The Term African American

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by LΩVE

Who's being self-righteous?

Also, might I point out that there isn't "a question". It isn't a ridiculous discussion just because there is no one answer. What's the fun in only finding answers?

No one has all the answers, but unless this thread is offending someone (and though I haven't read every page, so far taking offense would be a little...sensitive, I think), why shut down those who want to talk? Let it be and if no one stays interested it'll die.

Oooooo Missy puhleeze don't beat me on houwse I calls myself!

Translation--This discussion is stupid in stereo... Tweeting about it is nothing more than a "clanging bell"--it means nothing but wasted space. How you choose to draw your box on how you want me in, doesn't mean I draw one your way or I get a failing grade. That's retarded--like, you like chocolate milk!!!

Hayle, if you want to call yourself "Sugar Honey Iced Tea-colored", it should be your choice. I would not choose that kind of definition of myself, but, that is how some people think--what is it to me??? :huh:

Why don't you answer this question for me: What is it to you what people call themselves in the grand scheme of things?

[LΩVE]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Oooooo Missy puhleeze don't beat me on houwse I calls myself!

Translation--This discussion is stupid in stereo... Tweeting about it is nothing more than a "clanging bell"--it means nothing but wasted space. How you choose to draw your box on how you want me in, doesn't mean I draw one your way or I get a failing grade. That's retarded--like, you like chocolate milk!!!

Hayle, if you want to call yourself "Sugar Honey Iced Tea-colored", it should be your choice. I would not choose that kind of definition of myself, but, that is how some people think--what is it to me??? :huh:

Why don't you answer this question for me: What is it to you what people call themselves in the grand scheme of things?

I guess what I fail to understand is why discussion shouldn't take place. What is the point in going through life never wanting to understand anyone else's point of view? Mine is different from yours and that's the point. The point isn't to change the world's system of labeling but to see why people think the way they do. It goes like this: I give my opinion, someone else gives theirs. Someone else responds to my opinion and I respond to the first's opinion, who responds to the second person's opinion, and there you are...three different points of view. Beautiful.

Suggestion...Because you aren't going to be able to convince me that discussion is bad and because I won't be able to convince you that it's good, why not both of us stop talking to each other? If anyone is interested in the topic at hand they'll offer their opinions and if not the thread will die. Either way, THIS isn't the point...it isn't going to go anywhere...arguing isn't discussion. It's arguing.

To answer your question: interesting.

Originally Posted by alphagamzetagam

This may just be my $.02 - but perhaps if you want to start a "Calling someone Black v. Calling someone White" thread, it would be a more appropriate place for your part of the discussion.

I just don't think that you and I, as white women, should really be commenting on whether people should be called African American or Black. Not that I have a huge amount of guilt about the past (because I don't, really), I just don't think it's my place as someone who is not a member of the culture or race to slap a label on it.

And I don't think it's your place, either.

The world would be a boring place full of misunderstandings and divisions if we can ONLY talk about people with the same skin color as ourselves. Being overly PC doesn't do anyone favors. It's a discussion. I am very obviously not here to change anyone's mind nor did I for a moment think I could. It's interesting and it's good to understand...and the door works both ways. I think the question "Why is "black" offensive when "white" is not?" is interesting and people have different opinions on why that is or is not true.

And of course, think what you want, but it's also nowhere near your place to tell me what to talk about.

[Ch2tf]

^^^
Sweety you're missing the point. Others have expressed to you that calling them black (and a myriad of other terms) is disrespectful to them. What people have been trying to tell you and you have yet to grasp is that they don't NEED to give you a reason why they feel the way they do. They do not HAVE to engage in discussion with you on this topic.

This discussion and similar discussions have been attempted time and again on GC and members do not want to engage in said discussion once again. Should you have a implacable desire to discuss this, then find another venue, simple as that.

And just because YOU don't find white offensive doesn't mean it isn't. I know a young woman who can be/and often is categorized as "white" but the term is EXTREMELY offensive to her and she makes her feelings on the matter known should a situation arise.

[LΩVE]

Originally Posted by Ch2tf

^^^
Sweety you're missing the point. Others have expressed to you that calling them black (and a myriad of other terms) is disrespectful to them. What people have been trying to tell you and you have yet to grasp is that they don't NEED to give you a reason why they feel the way they do. They do not HAVE to engage in discussion with you on this topic.

This discussion and similar discussions have been attempted time and again on GC and members do not want to engage in said discussion once again. Should you have a implacable desire to discuss this, then find another venue, simple as that.

And just because YOU don't find white offensive doesn't mean it isn't. I know a young woman who can be/and often is categorized as "white" but the term is EXTREMELY offensive to her and she makes her feelings on the matter known should a situation arise.

And others have expressed that it is NOT offensive and that other terms are.

You aren't going to change my mind...so continue to waste time if wished. I will wait for someone capable of discussing and if no one wishes to, that's fine as well. In the mean time, I strongly believe that discussion is important for human beings to understand one another...you will not change my mind on that viewpoint, but continue to try if you wish.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by LΩVE

And others have expressed that it is NOT offensive and that other terms are.

So understand that context matters and it is not your responsibility to make everyone comfortable.

Your only task is to make sure that you don't use the more outdated terms such as "colored" and racial slurs that are ALWAYS offensive even if you (in general) have black friends who are dumb and think it's cool.

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by LΩVE

And others have expressed that it is NOT offensive and that other terms are.

You aren't going to change my mind...so continue to waste time if wished. I will wait for someone capable of discussing and if no one wishes to, that's fine as well. In the mean time, I strongly believe that discussion is important for human beings to understand one another...you will not change my mind on that viewpoint, but continue to try if you wish.

Seems an odd comment from someone who wants to hear other people's opinions?

[LΩVE]

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

Seems an odd comment from someone who wants to hear other people's opinions?

What I am interested in is other peoples' opinions/beliefs on the topic of discussion at hand. What I am not interested in is judgmental, condescending "advice" given on basis of who someone thinks I am and not on basis of what I've written. I am not interested in listening to person after person tell me I should not be able to discuss what I am interested in, and I am not interested in rudeness.

I am also not interested in changing anyone's opinion nor am I interested in someone attempting to change mine.

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

The bottom line is that people are free to identify themselves however they wish based on whatever rationale that makes sense to them. And by the way, being however many years removed does not automatically make you less African, Irish, or whatever.

Overall, people are who they identify themselves to be and who are we to tell anyone how they should view themselves? Why is Obama African American? Because he says he is. Period. The end.

Who said that isn't ok?

That is what the bandwagon members are missing. Personally I never said it wasn't ok to think "This is what I belive, end of story". I just asked questions. No one has to answer them if they don't feel comfortable or if they don't feel like there are any other than "This is who I am". If no one is interested in discussing...then they don't have to.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by LΩVE

Personally I never said it wasn't ok to think "This is what I belive, end of story". I just asked questions. No one has to answer them if they don't feel comfortable or if they don't feel like there are any other than "This is who I am". If no one is interested in discussing...then they don't have to.

Thanks for freeing them from the bondage of your inquiries.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Oooooo Missy puhleeze don't beat me on houwse I calls myself!

LOL.

I recommend, as always, that LOVE conducts some research on this topic if it interests her. But GC isn't a research source.