Why are black people, called African American? Options

[*kryogenix*]

I love it when black people think that the world owes them something because their ancestors were slaves.

[MrStrife]

Black people aren't the only people who have been enslaved either.

[*Flair*]

I find it to be extremely ridiculous when you compare other enslavements to that of Blacks.

Why can an all-black club be created in a highschool and not an all-white club? What about an all-black college and not an all-white college? And I'm not saying everyone is like this, but blacks seem to want to be treated better because apparently whites owe them something.

Why can an all Asian club or all Hispanic club be created and no one would consider it to be racist?
This is interesting. I think it's probably because the all White clubs that were created were pro racism. And I'm not saying everyone is like this, but Blacks just want to be finally recognized.

Racial slurs and racially sensitive words/phrases aren't a big joke. You said yourself that the N word was deemed the most offensive word by several different groups. So how could it be a joke?

I'm quite sure that isn't what she was insinuating. She meant that it has turned into a big joke = ridiculous or something like that.

1. I've seen racism happen between blacks and whites before, and whites really can't do anything without getting their asses kicked!

Wait. You're telling me that Blacks would do something racist and nothing happens? If true, I don't think you have Black people to blame for that. Blame those who succumb to this nonsense. Blame your principal for not taking actions. Nobody should get away with this bull. White or Black.
You're making it seem as if Whites aren't racist anymore but Blacks are. Now, I don't live in America so I'm not fond of your culture but I am quite sure that in some mostly White colleges, other races get the racist treatement from Whites.

2. I'm not saying all blacks think or feel or act one way

We don't. Personally, this is the first time I'm actually hearing something like this. I mean, I watch on TV when Blacks say to White people 'it's because I'm Black' and thought it was part of the movie - a joke. I guess I was wrong.

I am personally TIRED of people saying: It's been over 400 years forget about it.
No. We shouldn't forget about slavery but we shouldn't make it control our lives. I've been to quite a few Black websites when people continually blame Whites for EVERYTHING. Now that is ridiculous. It's old and it's becoming quite boring.

You're kidding.

No, I'm not. Why is it funny when Blacks accuse eachother of racism?

I love it when black people think that the world owes them something because their ancestors were slaves.

I'm bored with your generalizations. I don't think the world owes me anything at all. I actually don't discuss slavery with my friends except when it's something school related.

[*steve330*]

I find it to be extremely ridiculous when you compare other enslavements to that of Blacks.

Why is that? Did the blacks have it the worst? What about the Chinese? That wasn't very pretty, it just wasn't publicized like blacks were.

Why can an all Asian club or all Hispanic club be created and no one would consider it to be racist?
This is interesting. I think it's probably because the all White clubs that were created were pro racism. And I'm not saying everyone is like this, but Blacks just want to be finally recognized.

Blacks are very recognized. Why bring up Asian or Hispanic, they're both minorities too.

Wait. You're telling me that Blacks would do something racist and nothing happens? If true, I don't think you have Black people to blame for that. Blame those who succumb to this nonsense. Blame your principal for not taking actions. Nobody should get away with this bull. White or Black.
You're making it seem as if Whites aren't racist anymore but Blacks are. Now, I don't live in America so I'm not fond of your culture but I am quite sure that in some mostly White colleges, other races get the racist treatement(sp)from Whites.

It's not that people want to succumb to that nonsense, it's that the government and society as a whole has become so damn politically correct that you cant mention anything that might be considered racially degrading (if you're white) and not get your ass kicked or fined or taken off air. Other people (Dave Chapelle, Ned Holmes) get away with it because they're not white therefor they know what it's like to be prejudiced and stereotyped and can joke about it! Why is the government and society as a whole like this? It's because we feel we need to cater to all the minorities and worry about who we offend because people complain about it and want to feed off the government instead of making their own living, which is very very possible.

I am personally TIRED of people saying: It's been over 400 years forget about it.

Well what about my ancestry? I'm German and we went through some hard times, so the other whites owe me right? But only the ones that oppressed me. Many of the whites here have ancestry that had no involvement at all in the slave trade. Many people who had ancestors involved in it can do nothing about it, it's done, get over it. Now you can reminisce all you want, but we shouldn't have to care about it or be nice because of it.

No, I'm not. Why is it funny when Blacks accuse eachother of racism?

Are you that naive?

