Respect and Identity: Antics and Perspectives on Black vs. African-American
The Debate on Respectful Terms: 'Black' vs. 'African-American'
The term one uses to describe the identity of someone of African descent can deeply affect how that individual perceives their place in society. The terms 'black' and 'African-American' are often used interchangeably, yet each carries distinct connotations and historical implications. It’s essential to understand the nuances and perspectives behind these terms to foster mutual respect and accurate representation.
The Perspective of an American of Scottish Descent
“Black my lineage is from Scotland but I don’t identify as a Scottish American; I’m an American. Bottom line. I’ve never been to Scotland, don’t know any Scots, hell I don’t even know where Scotland is.”
Some individuals may choose not to identify with a term that does not align with their understanding of their personal identity or heritage. The speaker here, while claiming Scottish ancestry, chooses to identify simply as an American, indicating a preference for a civic identity over a cultural one. It’s important to recognize that an individual’s choice of self-identification should be respected and not influenced by external pressures or societal expectations.
The BBC Writer's Reflection
“Depends on who’s saying it and depends on the preference of the person you’re talking to. I personally don't care which way or the other. The only reason African-American bothers me is when you have those certain white people who say it trying to be overly politically correct: / then it makes me feel weird. There are some white people who say...”
This quote reflects the complexity of using terms like 'African-American' in different contexts, especially regarding the intentions behind the use of the term. The writer acknowledges the potential for this term to cause discomfort if used for performative or insincere reasons. It raises questions about the sincerity and authenticity of one's intentions when choosing to use such terminology.
The Perspective of Malcolm X and Historical Context
“AFRICAN. AFRICAN. AFRICAN. AFRICAN. AFRICAN. We're not Americans; we're Africans who happen to be in America. We were kidnapped and brought here against our will from Africa. We didn't land on Plymouth Rock; that rock landed on us.”
Malcolm X’s powerful statement emphasizes the rooted cultural and historical connection of African-Americans to their African heritage. Using 'African-American' to label a specific demographic group recognized their historical and cultural ties to the African continent. However, it's important to note that not all blacks identify with this term. Some, like the speaker in the first paragraph, may prefer to identify with an American or global identity rather than a strictly African one. Terms like 'African' can sometimes be seen as too broad and might not resonate with all individuals.
Identity and Context in Modern Usage
When referring to an individual, the context and relationship to the person being addressed play a significant role in determining the most appropriate term. For instance, the writer “Black. It has been my experiences that most [blacks] don't want anything to do with being any kind of American unless they're collecting government entitlement money from the American taxpayer. Then they Americanize QUICK!” highlights a specific and unique perspective based on personal experiences. This attitude reflects a complex social dynamic where identity and economic incentives influence self-identification, though it doesn't necessarily represent the views of all individuals.
“I’d much rather be talked about as a ‘black American’ or a ‘black guy’ in a domestic context than an ‘African-American’. African-American is a large demographic term that’s useful for historical reference. It would be most appropriate for example to speak of a ‘Guide to African-American Fiction of the 1930s’ or to name a building ‘The Bowen Museum of African-American Music’. But when you’re talking about a person it seems overly dramatic to place them into African-American historical context unless that is your specific intent.”
The distinction between descriptive terms like 'African-American' which serve historical and demographic functions, and more general, identity-focused terms like 'black' or 'black American' is crucial. These terms should be used based on the context and the specific intent. For instance, when referring to a person, a more direct and personal term like 'black American' may be more appropriate, reflecting the individual’s identity and experiences.
“Imagine I'm talking about my friend Karl. I might say ‘My German-American farmer friend Karl Strauss from Topeka.’ That's a mouthful. It doesn’t make sense unless I feel like I have to say something about that context. So really the question has to do with your familiarity with the person. That is if you’re actually talking about somebody you know. Then again some people just like to make racial generalizations about black people. Those trying [desperately] to be historically or politically correct would more likely use the African-American term. But sometimes that's just flowery language. If you want to talk about the ‘African-American prison population’ as if it were something that represents anything social then you’re just being stupid unless you actually talk about it in historical terms.”
Lastly, the importance of context and the intent behind the use of these terms cannot be overstated. Using 'African-American' to refer to a demographic or in historical contexts may be appropriate, but in more personal or general contexts, terms like 'black' or 'black American' may be more fitting. Whether one term is more respectful than the other ultimately depends on the individual and their preference, and the context in which the term is used.