Why do blacks get the benefit of being called African Americans and
 

Latinos only rate being labeled "hispanic"? It seems to not matter the roots of a black as the term African American is used by anybody black where ever they may be from.

The other origins do not seem to need the classification of Italian American or Irish American or German American etc, etc.

So why do blacks need to use "African American"?

When I fill in questionnaires or surveys and they have the race boxes that include African American or Caucasian.....I always write in American after Caucasian....hence Caucasian American!!! Why not?

btk....PS to stop the allegation of racist onslaught there is no racial implication or intention in my post WHAT SO EVER!!

Why does there have to be any classification other that American, if in fact they are American? If they aren't American I can see the need for Italian, Greek, Kenyan, Indonesian or whatever. By the way Africa isa continent and covers a whole multitude of countries.

Martin Luther King Jr. and others used to use the term "Negro", which corresponded with my being a "Caucasian".

I've never understood how the term "African-American" would be an appropriate descriptor when nobody in the family has been born in Africa in the last 200 years.

Do you know the story of Johnny Duncan's poem, "I Can"? dr johnny duncan interview "Afr-i-can Amer-i-can" : wesawthat... : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive

This link goes into it.
 

Why is it more politically correct to use the term "African American" than "Black?" - Quora

I have a sister-in-law who is from Jamaica but also was in the US Navy as an assistant of some kind for the Navy SEALS. She called herself "black" and so did we as I recall. She was a US citizen obviously but is still Jamaican too.

I know for a fact that there are groups in Florida that are called "German-American Clubs" or "Irish-American Clubs". Obviously, they are open to everyone but the club traditions are to those cultures. Here in The Villages, I believe there are also such clubs which are open to everyone. The African-American Club is open to everyone, too.

I was also thinking of the golfer, Ernie Els. If he had American citizenship, he could be classified as African American since he was born in South Africa.

Basically, does it really matter what someone calls themself? If you are an American citizen, you are American. Any classification you wish to include does not bother me.

I too vote for all being American, if they are!

btk

I was going to comment, but I'm having a hard time seeing through the holes in this hood. :)

Might want to cut them bigger so we can see who you really are.:cold:

How about the possibility that they were brought here on slave ships from"Africa"!

For statisical reasons race/nationality classifications are necessary. Also for security purposes. I mean how helpful is it for a cop to hear we had a break-in by an american 5'11' wearing a green jacket.........

Having said that I am willing to address any individual by what they are comfortable .

I wasn't aware there was anyone currently in this country who came over on slave ships.

Hyphenated?
 

“In this country we have no place for hyphenated Americans.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

I don't really see your point here. Of course, in descriptions, you would go by race (white, black, Asian) and not by nationality. When giving your own heritage, you could say you are of German or Irish or African background.

I really do not understand the title of this thread of "blacks get the benefit of being called African-Americans". What benefits are being received?

Hi Buggyone: A number of posters made similar comments referencing tne fact that we are "all Americans." I agree. However for statistical/security purposes we need more definition. I ought not take the liberty but my assumption from after reading the OP was that African/americans are accorded or assert more rights (i.e black history month, afirmative action programs, claims of race/hate crimes such as the zimmermanv Martin case.
I agree with the OP. However there are many many black Americans who have earned their rightful place in America by working hard and depending on no one but themselves. Those that follow in the mold of Thomas Sowell, condi Rice, etc vis a vis Sharpton faux claims that all black are victims. sharpton demeans the very people he claims to represent and many black American resent him for it.

what benefits do they get? and yes I do think this is a racial post.

Hi Rubicon,
Affirmative action programs are fine with me. Look at the inner-city schools and the education system there is terrible. A helping hand-up is a good thing for them. Black History month is symbolic. It costs nothing and is symbolic. I know there is not a White History month but do you really care?

However, your statement of there being "many black Americans who have earned their rightful place in America by working hard and depending on no one but themselves" was worded in a way that could be mis-interpreted. I am sure that is definitely what you meant. I agree that Sharpton is a race-baiter and that Sowell, Rice, Obama, and Watts are fine examples for ANYONE to follow. Instead of saying that "many black Americans have earned a rightful place by working hard and depending on no one but themselves" - maybe saying "Any American has earned themself a respected place in America by working hard and depending on no one but themself and giving to others in a spirit of kindness and charity to those less fortunate".

Buggyone: You offer good counsel. However what I said has been advanced by Thomas Sowell;albeit much better. My point is that the sharpton followers apparently perceive themselves as victims and that is holding them back and prevents meaningful communication. My reference to those who have earned their right references just the opposite. The don't need or want help from anyone and they created their own opportunities just like you and me and millions of other Americans. Some other poster labeled this thread racist and that poster is incorrect and playing the politically correct game. This thread is a healthy dialogue on race relations and it benefits society in the long run
As to your comments concerning the disadvantage and disabled I often fail to address this issue because in my mind it is a given. I am very much in agreement to give people in need a hand up. Help them get back on their feet and become productive members of our society.

By the way Thomas Sowell is a man I highly admired.