While the term 'African American' may seem nothing more than a PC term for 'blacks,' it does carry a signficant amount of social implications. It is inappropriate and quite uneducated to assume that an entire group of people should be degraded to the description of a color, namely black. The term is referring to an entire race of people who have historically undergone discrimination, oppression, segregation and slavery in THIS country for over 3 centuries. Thus, the label 'African American' subsequently emerged as a response to the overwhelming amount of racism still prevalent in modern society. It attempts to erradicate previous racist notions that non-whites are somehow (even biologically) inferior to whites. It also attempts to provide them with a certain heritage as well as a respect for a socially disadvantaged group who still face de facto discrimination. (side note- I am not black or African American, I am actually a member of a privileged race, for those of you who think only a 'black' person should give a damn about the subordination of others, and the violation of our Constitution's equal protection clauses- see 14th amendment. Feel free to look up any terms you may be confused about- in fact, they designed wikipedia for ignorant individuals such as yourself)
Educated people, or perhaps only Harvard grads, do not refer to others in terms of the amount of melanin in their skin. They have moved beyond, or evolved so to speak, PAST the concept of race. Connotating 'African-American' with one's actual descent is not only irrational, but clearly misses the point. Caucasians are presumed to be of European decent, wheras the majority cannot afford a passport to travel outside of the U.S. border.
by E. Gardener May 15, 2007
Get the african-americanmug. A very derogatory and almost obsolete way to refer to a nigger. This term was most often used in the south during the days of slavery, before the NAACP told us that "nigger" was a friendlier way to refer to these people.
Hey look at all of those african.... oh um i mean niggers on the side of the street trying to steal that guy's car.
(african-american)
(african-american)
by Rosa Parks II February 3, 2010
Get the african-americanmug. A word obviously disliked by most of the people on urban dictionary for being 'politically correct'. While that may be true, it is no less 'proper english' than the use of the word black for people who are usually varying shades of brown and tan.
If the word is so detestable maybe we shouldn't use hypenated-american terms at all. Should we refer to chinese americans as yellows now? Or JFK as the first redhead catholic president?
The truth is that african-american is suited to some situations and black is suited to other situations. Just like caucasian americans are routinely refered to both as white and by terms like 'english-american'. Just because africans were brought on ships hundreds of years ago doesn't make that heritage any less important to a black person as european heritage to a white person.
If the word is so detestable maybe we shouldn't use hypenated-american terms at all. Should we refer to chinese americans as yellows now? Or JFK as the first redhead catholic president?
The truth is that african-american is suited to some situations and black is suited to other situations. Just like caucasian americans are routinely refered to both as white and by terms like 'english-american'. Just because africans were brought on ships hundreds of years ago doesn't make that heritage any less important to a black person as european heritage to a white person.
"Look at me. I'm black. Look at my black skin" - Colin Powell
African is a useful term for implying geographical heritage. There are people in South East Asia who for all purposes look like what we know as 'black people'. When refering to the geographical origin of the american black population african-american is a useful term.
African is a useful term for implying geographical heritage. There are people in South East Asia who for all purposes look like what we know as 'black people'. When refering to the geographical origin of the american black population african-american is a useful term.
by Barry .S. Truman April 26, 2009
Get the african-americanmug. Black Americans who are now citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa. African American.
by Act right May 22, 2009
Get the African Americanmug. Is a person of African descent ,meaning ancestors were of African heritage, that is born in America. America is where the individual was born therefore that makes them "American" as well as a African because of their roots. It is the political correct term of how to identify a person of African descent that is born in America.
Carlton's great grandmother was from Africa, but he was born on American soil to two African American parents that were born in the United States. Therefore he is African American.
by grad201011 March 14, 2010
Get the African Americanmug. A word mistakingly used everyday. Im a white guy, and I could technically be a african american if I was born in Africa, and thus, immigrate to America.
Though black peoples roots are in Africa, they themselves were not born there. So that just makes them American, like everyone else born here.
Though black peoples roots are in Africa, they themselves were not born there. So that just makes them American, like everyone else born here.
I have a mostly german/scottish/irish/ french background, my roots are in europe, thus am I european American? Nah, im just American, because I was born here.
by Not Zane October 4, 2004
Get the African-Americanmug. A term wrongly used to give identity to, any black person in America.
African American was actually meant to give an ETHNIC identity to blacks who are descendants of (Black) African slaves who were brought to the United States. This term excludes Black Jamaicans, Nigerians, Kenyans, Black Dominicans,etc.....
SOME Whites, and sometimes other non-blacks are afraid to call us black, so in any professional setting they will say African American. Other whites claim it's unfair, because they won't get called European American, but really it's the same thing as calling whites from Italy Italian, and Asians from China Chinese. Hell nobody complains about East Asians being called Asian, even though not all Asians are of the same race.
Most African Americans can not trace our African roots back to any particular country/tribe so Africa is used, as the substitute.
Oh and that guy who said it more offensive to be called AA than N*gger is a complete dumbass
African American was actually meant to give an ETHNIC identity to blacks who are descendants of (Black) African slaves who were brought to the United States. This term excludes Black Jamaicans, Nigerians, Kenyans, Black Dominicans,etc.....
SOME Whites, and sometimes other non-blacks are afraid to call us black, so in any professional setting they will say African American. Other whites claim it's unfair, because they won't get called European American, but really it's the same thing as calling whites from Italy Italian, and Asians from China Chinese. Hell nobody complains about East Asians being called Asian, even though not all Asians are of the same race.
Most African Americans can not trace our African roots back to any particular country/tribe so Africa is used, as the substitute.
Oh and that guy who said it more offensive to be called AA than N*gger is a complete dumbass
Bob: Barack Obama is the first African American president
Terrance: Nope, he's the first Kenyan American president.
Terrance: Nope, he's the first Kenyan American president.
by TheOneGMan July 13, 2010
Get the African Americanmug.