Hi there. A reminder that "black" people can be from Latin America, India, Northern Africa, etc. and think of themselves as Dominican, Brazilian, Indian, etc. (B/c of how this country treats "black" people, they want to show some sort of distinction). So Af/Am is a particular type of black people. #TheMoreYouKnow
Because white people came here by choice (for the majority) years ago, and were able to know and keep their heritage from other countries.
However, a large number of black people, were forced to come here many years ago, as slaves, and stripped of their heritage and cultures. So many did not know their family lineage, thus the term african american/black american came.
Does that make sense?
That makes sense, because those people actually immigrated from Africa and participated in and associated with true African culture. Now, unless a person fits into either of those catergories (and still, the former is the only situation in which that term should technically be used), it makes no sense to refer to someone as such. It’s a term that refers to nationality and culture/ethnicity, NOT race, which is how it’s often used now (against basic logic).
I never said it was voluntary immigration, and that has nothing to do with my point. There are different types of immigration, including the kinds that are forced.
Most of y'all are too young to remember the 1960s/1950s when Blacks wanted to stop being called negroes and specifically demanded the appellation "Black." My guess is that in another. 15 years we'll be on to something else.
However, a large number of black people, were forced to come here many years ago, as slaves, and stripped of their heritage and cultures. So many did not know their family lineage, thus the term african american/black american came.
Does that make sense?