In America, without getting myself in trouble, do I say "Black Person," "African

1. 83

   Kenna McHughposted 8 years ago

   In America, without getting myself in trouble, do I say "Black Person," "African American," or what?
   
   

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2. 78

   Wesman Todd Shawposted 8 years ago

   To speak perfectly straight about this you should know that when someone is looking to find offense in what someone else says, they will make damn sure they find it. So what I mean to say is there are those who are going to be offended at anything said, and there is nothing you can do about it.
   
   But mature persons can always sense whether someone means well or not, and respond in kind to the person based on their understanding of said person's intent. I dislike the term 'African American' because very very few US blacks have ever been to Africa. The term just seems dumb to me.
   
   I'm nobody important, but in my opinion 'Black folks' is a simple way to say it, and seems to imply the speaker is a humble sort.

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      Kenna McHughposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer. I agree. If someone wants to be offended, then they will be.

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   Chatty Chatposted 8 years ago

   You can say black. Just don't say the n-word.

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      gregasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Don't call anyone colored either.

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      Kenna McHughposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I would never say that word. I have said Black and a few people make a face.

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      gregasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      That is probably actually you should never refer to anyone being any different than anyone else.

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   nochanceposted 8 years ago

   They're just people.
   
   Though if you really need to describe them by their skin I feel like black is more appropriate. Though many of them can probably trace their roots to Africa they are unlikely from there. Or if they are from there then they may not be an American.

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      Kenna McHughposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Good points. I like using Black, too.

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