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"African American" - 11/16/2008 8:51:45 PM

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No, this isn't a race discussion, sorry.

I was just looking at a profile and the person was from the UK and their ethnicity was listed as "African American". Having been born in the UK to an African father and African mother, what's American about that? Hell, even people from Africa have to label themselves "African American" even if they've never been to the States!

Perhaps it should be changed to "African". Just a thought. I realize the site probably needs a lot of things changed, and I realize this probably won't even get this one small thing changed, but I'm the kind of person who needs to mention something when it seems wrong. So there it is.

Side note: at least they didn't add "East" on the beginning of "Indian", as there is nothing "East" about people from India other than the fact that India is considered to be East of the USA.

EDIT: Spelling mistake.

< Message edited by NormalOutside -- 11/16/2008 8:53:13 PM >

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RE: "African American" - 11/16/2008 8:55:33 PM

MzMia

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I can't help you on this one, I am Black, and all
the other people that I know that are Black call themselves Black.
I have Black friends that have your skin color, and even if they have
green eyes, they call themselves "Black".

I can count the people on one hand that are Black and call themselves
African American these days.

African American, Negro and Colored are all played out.
Peace

< Message edited by MzMia -- 11/16/2008 8:56:30 PM >

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RE: "African American" - 11/16/2008 8:59:10 PM

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The confusion with the term "East Indian" has to do with the mistake of calling Native Peoples of the Americas, "Indians".

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RE: "African American" - 11/16/2008 9:00:42 PM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: MzMia
I can't help you on this one, I am Black

I can't tell if you agree or if you disagree that "African American" should be changed to something else.

Also, is "black" capitalized to show that you don't mean the colour, you mean the ethnicity?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Vendaval
The confusion with the term "East Indian" has to do with the mistake of calling Native Peoples of the Americas, "Indians".

True.

< Message edited by NormalOutside -- 11/16/2008 9:01:07 PM >

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RE: "African American" - 11/16/2008 9:02:49 PM

MzMia

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quote:

ORIGINAL: NormalOutside

quote:

ORIGINAL: MzMia
I can't help you on this one, I am Black

I can't tell if you agree or if you disagree that "African American" should be changed to something else.

Also, is "black" capitalized to show that you don't mean the colour, you mean the ethnicity?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Vendaval
The confusion with the term "East Indian" has to do with the mistake of calling Native Peoples of the Americas, "Indians".

True.

Personally, I DESPISE the term "African American".
Africa is a continent not a country.
Many American Black people do NOT know exactly what
country their ancestors came from!
At least give me a country!
Ethopian American, Nigerian American, not fucking African American.

How many people call themselves European Americans?
Yes, I capitalize Black and White, when talking about race.

< Message edited by MzMia -- 11/16/2008 9:05:17 PM >

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RE: "African American" - 11/16/2008 9:03:03 PM

Usako

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As an old history teacher once said, it should be changed to "American from African descent" and of course the word "American" can be changed to whatever country they were born in.

But then that would require too many drop down menus or, actually having a fill in box. Not really something I've noticed or cared about, some people are just nit picky. Why on the lovely "fetlife suggestions" group people want a goddamn drop box for EVERYTHING because they're so picky about lables.

< Message edited by Usako -- 11/16/2008 9:43:34 PM >

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RE: "African American" - 11/16/2008 9:07:22 PM

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It's just nice to be able to pick from a list of things that actually makes sense, Usako. If you can't pick yourself out of a list, there should be the option for free text instead. Then, someone could refer to themselves as African American, Black, African, or any other combination they wanted.

Granted, I'm pretty easy to categorize that way - White or Caucasian seems to fit just fine. But I'm thinking about the people who aren't in the same boat, and don't have any good option up there.

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RE: "African American" - 11/16/2008 9:49:22 PM

Usako

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The list will NEVER make sence so people just have to pick the closest thing. You fill out paper work and they either say African American or Black...whichever term they want to throw in there. That doesn't account for half black/half white or half black, part Hispanic and part Indian. You can't pleast 100% of the people 100% of the time, which is why people have the choice of "other" or sometimes even "mixed." Though that doesn't take into account someone who's half and half but only calls themself by the lable of one half and not the other.

It's either drop down box of doom which is messy or a fill in box; or people choose the closest answer and then explain in detail how they feel in their profile.

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 12:25:43 AM

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honestly i just refer to myself as "other"
i don't like "black," i don't like "african american," i don't like any of those things. race is a fallacy based on inconsistent characteristics with colonialist motivations. granted there are differences between different groups of people, but we're all part of the HUMAN race. we can all interbreed, blah blah blah =p it's silly
i'm part black, part irish, part french, part native, part whatever else, so i just don't agree with calling myself "african american," just "american." my family does have a vague idea of where our african ancestors came from, but it's all really general.

as far as east indians go, well there is an eastern side of india =p i believe there are language differences there? (unless i'm thinking of some other place.) and as was previously mentioned, when the explorers who "discovered" america called the native people here "indians," it caused a whole ripple effect of mistakes and crazy hyphenations =p

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 1:22:14 AM

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When I first saw this I said to myself "Not with a ten foot pole", that I would most likely get kicked off here for good. But now that I see the subject I see what you mean.

