reasons.
What do those that choose this denotation have in common with Africans? And which Africans? Are they bush people of the Kalahari? Berbers of North Africa, white South Africans? Bantu, Nilotics?
And the Africans I know feel no particular kinship with those Americans of African descent, in fact, if truth be told they often express dislike for them.
all the best urban
1 person likes this
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
20 Feb 09
Wow, I could be Berber American or Bantu American! If that were the case I guess I wouldn't mind. I just don't like the generalization that I'm from Africa just because my skin is dark; especially since I've never even been to Africa. Now if I could narrow my ancestors down to a particular place and I were a first, second or third generation immigrant then yes, I'd claim the original place but since some of my ancestors have been here forever, yes, I'm also Native American then I'm American all the way, if I can't claim the Native American side, I'm not claiming any. I'm American.
1 person likes this
@moonlitmagikchild (22181)
• United States
20 Feb 09
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
1 person likes this
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
20 Feb 09
I agree. I wouldn't want to offend so if someone feels more comfortable being labeled as oppose to just being, then to each his own. Call them whatever they like. I prefer to concentrate on things of substance like one's personality and morality. But hey, some people sweat the small stuff so do what keeps you out of their cross hairs!
1 person likes this
@ScarletAlston (2693)
• United States
27 Apr 09
I always took part in these discussions in college as well as among friends and family and I say that being called "African American" never sounded right to me. I might have ancestors there, but who the heck knows. I am from New Orleans by way of China and I now live in Jersey. I know nothing about Africa and if I never made it there, I am cool with that. However, I do consider Africans my people. My thing is, I don't have a problem with folks referring to us as "African Americans" because some people that aren't black just won't say black and I find that hilarious. I just have the issue with folks that refer to us as "Blacks". This is not acceptable to me because I don't know anybody that calls white people "Whites" or Anybody of Latin descent any of the names they have been called over the years...who's idea was it to say "blacks" anyway? Just sounds like some type of freakin' cookie or car or something. Nobody calls white folks Caucasian-American, but I notice every other race has American tacked on the end like we are all just priviledged to be here or something. I just had to get that out...
@GardenGerty (157552)
• United States
18 Apr 09
This just brings to mind how some people who are not very culturally aware would get all confused when they were told that some people were South Africans, and those people had white skin. It is about citizenship, just like you said, rather than genetics. I am American, through and through. I am Native American ( a little) and many more things as well. My genetic heritage is German, Scots, Irish, English,Welsh, Jewish, French, Swedish, as well as the previously mentioned Native American. There may even be a few more I do not know about. I too was born in America, so we can be Americans together.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
19 Feb 09
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.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
19 Feb 09
LOL There's just no one size fits all, is there? Now find that memo!! Where is it? LOL
1 person likes this
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
19 Feb 09
That's exactly it. American is American. I think all of this labeling is political. I don't recall being asked what I would like to be called, it just appeared out of nowhere. I woke up African American and I don't know how it happened. I didn't get the memo!
2 people like this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
19 Feb 09
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
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
20 Feb 09
Don't worry Marian, I certainly won't delete you. I haven't been taking care of my friends lately because of my computer problems. It's been so frustrating. We all have lives outside of mylot and we all know this. We'll be here when we can.
leenie
1 person likes this
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
19 Feb 09
Thank you. I'm glad you didn't delete me! I've been busy with school and taxes. I may be off the radar for a bit after today. School work is due by Saturday at midnight. I'll get back on though. I like to write and comment so if you don't see me for awhile it's probably because school is kicking my butt, but I'll be back.
1 person likes this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
20 Feb 09
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!
1 person likes this
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
20 Feb 09
I think some people jump on the bandwagon when something comes along because they like to feel included. Some people depending on how old (or young) they are, don't really know anything else. I was around when we were Afro American. I didn't like that one either. What am I, a hair-do? We just need to be comfortable being Americans. Nothing more, nothing less.
1 person likes this
@Lore2009 (7378)
• United States
19 Feb 09
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.
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
19 Feb 09
You were born here so you're American. Let them figure it out. It's not difficult. The only way I'd question someone as an American is if they have an accent. Sometimes that's not even a tell because some cultures are extremely segregated and only converse amongst themselves (which is an injustice to themselves, but that's another post). If someone tells me their American, I'm fine. That's all I need to know. I may ask further questions if I'm surrounded by people who don't speak a word of English but other than that, I don't need to know which type of American, usually it's obvious or it's not really important.
1 person likes this
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
19 Feb 09
Well the way I hear it...The Garden Of Eden was somewhere in Africa so if we want to go back as far as Adam and Eve, I guess we all came from Africa. So I guess that means we're all related, also. There were only two of them to start, so there was some sort of incest going on for 2 people to turn into billions. Oh great, I just grossed myself out!
1 person likes this
@vzihan (145)
• China
20 Feb 09
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!
1 person likes this
@marianstallings (201)
• United States
20 Feb 09
Agreed. Being born in America and living the American culture pretty much makes you American. Because American is a melting pot we have a little of every culture in every household which is in essence what makes America, American. I eat lasagna, pierogies, burritos, crepes, greek chicken, etc. I adopt any good food into my diet! I will go to any show just as long as it's entertaining. I incorporate as much culture into my little world as I can because I want to know what other people are doing, eating and thinking.
1 person likes this