I'm bored with your generalizations. I don't think the world owes me anything at all. I actually don't discuss slavery with my friends except when it's something school related.

It isn't a generalization. He said he loves it when black people, not [i]all black people[i]. And point in fact, a lot of blacks do think the world owes them something.


Now through saying all of this, I'm not grouping the entire black population as a whole, as I know that everyone is different and probably a majority of blacks don't act or feel this way, that it's just what gets publicized that we see so much of. It's also kind of sad that I'm having to throw in this disclaimer to cover my ass from "omg you're a racial bigot!"

*sigh*

[*steve330*]

Yeah we live in America, but blacks weren't the only ones that got the bad end of the stick. It may not have been to the same severity, but the Chinese and Japanese weren't exactly treated like welcome guests when they came over to the west. Indentured servants / internment camps sure as hell were no Camp Cupcake.

I am not saying any of this should be written off, I just think racism and prejudicing is kind of outdated, but won't ever go away while others are focusing on all the negative aspects and there are federal programs to help out minorities since they apparently are less capable than whites.

[*Flair*]

Why is that? Did the blacks have it the worst? What about the Chinese? That wasn't very pretty, it just wasn't publicized like blacks were.

YES, BLACKS HAD IT WORSE than the Chinese. I like how you say 'publicized' as if it Black slavery was some kind of a 'game'.

Note: the highlighted was a rant and isn't supposed to be taken seriously.

It's not that people want to succumb to that nonsense, it's that the government and society as a whole has become so damn politically correct that you cantsp? mention anything that might be considered racially degrading (if you're white) and not get your ass kicked or fined or taken off air. Other people (Dave Chapelle, Ned Holmes) get away with it because they're not white therefor they know what it's like to be prejudiced and stereotyped and can joke about it! Why is the government and society as a whole like this? It's because we feel we need to cater to all the minorities and worry about who we offend because people complain about it and want to feed off the government instead of making their own living, which is very very possible.

Thanks for pointing out my mistake but you should know that English isn't my first langauge, well, it isn't anymore.

Anyway, do NOT blame Blacks, yet again, blame those who succumb to it. If it bothers you so much, why not protest? What are you doing to prevent it other than whining?
In Belgium, we do not tolerate any form of racism, bet it jokingly or not and it's working perfectly fine for us.

Well what about my ancestry? I'm German and we went through some hard times, so the other whites owe me right? But only the ones that oppressed me. Many of the whites here have ancestry that had no involvement at all in the slave trade. Many people who had ancestors involved in it can do nothing about it, it's done, get over it. Now you can reminisce all you want, but we shouldn't have to care about it or be nice because of it.

Why not tell the Jews to forget about the Holocaust? I mean, it's only history, nothing more. HISTORY should not be forgotten, White, Black, Jewish, Asian ... it shouldn't be forgotten but it shouldn't determine our future. We can't keep using slavery as an excuse for being lazy or not getting a job. That was my point.

Are you that naive?

Yes, I am. So why don't you tell me, Mr Steve. Why is it funny? Please enlighten this naive Belgian.

It isn't a generalization. He said he loves it when black people, not [i]all black people[i]. And point in fact, a lot of blacks do think the world owes them something.

I hate when White people think they know it all. I hate when some White people think they know it all. I don't know. There's a difference to me. Then again, I'm just a naive little girl, aren't I Steve?

Yeah we live in America, but blacks weren't the only ones that got the bad end of the stick. It may not have been to the same severity, but the Chinese and Japanese weren't exactly treated like welcome guests when they came over to the west. Indentured servants / internment camps sure as hell were no Camp Cupcake.

I am not saying any of this should be written off, I just think racism and prejudicing is kind of outdated, but won't ever go away while others are focusing on all the negative aspects and there are federal programs to help out minorities since they apparently are less capable than whites.

You know what I hate? When people compare. Why compare injustice? Asians were enslaved, that's horrible but it isn't the same as the Black slavery. You can't compare Holocaust to the Black slavery.
We are talking about BLACKS so I don't see where the need for comparaison comes in.

Any kind of slavery shouldn't be forgotten. Not at all.

Edit//

In my school there are no [insert race here] clubs. There never will be. I don't see why American schools can't adopt that policy. Really.

I never knew people took slavery this far ... I've never heard a Black Belgian blaming White people for his unfortunate life. America is like another world ... completely different from the one I've always and will always know.