First of all America is a continent, not a country. US Citizens and those of Canada and Mexico, or Bolivia for that matter are just as much American as us true red white and blue scourges of the Earth. As has been pointed out, Africa is also a continent. Europe is another.

Now folks, boats were invented a very long time ago and people used to get on them and travel. I knew a guy who had two African Parents and was totally white as a sheet. I know a Woman from Hungary (she is quite old now) with skin as black as coal, I mean blacker than most Black people. Notice the capitalisation of the word in relation to when it was used.

I know that's not the main poiont so I shall now segue into the next part. I guess I would be called a Euro-American, but that tells you nothing. Am I Polak, Italian, German or what ? You might know from my other posts but not right here and now. Similarly is a Black person of African descent a Kenyan-American or a Rwandan-American or what ? I work (or worked) with a guy who is West African, actually from West Africa. However there is no such country as West Africa. He certainly exists though. His skin happens to be dark, and his first language was French.

Most of us, if we are not Native American descent our ancestors came here for a better life. Those whos' ancestors were brought here as slaves may be a different story, but really most are better off here than if they had been left alone. In fact there were White slaves, and at one time part of this country was a penal colony, somewhat like Guyana used to be.

I think it a good thing to know one's heritage. Those whos' ancestors were brought here as slaves are at a terrible disadvantage in that respect. Tell you one guy I'd like to meet is Alex Haley. I don't see how the hell he found out all that about his heritage. The Man obviously has something between the ears, and I watched Roots enthusiastically.

I know people who put Euro-American on job applications, and they got queried about it. They also got the job but that is beside the point. I can call myself a Euro-American because it is true, but what does that tell you ? Pretty much nothing.

I consider myself lucky to know my heritage, learning about it from Parents and Grandparents, but some are not so lucky. Descendants of slaves, adoptees and orphans could have a very tough time finding out. It was interesting to hear about the "old country".

I would like to help everyone find out about their heritage, but it is completely out of my field of expertise. I can do nothing.

If you cut out everything and just get down to it, we are Americans (over here I mean, I know we got people from other countries in CM). What's more, the US means the United States Of America, and we tend to bandy the term "American" about like it is going out of style. The President is going to save "American" jobs. That means Mexico and Canada as well as Venezuela and a bunch of others.

I am an American, born in the USA in the country/territory of Ohio. The fact that Ohio is not a state is not a debate that I wish to revisit at this time. But the fact that I was born in the US is really all that matters now.

Of course we are not equal. Never were, equality is a myth. We all should get the same chances though, equal application of law, opportunities based solely on merit, all that. But I am not equal to a crackhead living under a bridge of any race.

So call yourself an American, that others may know that is the first and foremost in your mind. Call yourself a US Citizen (note the capitalisation) and even with these tough times ahead, that is still what I am and many others.

Actually, something that I have not mentioned before is that I am descendant from royalty. The point is, what does that do for me ? Absolutley nothing. It doesn't matter if my ancestors sucked pond scum or played polo, it is what I do that counts.

So Americans, Europeans, Africans, Asians, Antarcicans whatever, welcome to Earth, third rock from the sun.

T

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 3:13:34 AM

Rule

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quote:

ORIGINAL: NormalOutside
India is considered to be East of the USA.

Indeed?

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 3:17:49 AM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Usako

As an old history teacher once said, it should be changed to "American from African descent" and of course the word "American" can be changed to whatever country they were born in.

But then that would require too many drop down menus or, actually having a fill in box. Not really something I've noticed or cared about, some people are just nit picky. Why on the lovely "fetlife suggestions" group people want a goddamn drop box for EVERYTHING because they're so picky about lables.

My ex was from Haiti. As far as she knew her family had been there for generations. She hated the term African-American and would get rather irrate when anyone called her that. Can't say I blame her.

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 3:36:11 AM

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That is kinda what I am talking about boi, there have been boats for a long time, and you just can't tell. If you called me Italian for example I might look at you funny, like you're some kind of a nut. I mean I can't lay a stick of cement. Wait a minute, that stuff doesn't come in sticks, WTF am I talking about ?

Oh, that's the Polak in me, you know the plumber/electrician type.

Bet you couldn't tell by looking though.

T

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 3:39:33 AM

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quote:

I was just looking at a profile and the person was from the UK and their ethnicity was listed as "African American". Having been born in the UK to an African father and African mother, what's American about that? Hell, even people from Africa have to label themselves "African American" even if they've never been to the States!

Sounds to me like the number of choices given might be inadequate. i've seen Euro-Caribbean...Euro-African on other sites...and of course, a person can always use "other" and explain later i suppose. There is no perfect system.

i am of mixed heritage, but i like the term African-American, because it links me with a culture i know little about simply because part of my heritage was stolen from me via the diaspora. That's a fact, not the fault of anyone living today. So that "African" part, is a reminder of where i come from, and yes, it's a continent...but somewhere on that continent, a significant, and missing part of my story began.

