How is "African American" a "politically correct" term to describe "black" people?

I'm black dude. The black people that haven't been brainwashed by this PC bullsh*t will tell you straight up that they are black. Too many freedom fighters fought long and hard to make sure that this word was not something to be ashamed of. Now some white liberal or a sold out black "leader" wants to turn back the hands of time and make black a shameful word again.

It's ironic the way history repeats itself.

Read leslienicole01's answer. It proves my point. I won't give her a thumbs down, but it proves my point exactly.

Personally, I think like your friend. I'm not from Africa so I can't be an African American. That would make black Africans who become American citizens, African African Americans. But I can't speak for everyone, so your best bet as a number of people have suggested is go with the term African American and when you get to know the person better, you can ask them their preference if you like. Just stay away from any word that can be misconstrued as a slur. As for Wendy1......what are you talking about? Your answer doesn't go with the question.

I agree that "African American" is not politically correct. Black would be the more politically correct term to use, but I'm really not that concerned about it. I don't understand why people get in such a fuss over it.

"Did you guys know S. Africa was colonized by the British and before that, the Dutch?"

Yes, they stole the land from the native inhabitants just like the Europeans did here in North America. Then came the apartheid.

Good question, well thought out

If i'm being specific, I'll say i'm Black British as, gee, i'm black and ooh, I live in Britain! Simple really! I don't like the term coloured but understand people use it from a generational perspective. I am a black girl. Nothing more nothing less. To be labelled anything else is PC appeasing nonsense!

What I despise is Equal opportunities forms- which i never fill out on principal. When im asked why I haven't filled it out I stress the MLK line of 'judge me by the content of my character not the colour of my skin' it normally shuts these idiot PC types up.

Best question of the day hitherto.

I'm pretty sure the PC term for an American black is a 'black person', just as the PC term for an American white is a 'white person'.

African American is correct though for people that have recent African descent, such as Obama.

During the last decade or so, it has become very fashionable to be a HYPHENATED american. Why, I'm not sure, but wouldn't consider it beyond the realm of placing all people into some form of racial/social hierarchy.

Thinking of my own lineage, I sure wouldn't want to be labeled as: Welsh-German-American (I don't use European-American, as the British Isles are not properly part of Europe) and simply prefer American, without any racist connotations being placed upon me.

If someone , anyone wants to advertise their nationality they should say it this way, American of Dutch decent, American of African decent, American of German decent etc.

This bit of African American is nothing more than a way to continue a racial divide among people and further if you want to be a part of and live in this country , then why not just American citizen ?

I've always had an issue with the hyphenated American crap. We are Americans period. But to answer your question I think if black people knew where they come from in Africa like most white people know where their ancestors come from in Europe you when then see black people saying Nigerian American or Kenyan American like you have white people saying Irish American or German American etc. I just want to be an American I don't even like Europe.

You bring up a good point, it isn't politically correct. People need to sit down, and re-think this one. In the mean time, I'll continue to call "Black African Americans" black. After all, black folk call "White People," whites...

I have a hard time using the term African American due to my race studies... but since I am white I say it not to offend anyone. I would prefer to live in a place where race is not a factor... since that's not the case and society loves labels... I like Chocolate ;)