How insulting is Colored (vs. African American)

[naraht]

For all it is a cliche, I think that it is at least a historical lesson.

In 1909, when the NAACP was founded, *one* of the preferred terms of the community for itself was Colored.

In 1935, when the National Council for Negro Women and in 1944, when the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) was founded, *one* of the preferred terms for the community for itself was Negro.

In 1993, when the National Black Chamber of Commerce was founded, *one* of the preferrred terms for the community was Black.

[madmax]

Originally Posted by naraht

For all it is a cliche, I think that it is at least a historical lesson.

In 1909, when the NAACP was founded, *one* of the preferred terms of the community for itself was Colored.

In 1935, when the National Council for Negro Women and in 1944, when the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) was founded, *one* of the preferred terms for the community for itself was Negro.

In 1993, when the National Black Chamber of Commerce was founded, *one* of the preferrred terms for the community was Black.

You forgot people of color.


What is the term going to be next year when they change it again?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by madmax

You forgot people of color.

Which, as already noted, does not refer just to African-Americans.

RIF. (Thinking helps, too.)

[naraht]

Originally Posted by madmax

You forgot people of color.


What is the term going to be next year when you change it again?

Wow! I get to be the one who gets to change the term next year! I'm just not worthy..

I mean I never thought it possible that I, a geek whose skin is so white that wedding dress designers match their color swatches against my legs and who no longer attends probates due to the number of people whose jaws drop so low that they have to be hospitalized, would get to be the one.

I'm just so happy that my life long dream of being able to determine how a culture of people refers to itself would be fulfilled. Thank you, madmax, thank you *so* much.