[*steve330*]

Slavery should not be forgotten but it shouldn't govern anyones life by any means.

I don't think I know it all.

Because my ancestors came to America in the late 1800's before either of the World Wars happened.

It doesn't bother me. I've gotten so used to society that not much surprises or bothers me anymore.

Publicized doesn't imply that it's a game. Publicized means it was made public. Blacks get way more attention than anyone else when it comes to prior oppression/enslavement, kinda like the Jews getting way more publicity when it comes to the Holocaust when they weren't the only ones persecuted.


edit: America is a different world because people from all over the world want to come here to live a better life. Diversity is huge here.

While I agree to an extent with your comment about clubs, it gives a lot of people an outlet to discuss and practice their heritage, also opening it up to others who should want to learn about it as well.

[*Flair*]

Excuse me, Kryogenix wasn't generalizing. Scratch what I said.

Anyway, you still didn't answer my question. What's so funny about Blacks accusing eachother of racism? I still don't see it.
My dad who's racist to Asians, Arabs ... unfortunately passed some of his ideas to me () is a pathetic man. I accuse him to be racist. So, please tell me, how's that funny?

Oh, general info - I'm mixed actually.

[*Flair*]

Katt started it. She needs some spanking

[*steve330*]

NOT IT!

Anyways, a lot of people see it as funny because:
Blacks are seen by many as the largest minority who want apologies/reparations etc from the 'white folk'. They are often seen as accusing white people of being racists for doing whatever someone did to be called that. When you people see black people calling each other that, it's like the opposition fighting themselves, which could be deemed funny/amusing/etc.

Again, not all people are like this. It's just how I see society seeing things going down.

[1angel3]

Why do everyone make a big deal over us calling ourselves African Americans? Now for the N word. This how it started. For years you couldn't call anyone black, I do not know why but you couldn't. Until James Brown came out with his hit song "Say it load, I'm BLACK and I proud" Black people developed a sense of pride and it was alright to call someone black. For years the word black was use in a racist way. For years white folks put us down and made us feel stupid for being black and ashamed. Because of James Brown turning the word black around. Young black men feel maybe they could do the same with the N word. I know white folks can't say it and it isn't fair but true is white folks wasn't really fair with us to start with. What goes around comes around. You have to be black to understand us and I don't expect you too. You don't understand us and we don't understand you.

[*steve330*]

^Wow talk about generalizations. You also speak as if you've been oppressed in the 1950's. You also replied as if you addressed why people make such a big deal over being called African Americans.

[1angel3]

^Wow talk about generalizations. You also speak as if you've been oppressed in the 1950's. You also replied as if you addressed why people make such a big deal over being called African Americans.

I wasn't oppressed in the 1950's but my parents was and they told me what use to go on and I believe them because the lived through it. And I do wonder why everyone make an big deal about the term African American and why is it stupid?

I can try to answer this myself. We just don't understand each other and I am not going to try again.

[*Flair*]

NOT IT!

What not it?

I get it now Steve. Thanks for explaining.

[*steve330*]

Katt started it. She needs some spanking

NOT IT!

[xKatt]

Make the all white club! You can make any club you want. Wait hold up. There is no such thing as an all black-club or an all-white club. We have Asian and Spanish clubs at my school, but they are to appreciate/honor Asian and Spanish CULTURE. You cannot say someone can't join your club because of their skin color. That would be racist. You need to check your school if that is happening. I would also like to point out that we do not have a "Black Cultures Club" or anything like that at my school. Perhaps it's because my school is mostly black, but I'm sure people around here would call it "racist" or "unfair". Maybe your school is mostly white, and that's why people are calling it "racist" or "unfair"?

My school is about 94% white, 1% Asian, 1% black, 3% hispanic and 1% other. I'm going to a new highschool next year, so I'm not aware of the clubs they have/will have, but I'm 100% positive that a "Black Cultures Club" would be deemed more appropriate as opposed to a "White Cultures Club".
As for disallowing someone to join a club because of their race, it's true. That would be full-out racism, but only from a legal standpoint, much like not being able to fire someone because of their race. However, imagine a white person joining a predominantly black club. I doubt he'd be treated very nicely.

You said something about all-black colleges. Historical Black Colleges were started when they were the only colleges blacks were allowed to go to. They have stuck around because it's a GREAT example of history and culture. Why shut it down? So many great historical leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King have attended those colleges, and it's something that they wanted to keep alive.

