Isn't it the most stupid thing? Do any of us Celtic folks call ourselves Irish American, Scottish American, Dutch American? What is with African American when most black folks never have been to Africa? If you live in America you are an American. Your ethnic group is another thing. Same for Mexican Americans. Wha?

As far as I remember, the whole race/nationality before 'American" was made by thos ein power. Which was, for the most part, whites. They saw others as not being "real americans", by putting their race infront of their nationality seperates them from the rest. causing a "us" and "them" mentality. Also, most "African-Americans" don't go by that. they go by American or Black because most don't have any direct ties to Africa. As far as I'm concerned America is one of the few who does this. It's not as if minorities chose to put their race before natiionality, so whether they call themselves that (out of habit) or don't (out of not wanting to be seperated) is up to them. Also, as far as I'm concerned...Blacks, Latinos/Hispanics, Asians, have more of a distinct history in America...atleast when it comes to their cultrual history. There are things they influenced (such as music, African-American culture: rap, hiphop, rock, blues, jazz) that still are used very often today and racial and cultural issues they had to overcome. Many get a sense of pride because by identifing where you came from, it's like giving a thumbs up to your ancestors.

Your Canadian, unless you want to set yourself apart and label you as African, just be able to state what part of Africa your from

My fathers parents came to America in1910, my mothers parents came to America in 1925, Fathers side from Ireland, Mothers side from wales.My point is my family has been in America a relatively short time, less than many people that refer to themselves African American or Mexican American etc, I refer to myself as American, I do not refer to myself as Irish or Welsh American. Were I work noone refers to themselves as African American, one gentleman in particular takes offense to the term. Be proud to be an American.

if you live in Canada, the US or Mexico you are an American...black or white:)