If someone asked what countries are in my heritage, it would be a frickin essay, but i just sum it all up as american, but most of my heritage is irish
So I'm white, and I honestly struggle with how to refer to black people should the need arise. I have been saying African American but I guess that isn't right. What should I say that isn't offensive?
Do you find the term white offensive? I would assume not since you used it to describe yourself. Same goes for the term black. Although its understood that HOW you say it can also affect how its received. "She is dating a white guy" is usually taken fine "hey white boy, get over here" isn't. If its just used descriptively to give more info about the person, its usually fine, if its used derogatorily to insult somebody and didn't need to be included, its probably not ok.
We were having this conversation at school today, Americans (and possibly the rest of the world) use the term 'black' quite freely, and it is deemed fine same with the term 'white'. In New Zealand if you were to call somebody black it would be highly offensive, but in our school exam essays we are allowed to refer to african Americans as 'black', because it is a common term over there. I personally don't see why it is offensive to some people, I find no offense in being called white, but the guest is right, if it was said in an offensive way I probably would.
Why should we hyphenate? As if they're less American than anyone else? The question then, however, is what to say instead? As long as there are issues that affect some groups and not others, there is need for differentiation when speaking about them, so what can we say that would be proper and respectful?
STEREOTYPECEPTION.