There were all white colleges back then, too. Why haven't they kept those alive? Probably because it's not "politically correct" and would offend blacks?

Yes, they have. I meant exactly what I said--it's a joke now. The "N" word was supposed to die with slavery because it was an extremely sensitive word. YES, it has been deemed the most offensive word by the majority. Those are older people. In our generation, us "young" people, people drop the "N" bomb like it's nobody's business. It's funny to say, "It's because I was black". It's funny to say, "They're picking on me because I'm Asian". I think all of this is a real issue, but I'm just one person.

That doesn't make any sense. You're going to tell me something is happening but you've never seen it? What proof do you have?

I said that I've never seen a black lashing out for being called black. I've heard/seen plenty blacks lashing out about other microinequities.

What are you talking about? White people can do anything black people can do and vice-versa. If a black person burns down your house, and says it's a mark of the "Panther movement", there is NO COURT SYSTEM that won't put them in jail. People need to get this idea out of their heads. 2007. 2007. 2007. 2007. That's the year we are in. Internalize it.

Um, kind of because it's against the law? What court is going to have a judge that would even consider that labeling something as part of the "Panther movement" would be justification for a heinous crime?

I'm sure that more hype would be created out of a white person's hate crime toward a black than a black person's hate crime toward a white.

--

I know white folks can't say it and it isn't fair but true is white folks wasn't really fair with us to start with. What goes around comes around. You have to be black to understand us and I don't expect you too. You don't understand us and we don't understand you.

You say us like you were back there having your teeth checked and auctioned off from your families! You are the living proof of my argument: A lot of blacks think that whites owe them something. Like you said, what goes around comes around, so now it's the whites' turn.

So you think that karma will work in your favor just because you're black? Oh please.

If it were that way, I should be showered in good karma because my parents (not my grandparents or my great grandparents, MY PARENTS) were refugees of the Vietnam War. Imagine hearing bombs outside your house and realising that you have to pack whatever you need to survive the trip and leave your home, your friends, your family. Sometimes, communists would grab people off ships sailing for America and keep them prisoner. You never hear Vietnamese people complaining even though most of them were forced to move here too (and leave their homeland behind).

Katt started it. She needs some spanking

I thought we needed more people on this side of the argument.

[KayleighKins]

I find it to be extremely ridiculous when you compare other enslavements to that of Blacks.

I'm pretty sure I just lost a whole buttload of respect for you right then.

Coughcoughjewscoughcough.

Enslavement is enslavement, I don't give a shit how many times you want to compare notes and make it a game to see who's got it the worse.

[*Flair*]

Katt, I was only kidding.

I'm pretty sure I just lost a whole buttload of respect for you right then.

Coughcoughjewscoughcough.

Enslavement is enslavement, I don't give a shit how many times you want to compare notes and make it a game to see who's got it the worse.

Maybe you should re-read that post. You're clearly off-side.

I also said:

You know what I hate? When people compare. Why compare injustice? Asians were enslaved, that's horrible but it isn't the same as the Black slavery. You can't compare Holocaust to the Black slavery.
We are talking about BLACKS so I don't see where the need for comparaison comes in.

There were all white colleges back then, too. Why haven't they kept those alive? Probably because it's not "politically correct" and would offend blacks?

Why would it offend only Blacks? Why were there only White colleges back in the days?

Oh, are there really All Black Colleges in America?

[kimmytree]

Why not tell the Jews to forget about the Holocaust? I mean, it's only history, nothing more. HISTORY should not be forgotten, White, Black, Jewish, Asian ... it shouldn't be forgotten but it shouldn't determine our future. We can't keep using slavery as an excuse for being lazy or not getting a job. That was my point.

How is the Holocaust even comparable to Slavery? The Holocaust happened 65-70 years ago. Survivors and people from that era are still alive. At the peak of slavery, there were around 4 million of them in America. Americans didnt capture them or anything, they were SOLD to them. The Germans killed around 5 million, and a total of around 10 million were killed by the Nazi's throughout Europe. And that's not counting the millions who were lucky enough to survive.

So please, I think it's a little ignorant to compare the two. I'm not trying to lessen the tragedy that slavery really was, but it's not the only case of suffering the world has seen.

