So what if some Blacks refer to themselves as African-Americans?
It's nothing. It doesn't mean they think they are not American.
There are Blacks in the military who use that term. Are you going to say they are not thinking of themselves as Americans?
How about Condi Rice and Colin Powell, who have used the term as well?
I use Black because it's easier to say and write. Remember, short and to the point.
Besides, African-American says nothing about the region of Africa my ancestors came from. In short, it's not definitive enough to suit me. But if you call me by that term, I don't sweat it.
How is it relevant that Condi Rice and Colin Powell use the term? I don't have any strong view on the matter at all, but only a complete lapdog for those two would consider this a good argument.
Posted by: Jeremy Pierce at August 20, 2004 06:00 PMHow is it relevant that Condi Rice and Colin Powell use the term?
It's very relevent. Those who whine about the use of the term, those who whine about being "American" vs. "hypenated American," would never consider those two to be anything other than American.
Posted by: DarkStar at August 20, 2004 06:39 PM
I agree. I use black because it is easier, I was raised using it, and I see no reason to change now. Africa is a continent with many different countries that have cultures as different from one another as America is from Mexico. Saying African-American doesn't do a thing for my self esteem-positively or negatively. What bothers me though, is the number of people who look down their nose at me for not saying African-American as though I'm betraying my race or something.
Posted by: Wendy at August 14, 2004 01:16 PM