Black Or African-American: Which Would You Rather Be Called? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Black Or African-American: Which Would You Rather Be Called?

"When people rudely ask 'What are you,' I respond with 'Human.'"

621
Black Or African-American: Which Would You Rather Be Called?
Nola.com

Three weeks ago, I was on a Skype call with my best friend from Florida and we started to discuss the idea about whether I would rather be called Black or African-American. I had to sit back and really think about this question. For years, I have always been called Black. On standardized tests, I would bubble in that I identify as African-American. So I did think that maybe I identified as an African-American. Then I thought about my Caribbean heritage. My mother is Haitian and my father is of Dutch, West Indian, and Hispanic descent. So I had several ideas in my head about an answer to this and I started to wonder: what do others believe when they are asked this question?

I chose six people who are Black/African/Caribbean between the ages of 18-30 and their answers were interesting, to say the least.

Brianna, 19.

When asked if she wouldn't her be called Black or African-American, her response was,

“Okay, so I guess I don't really have a preference? My mom is Caribbean and my dad is African-American, but I'm multiracial so it's a bit complicated. My Caribbean family is also Chinese, Portuguese, and Italian so I mostly identify with those nationalities as opposed to saying Caribbean. But I was very much raised around Caribbean culture, from the food to the music to the Trinidadian accents. However, it's not the first thing that comes to mind when I think about my identity.”

When I asked her if she didn't mind when people called her African-American, she said, “Eh. Not really, but I don't know what part of Africa my family originated from, so I think it's a bit disrespectful to claim it. I will identify as Black before I identify as African-American.”

Kennedy, 18.

What would you rather be called: African-American, Caribbean-American, or Black?

Kennedy: “Black. African-American to me feels like a made-up term for other people to feel politically correct. I'm not just part African or part Jamaican, I'm a multitude of things. But at the same time, people associate Black with an evil or impurity. When I say I am Black it's not because I don't like the other terms, it's because I know I am so much more than just Jamaican or African-American. Like last year, I found out I was 1/8 Cuban. Like, WTF?! It's crazy.”

So when you take standardized tests, do you put black/African-American or Other?

Kennedy: “Black/ African-American, because that minority is the least represented in college and helps me get more money.”

Jori, 19.

What would you rather be called: African-American, Caribbean-American, or Black?

Jori: "I see distinct differences between American and Caribbean/African-Americans, so I usually tell people I'm Caribbean. But I also often tell people that I'm Black because that's who I am."

So when you take standardized tests, do you put black/African-American or Other?

Jori: "I put other because I am equally Black and White."

When you are called African-American, do you correct people on the spot?

"I don't correct people often because they either assume I'm Hispanic or they assume that I'm mixed. I correct the ones that think I'm Hispanic on the spot. When people rudely ask 'What are you,' I respond with 'Human.'"

Do you think that being called African-American is an insult?

"Not at all. I love my culture and heritage and history. I hate the prejudice against the community, the self-hate, and centuries of brainwashing. I love hearing stories about Black empowerment and success."

Brian, 28.

What would you rather be called: African-American, Caribbean-American, or Black?

"I prefer to be called Caribbean or West Indian. You can call me Black too."

So when you take standardized tests, do you put black/African-American or Other?

"I select "Black/African American" on standardized tests."

When you are called African-American, do you correct people on the spot?

"I do correct people when they call me African-American."

Do you think that being called African-American is an insult?

"I do not think being called African-American is an insult for people in general. I think there is sometimes a negative connotation to the perceived (emphasis on 'perceived') 'African-American' culture as being combative, pessimistic, bitter, etc. as opposed to black people from other nations. We (West Indians) don't necessarily share the same historical background. Example, my family didn't go through the Jim Crow era in Jamaica, so we are not raised with the same mindset those who are born here have.

"Additionally, we typically do not see the terms 'European-American' or 'Asian-American.' I am from Jamaica. However, upon further examination, I can see the reasoning behind it. Black people are known to be of African descent. America refers to the entire North and South American region. We just choose to think of America as the USA. Technically, the Caribbean islands are part of the Americas -- so I see how the term African-American could fit."

Anthony, 19.

What would you rather be called: African-American, Caribbean-American, or Black?

"I would rather be called just Black, because I’m mixed. I don’t want to confuse people, so I rather just say I'm Black."

So when you take standardized tests, do you put black/African-American or Other?

"I put other most of the time."

When you are called African-American, do you correct people on the spot?

"Nah, not really, I just roll with it."

Do you think that being called African-American is an insult?

"Nah, it isn’t an insult to me. I just find it an insult I get confused with myself because I don't know if I should go with African-American or Hispanic."

Sajay, 19.

What would you rather be called: African-American, Caribbean-American, or Black?

"I've never heard the term Caribbean-American, but I do like it."

So when you take standardized tests, do you put black/African-American or Other?

"I never really stick to one, I usually switch between on different tests. To be honest, when I was filling out college applications, I do remember putting down Black because I believed it would give me an edge in admissions because a lot of colleges are trying to be holistic and need to have a certain amount of different races admitted so they don't look racist, and putting other or even Asian would put me in a more competitive category."

Do you think that being called African-American is an insult?

"Not at all, especially because where I'm from in Jamaica; everyone is Black LOL. In America, I can see why some might. Black has become synonymous with ghetto nowadays, and pop culture isn't helping much, but that's another topic completely."

For these six, being called Black or African-American isn’t always offensive, but it's okay to correct those who make the choice to call you African-American or Black. That it is a discussion that could go on among the community. I leave you all with these two questions: What are your views on this discussion and the questions that were asked in the interviews above?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190011
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14782
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457756
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26581
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments