Quote:
Originally Posted by marilynk  Black was also used by white people in the South---FOR YEARS! How is "Black" any different than "colored"? I'm not dense, I'm not stupid--I just think words only have power if they are allowed to have power. If people didn't get outraged over the "N" word, then it would cease having the power it does.
I'd also like to know how many generations you are removed from Africa?
For example, I know that I'm 1/16 Cherokee. But, I don't insist on being called Native American (although by definition I could). I can trace my heritage/lineage all the way back to Ireland in the 1600--but I don't consider myself "Irish-American". Why do Blacks feel they get to be "'African-American"?
Why can't we drop names and just be people? Why can't we just stop being so damned offended by words? Why can't we be more offended by actions and behaviours?
Oh, and please don't tell me I just don't understand. If you think I don't understand, then explain it to me |
I always am amused when white people try to tell me what is racist and what is not. Not you, personally, Marilyn but just people in general.
I am biracial but in the eyes of the law I am AA. It doesn't matter how long ago my ancestors came to America from Africa I am still AA. I am also hispanic. I am also caucasian. But I look like I am AA so therefore I am called that.
Colored is what was on the bathroom doors and drinking fountains in the South to keep the black people from contaminating white people. When the civil rights movement began, the first thing black people did was not accept any more to be associated with this time in history. I am not sure if you are old enough to remember when it became important for black people to reclaim what was stolen from then by being dragged here in chains during slavery times. Hence, the pride in being African American. And the name AA.
If you want to be called -American, go right ahead. I will still say that colored is said by bigots or ignorant people or racist people. Unless you have been on the recieving end of the word, you cannot say it isn't harmful or hurtful.
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