Why when talking about blacks they say "African American"?

Question

Even when the people aren't even American. lol! Not all blacks are African American.

It's just something I never understood about America. So if you guys can explain that would be great.

Answer 1

I say black.

Not all black people are from America, or even Africa. Sooo yep. I use the term black.  

Answer 2

Some black people prefer to be referred to in this way, to give credence to their African heritage.  This really isn't something you should "lol" about, that shows a lot of insensitivity.

Answer 3

wonder why their own national organization is named NAACP. national association for the advancment of colored people.? they have a hard time among their own. guess they are ashamed of their true origin classification.

Answer 4

thats the fing abt america if your ''black'' and you go other there frm another country nt cz u were put there frm slavery.

They all assume your african-american....until they'd hear the accent.

but if i went america which one day i will they'd be stunned at my accent and look....id just say im british-africana.

Answer 5

Same reason they call anyone with European roots "white."

We all know that there is no race that is white, but several groups of germans, russians, italians, etc. that all share similar skin pigmentation and variatioms. So most people just call them white.

It is just a common name.

Most Black people refer to themselves as black, so please don't ask why do we call ourselves that because we dont. Only non-blacks and people being politically correct call us African American. I hate when people call me African, because I would never call a white person caucasian American. It immediately lets us know that you have little experience around black people and you're trying not to step on toes. Many of us would better appreciate just being called Black if you have to refer to our race at all.  

Answer 6

America is a world wide name.

now days if people say America, they only think about the USA, but in ancient times America was covered by USA, the caribbean islands, Mexico, Central America and South America. so I guess people confuse the term America as in general for only black people, not pin pointing by being more specific in this century.  

Answer 7

I'm black and I'm from Canada..

If someone called me African -Canadian..I'd think that's odd.

The word black is not a bad word..I don't know why people would take offense..

Answer 8

Are americans really american?

The red Indians are the true Americans of America.

No offence but all Americans are immigrants from Europe.

Answer 9

Africa is a BIG place, my dear!  

Answer 10

Some are offended by the term "black," so African-American is considered by some to be a more politically correct term.  

Answer 11

i say black, i dont know any black person who refers to themselves as african american. and most of  them arent even african descent they are west indian.

Answer 12

That's a good question, I've thought about that too.

I say African American because I don't want to offend someone. It's kind of hard trying to describe a friend without using either "black" or "African American".....It's just a way of describing someone. It's really no different than saying "Hispanic"  or "White" or "Oriental" or "Middle eastern".

I wish I knew what was least offensive.....