~african-american slut

< Message edited by lronitulstahp -- 11/17/2008 3:40:22 AM >

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 6:42:02 AM

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..hmm. Being that I have over 1 missing tooth- it is harder to verbalize that word. With the missing tooth- one has to breath deeper to as to make the sounds. Then I am softspoken to start with so when I pipe up- it sounds rude.

the hands are not any better. I dont think the last surgey worked.

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 7:18:29 AM

kdsub

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I can see CM's problem...many people say why does CM need an ethnicity designation. Will…many people of all races want to meet people of the same race at times and ethnicity is the way to find them. Nothing racists about that.

That said what do you call people? It is harder then it sounds. What terms do you use that are not considered disrespectful to some. There are very few especially when it comes to Blacks. There is good reason for the anger among Blacks because of their history...at least in America...but that does not help CM. They are trying I'm sure to compromise and find a non-offensive description. Because it is an American site I guess they use the least controversial accepted term used in America.

Just reading my last paragraph sounds condescending but it is not meant in that way.

I think it would be best to allow you to type any description you like instead of a drop down list.

Butch

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 7:26:34 AM

sambamanslilgirl

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quote:

ORIGINAL: MzMia

Personally, I DESPISE the term "African American".
Africa is a continent not a country.
Many American Black people do NOT know exactly what
country their ancestors came from!
At least give me a country!
Ethopian American, Nigerian American, not fucking African American.

MzMia, you're my heroine!

i depise the term too - I'm a Black American woman not an African American

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 9:04:19 AM

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I must still be *ignorant* so...I am willing to listen...

I can remember it like it was yesterday...sitting in a 3 room shack with a black family at the age of 5 and being told...its negro...not...the n word..

My friend happened to be one of the familys son...

I ALSO remember going into pool halls delivering papers with him and so called men<drunks> calling him a lil n...and him crying and me telling him l
*lets get a baseball bat and wait for him/them*

Since I delivered a morning paper...I learned to read the headlines daily at a young age...I remember the civil rights movement BUT what I did NOT understand was....why.

By the 6th grade I am reading the book Black Like Me...

Ya know what...its really not alot different today in many ways....I FIND it sicking...

Fast forward...

I have a 5 year old grandson...his father is black<the way you say it> and I THOUGHT....for many yrs now that the term African American was wayyyyyyyyy more apporpriate...Once again....I am wrong I see...

I do realize his chances in life are not what a *white* boys are and it grieves my SOUL so deeply I will do whatever I can...to MAKE sure he is not another statistic, as far as what the statistics are for black men to be incarcerated by the time they are 21...I REFUSE to accpet that, that HAS to be part of his fate in America...

Its fucking sicking...as far as I am concerned that racial prejudice exists the way it does in America...

So fine...no more african american coming outta my lips around him when he asks me questions...mr white and mr back it will be..you just can`t...win, or shall I say thats how I....feel.

Thx ...

screw the spelling

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 9:11:58 AM

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Ya...I hijacked the tread...I know

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RE: "African American" - 11/17/2008 11:10:27 AM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: NormalOutside

No, this isn't a race discussion, sorry.

I was just looking at a profile and the person was from the UK and their ethnicity was listed as "African American". Having been born in the UK to an African father and African mother, what's American about that? Hell, even people from Africa have to label themselves "African American" even if they've never been to the States!

Perhaps it should be changed to "African". Just a thought. I realize the site probably needs a lot of things changed, and I realize this probably won't even get this one small thing changed, but I'm the kind of person who needs to mention something when it seems wrong. So there it is.

Side note: at least they didn't add "East" on the beginning of "Indian", as there is nothing "East" about people from India other than the fact that India is considered to be East of the USA.

EDIT: Spelling mistake.

It's called using commonsense and keeping it real.

Most people look at someone right off and make a personal determination as to their race.

And then, it's up to the individual, when asked and if asked to set others straight about what they prefer to be designated as.

Once, again, it's becoming repetitive to say, but I will do so anyway ... for me, it does not matter what one individual chooses to call themselves, it does matter what they refer to me as and what I choose to call myself.

However, knowing that, I also realize that it may only matter to me. In others mind I'll be what they want me to be. Fine - as long as they choose wisely when addressing me.

So here goes ...

I don't mind being called African-American, although, I consider myself unequivocally and unapologetically, Black.

I do mind being called many of the horrible derogatory terms used to classify and qualify my brown skin, in the past and now ... behind closed doors.

I am not a "c**n, n***er, s***o, monkey, mulatto, quadroon, mutt, slut or any of the other asinine references thrown about here or elsewhere.

I don't feel the need or want to run off my ancestral ties (known or unknown) to other races. I do not have any connection with these races other than once, twice or several times removed bloodlines. So why would I bother claiming them, much less running off a laundry list to others when asked ... what do I need to prove? I'm fine with who I grew up as and what I am today - and that's BLACK.

I will not bother CM to list that category because, to be, frank it's not worth the time. If African-American, Black and whatever else bothers anyone that much, I'd assume that the best course of action would be to correct those who use the term, and then move on.

This is yet another topic that annoys me for reasons I won't even bother to get into right now.

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