Some people I've met call themselves African-American, even though they aren't from Africa

...and, even though it may have been six generations since their families left Africa.

On the other hand, I have two friends who really ARE from Africa...one from Zimbabwe and one from Zaire...how shall I call them, to indicate that they are (proudly!) in the process of gaining their citizenship here, and yet distinguish them from folks who were born and raised here, the same as I was?

I'm genuinely confused about this, and have no desire to hurt anyone's feelings. What's best to do...apart from taking a tedious and insulting poll of every individual I meet? Is it alright to simply call anyone born in the U.S. American, and let it go at that?

I feel that we are living in a time of tiresome hair-splitting over names. I'm really tired of it. Any advice is welcome!

Some people I've met call themselves African-American, even though they aren't from Africa...?

I find that really strange too! I do not go around saying that i am German-American. I am American and so are those black Americans. JUST AMERICAN.

Some people I've met call themselves African-American, even though they aren't from Africa...?

they say that they are african american there are not but there parnts are so that means that he is african american

Some people I've met call themselves African-American, even though they aren't from Africa...?

You can refer to them as first generation African-Americans to aknowledge their status as immigrants or hell, you could call them by name. :)

Some people I've met call themselves African-American, even though they aren't from Africa...?

How do those frieds of yours feel about people that aren't from Africa calling themselves African Americans? Thats what really counts how do they feel if it doesn't bother them then its alright but if they don't approve then maybe let your other friends know that its an insult to the people that are actually African American.

Some people I've met call themselves African-American, even though they aren't from Africa...?

They are proud of being descendant of Africans.

Some people I've met call themselves African-American, even though they aren't from Africa...?

To me if u r born in America, thats what u r American!!!!!!!!!!!

Some people I've met call themselves African-American, even though they aren't from Africa...?

Africans were on the slave ships that eventually landed in America.since over 400 years of slavery . and present day overt and covert racism and racist laws and practices by ''the white man'' have set and held the free slaves and their descendants back and down.we so called African Americans who originally came from many African countries but brought or born here in the country that the white stole from the //natives//..we know what they did to us so we remind them, you must remember that Africa is a continent..our mothers land

besides separation is the way the man keeps his power.

oh you re a African American? '' you wont be getting this here job blackie'' the white man said after he tossed the application in the trash can.

to make a long story short African and African Americans are black....even the mixed ones

i hope this helps

angry black man