Black versus African American. I think every Black person deep down has a preference even the people that claim to be apathetic. I’m sure everyone has seen or heard someone’s stance on this issue. My friend told me that some of the people on College Hill were discussing this topic, but I don’t watch College Hill or much BET for that matter, so I didn’t see it. I have no idea how I will feel about this topic 10 years from now, but at the moment I do not think of myself as African American. Before you judge me, let me finish. >:
When I was in high school, I actually defended the term African American. Since then, I have grown up and learned a lot more about history; therefore, my views have changed. Coincidentally, my “White” boyfriend introduced me to the poem “A Black American” by Smokey Robinson a few months ago (it was on Def Poetry, scroll down to watch). When I read the poem it really made me think. I have never been to Africa, yes my ancestors were from there about a million generations back, but I do not know what part my ancestors came from. Most Black Americans do not have the luxury of identifying with any culture or knowing a home country except America. So, I say this: I do not know what was going on with my ancestors in Africa, but I do know that my ancestors were brought here in chains and America was built on their backs. I know that every opportunity that Black Americans had, they had to fight for in this country. Whether I like it or not, I can identify with this country.
Although my boyfriend Josh is “Irish American” he doesn’t refer to himself as an “Irish American” he calls himself American and that is just accepted. But I’m African American? Why is it so important that we have something to put in front of ________ American anyways? We are all Americans. There are so many other things that people use as divisive tools. Personally, I refuse to adopt a term that connotatively makes me inferior to other people in America just because I have a continent in front of American instead of a country. If other people want to add something in front of American to categorize me, I would prefer Black. My skin is always going to be black…well brown. Its all pretty confusing though. Part of me is just getting to the point where I really don’t care. Just don’t call me a nigger or nigga in any form.
What would you rather be called? Black or African American?
Edit: Wednesday, June 18. Today is my birthday! It has been great so far. Details will be in my LJ.
