DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Non Afram Blacks being lumped or seen as African American

**Giselle** · 01-24-2012, 01:54 AM

I have no problem being called African American, It's what people assume I am when they meet me 8/10 times so its not a big deal, given the opportunity I will correct them and say no I'm half Dominican 1/4 Nigerian 1/4 Sierra leonean. However if I don't have the time to explain I just keep it moving. Some Nigerians I know HATE being called black, just HATE it. they dont want to be called black or African American. My dad also saw himself differently the only places were he really identified where with some people in Louisiana (creoles), or other Caribbean Americans.

I think African americans Have every right to call themselves "African American" They are claiming their ancestral homeland while claiming an American Identity. Most white americans can point to at least ONE line of heritage, Most African Americans can not, so I think a pan African identity with an American one makes sense. Anyway just my two cents

PS: Africa American also call themselves black Americans, its not as rigid as it may seem on this forum.

01-24-2012, 01:54 AM	#18
Giselle Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 402 Senior Member	I have no problem being called African American, It's what people assume I am when they meet me 8/10 times so its not a big deal, given the opportunity I will correct them and say no I'm half Dominican 1/4 Nigerian 1/4 Sierra leonean. However if I don't have the time to explain I just keep it moving. Some Nigerians I know HATE being called black, just HATE it. they dont want to be called black or African American. My dad also saw himself differently the only places were he really identified where with some people in Louisiana (creoles), or other Caribbean Americans. I think African americans Have every right to call themselves "African American" They are claiming their ancestral homeland while claiming an American Identity. Most white americans can point to at least ONE line of heritage, Most African Americans can not, so I think a pan African identity with an American one makes sense. Anyway just my two cents PS: Africa American also call themselves black Americans, its not as rigid as it may seem on this forum.
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