Exactly! Why limit yourself to being identified as an African in America? We, as a group, need to think globally and internationally. I see Black as a term that crosses political and territorial boundaries.
Even though African-American is now the PC term for 'us', I feel it is moving toward the negative connotations that Negro now engenders. Ever notice that as soon as 'white' folks notice that someone 'Black' has an accent, hence is not from the US (African-American) their perceptions change?
Yes, in many foreign countries, their classification is different than ours. In many Arab countries, most dark-skinned people are considered 'white' by virtue of their heritage as Arabs. I am not including these people in my definition of Black because they do not identify with our struggle.
BTW, don't let your mom's friend pull the wool over your eyes regarding race relations in South America. They have the same patterns of poverty, hopelessness and racial discrimination as the US. It may be different in form but the substance is stil the same (they were colonized and enslaved, too!).
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Mu Psi '86
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