I don't really understand the term 'African-American' (and others like it) - Comments

Maybe it's just because years ago (like after our Civil War years ago) it was still important to people to seperate people by race so by tacking on "African" to "American" it made it seem more official and it just caught on.

I agree with asteroid in that it's just a part of our history that stuck but I could be completely wrong.

I always thought of it as a way to include them in our society after America's history with slaves while still honoring where they came from. It's a hell of a lot better than the other words they were called like the n word.

Basically, I think it's because of our history.

I suppose it depends on if a person catches themselves on that or not. I wouldn't refer to someone who is black, and not American, as African-American because I'm conscious of the -American part of it. Others don't tend to even think about that, because they're so used to the term, I guess.

Otherwise, it's not like they're needed terms for everyday conversation - like someone who is black and American has to be referred to as African-American, but if you actually need to describe what they look like then it comes in handy, doesn't it? Just saying "dark skin" doesn't automatically mean "black," and so it's not helpful.

VI agree. XD

Well, as an American, we just say whatever the hell we want to. Even if it doen't make any sense... And I just made none. I dunno really.

Blah, people are racist thought. I've been called a 'Wetback' before. It wasn't cool. [Racist term for Mexicans.]

I'm an American and I have no clue to why we do that. I fail. lol.