[*Flair*]

You never hear Vietnamese people complaining

Really? So you're telling me that I'll never find a Vietnamese person complain? And the facts you have to back that up are ... ?

This Black people are always complaining theory is becoming more of a stereotype than a fact. Many people say it without having witnessed it.

How is the Holocaust even comparable to Slavery? The Holocaust happened 65-70 years ago. Survivors and people from that era are still alive. At the peak of slavery, there were around 4 million of them in America. Americans didnt capture them or anything, they were SOLD to them. The Germans killed around 5 million, and a total of around 10 million were killed by the Nazi's throughout Europe. And that's not counting the millions who were lucky enough to survive.

So please, I think it's a little ignorant to compare the two. I'm not trying to lessen the tragedy that slavery really was, but it's not the only case of suffering the world has seen.

It's like I'm talking to the wind. Do you even understand my point? How about trying to understand WHY I said that in the first place.

I was referring to the fact that people are always telling Blacks to forget about slavery and move on. Why not do the same to Jews? Why not tell them to move on. I have never ever heard / seen someone telling the Jews to forget about the Holocaust and move on with their lives. SIMPLE!

I wasn't comparing the two - I wasn't saying that Black slavery is much more important. Man ... do not missunderstand me because that's the last thing I'll ever come up with.

Besides, you are the one who's doing all the comparaisons. You are the one bringing up the Asian slavery. I was completely talking about Blacks. Wrong person. Haha.

I AM SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE SAYING 'GET OVER IT'. You can't get over history, you shouldn't. Don't just make it as an excuse for your miserable life. Simple. That is all I am trying to point out.

[*Flair*]

^ Seriously Suzzette. It's like they read something and understand another.

I am very aware that Black slavery wasn't the only horrible crime that has been committed but I don't think it should be 'gotten over' as if it's some kind of a bad experiment.

*sigh*

[kimmytree]

It's like I'm talking to the wind. Do you even understand my point? How about trying to understand WHY I said that in the first place.

I was referring to the fact that people are always telling Blacks to forget about slavery and move on. Why not do the same to Jews? Why not tell them to move on. I have never ever heard / seen someone telling the Jews to forget about the Holocaust and move on with their lives. SIMPLE!

I wasn't comparing the two - I wasn't saying that Black slavery is much more important. Man ... do not missunderstand me because that's the last thing I'll ever come up with.

Besides, you are the one who's doing all the comparaisons. You are the one bringing up the Asian slavery. I was completely talking about Blacks.

I AM SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE SAYING 'GET OVER IT'. You can't get over history, you shouldn't. Don't just make it as an excuse for your miserable life. Simple. That is all I am trying to point out.

Yeah, I got your point. But you were acting like telling the Jews to forget about the Holocaust would be like Blacks forgetting about slavery. You were comparing the two.

I am very aware that Black slavery wasn't the only horrible crime that has been committed but I don't think it should be 'gotten over' as if it's some kind of a bad experiment.

I agree, its definitely something that shouldnt be forgotten. It's history needs to be preserved. Sorry for being so defensive, but my Grandmother is Jewish and was raised in East Germany during wwII... she just got lucky. So I guess I kinda took your comment to heart.

[*Flair*]

Actually it was - if the Blacks should forget about slavery, why shouldn't the Jews forget about Holocaust? Yes, I agree. I was comparing but that wasn't what you meant, was it? Unless you want to change your point of view.

[kimmytree]

Actually it was - if the Blacks should forget about slavery, why shouldn't the Jews forget about Holocaust? Yes, I agree. I was comparing but that wasn't what you meant, was it? Unless you want to change your point of view.

What? So you think Slavery was worse than the Holocaust?
Why would I change my point of view? You were comparing the two. Slavery in the US was a terrible thing, but it's not something you can really compare to the Holocaust.

[*Flair*]

JESUS FCUK! Are you kidding me?

SLAVERY IS IN NO WAY WORSE THAN THE HOLOCAUST.

I meant that why are Blacks being constantly told to get over slavery when the Jews aren't told to get over the Holocaust. Note: Slavery + Holocaust = terrible crime to humanity. They can't be compared (in the sense that one is worse than the other). If one should be forgotten, why shouldn't the other?

but it's not something you can really compare to the Holocaust.

It actually seems like you think the Holocaust was worse.

I was comparing but not in the way you first thought. Am I right?