Controversial question.

Question

Are African-Americans and Jamaicans considered the same thing. I ask this because forms usually say "African-American", but I am Jamaican, who was born in Jamaica. What's your opinion?

Answer 1

I wouldnt consider them differently, its because some jamacians ( atleast the ones ive seen ) wear different clothes and have different accents. But, if a jamacian person doesnt have anything to signify their ethnicity ( once again, clothes or an accent ) id consider them to be african-american, but thats only because theres nothing else hinting their ethnicity, id be going for the bigger target by guessing african-american rather than going for the smaller targets like jamacian. It all depends on how they stand out, which is relevant for all ethnicities.  

Answer 2

They aren't the same. Mark "other."

Answer 3

I don't see whats controversiual here, but hey, maybe you just wanted people to read the question.

No, 'African-America' and Jamaican is not really the same.

'African- American' implies that your ancestors came from Africa, however it does not include African decendants from european colonies. (These are referred to as 'Black')

Since Jamaica is not part of America (at least I don't think so) the correct ethnic group for you would probably be 'Black'. The problem is that calling someone 'Black' is considered very often as racism and therefore is not often put on forms. Instead they had the brilliant Idea to include the option 'Other'. Thats the correct on for you.

Strictly speaking you are not 'African-American'. But eventually its not your ethnic origin that is important but what kind of person you are.

Answer 4

You're Jamaican. When filling out a form like that, you should choose "other."

Answer 5

No African-American is used to describe American citizens whose ancestors originated from Africa.  If you are from Jamaica, you are Jamaican.  Unfortunately, most Americans use a general stereo type... Ignorant if you ask me... Good question!  A star for you! :)  

Answer 6

no i don't think so!

Answer 7

well i guess it matters the form/options but you would be considered more Carribean then african american

Answer 8

No, African Americans and Jamaicans are not the same things. Firstly you were born in Jamaica and African Americans were born in Africa hence (African "Americans). For someone with not a diverse viewpoint they might see African Americans and Jamaicans are basically the same thing but i assure you they are not. They are tied together because of their skin color but irregardless they have differences in culture.

Answer 9

There's only one race...and that's the human race. We're one. Unity.  

Answer 10

I have never agreed with the whole African-American, Mexican-American, Irish-American, Canadian-American thing....why can't people simply be Americans!  I could care less where you or your ancestors originated from and I am really tired of people identifying themselves with such ridiculous descriptions.  If I were you, I would just say "I am an American" if asked.  If someone wants to know where you hail from, tell them Jamaica.

Answer 11

Jamaicans are different than African-Americans. They come from different places.

Answer 12

they are basically catagorized under the same thing

Answer 13

I would not think so.