Why say African American?

Why say anything that hyphenates American??? Can't they simply be Americans???? Do we have to be black and white and yellow and all of this other bullshit? The only people concerned with such designations are racist people.

well heres how i see it. There are many different types of blacks in this country and they are not the same. There are black hispanics. There are blacks from africa and the islands like jamaica. For me its just to be clear on their roots and where they come from. But to be honest i don't find the term "black" to be offensive. The only people who seem the use the word "african american" are uptight anglo whites who don't want to offend people even though they constanley offend us by being who they are.

I'm a rambling man

I call myself Irish American because my ancestors are from Ireland. I think saying African American conveys respect for African ancestry. In the past, many people regarded African as inferior and I'm glad that that attitude is rapidly changing!

There are ever changing rules about what to call people of color. we can't call them ******* or ****** It's hard to find the most acceptable politically correct thing to call "darkies." "blacks" are the current preferred word. Or "African American."

when with other white people, I call them "jungle bunny's". Careful look look over my shoulders and make sure there are no dark complected people around within earshot.

Im black but i dont like being called african american, i think its racist and im not from africa!! that is sooo true...

i prefer just being called black..

ps..most of my ancestors are scotish and irish but i dont say anything because i dont think it matters..im still american..

aaaand exactly what percentage of Caucasians are actually from the Caucasus Mountain Region?

I for the life of me, can not understand why white folks are concerned about how African Americans refer to themselves...

No, you say caucasian for yourself. In case you didn't notice, they aren't actually black. They should be called what they want to be called. Perhaps they are proud of their African heritage...and they have every right to be.

It's the sound. It sounds much better, more sophisticated.

haha i call them black

They think it makes them sound more distinguished.

It doesn't.