I like European American or white person or whatever, but caucasion sounds like some sexual disease. African American is a strong term, while caucasion is weak.

I think it's a plot..lol

We're all African anyway. lol

2freaky4church1 said:

I like European American or white person or whatever, but caucasion sounds like some sexual disease. African American is a strong term, while caucasion is weak.

I think it's a plot..lol

We're all African anyway. lol

You mean "Caucasian". Just thought I'd correct that for you 2freak.

[Edited 4/12/11 7:25am]

Caucus...a region from russia down through turkey. hence..caucasian.

BlackAdder7 said:

Caucus...a region from russia down through turkey. hence..caucasian.

Say it AGAIN.

I honestly don't like being called African American. I have never even been to Africa. I perfer the term black american. I belive it just describes me better because not everyone who is black has strictly African ancestors.

Humans should let go of terms.

Drop the terms.........drop the drama associated with it.

2elijah said:

2freaky4church1 said:

I like European American or white person or whatever, but caucasion sounds like some sexual disease. African American is a strong term, while caucasion is weak.

I think it's a plot..lol

We're all African anyway. lol

You mean "Caucasian". Just thought I'd correct that for you 2freak.

[Edited 4/12/11 7:25am]

I was gonna say, "Good, cause that's not a term"

I'm much less concerned with terminology (obvious derrogatory stuff aside of course) than how folk treat me.

chaosandisorder said:

I honestly don't like being called African American. I have never even been to Africa. I perfer the term black american. I belive it just describes me better because not everyone who is black has strictly African ancestors.

Everyone, black or not, has ancient African ancestors. It is where the first humas referred to as Homo Sapiens originated, lived, and travelled out of Africa, to populate the rest of the world.

Defining yourself as such doesn't mean you had to be born in Africa, but many who have more recent ancestors, especially those who are direct descendants of Africans brought to America/Caribbean, elsewhere, etc., technically are more closely related, even if they have no idea/knowledge or direct connection with the African ethnic group their recent ancestors were from, unless they do a geneology search.

Here's another example: One of Puerto Rican heritage who has never been to Puerto Rico or was born there, is still Puerto Rican through their parents' heritage, which is really a mixture of a few ethnic groups. Same as someone of Italian, Greek, Irish heritage. Doesn't mean one is necessarily forced to practice the culture of their parents, but they are still part of that particular heritage.

[Edited 4/12/11 8:55am]

2elijah said:

chaosandisorder said:

I honestly don't like being called African American. I have never even been to Africa. I perfer the term black american. I belive it just describes me better because not everyone who is black has strictly African ancestors.

Everyone, black or not, has ancient African ancestors. It is where the first humas referred to as Homo Sapiens originated, lived, and travelled out of Africa, to populate the rest of the world.

Defining yourself as such doesn't mean you had to be born there. Example: One of Puerto Rican heritage who has never been to Puerto Rico or was born there, are still Puerto Rican through their parents' heritage. Same as someone of Italian, Greek, Irish heritage. Does mean one necessarily is forced to practice the culture of their parents, but they are still part of that particular heritage.

And yet Ricans act the fool towards each other about what constitutes being a "true" Rican. Not to mention that just being of Rican heritage gives you African and Native (Taino) heritage as well. But Ricans, like everywhere else also get caught up on the white/black bullshit. The best is when someone who's all thinking themselves "white" has a much darker child and then are like . Told ya u dumb bitch.

Graycap23 said:

Humans should let go of terms.

Drop the terms.........drop the drama associated with it.

Untile they educate themselves about the history of the human species, the use of terms to define various groups of people will never stop. I see no problem though with embracing the cultures and traditions of various groups.

2elijah said:

Graycap23 said:

Humans should let go of terms.

Drop the terms.........drop the drama associated with it.

Until they educate themselves

That will NEVER happen.

johnart said:

2elijah said:

Everyone, black or not, has ancient African ancestors. It is where the first humas referred to as Homo Sapiens originated, lived, and travelled out of Africa, to populate the rest of the world.

Defining yourself as such doesn't mean you had to be born there. Example: One of Puerto Rican heritage who has never been to Puerto Rico or was born there, are still Puerto Rican through their parents' heritage. Same as someone of Italian, Greek, Irish heritage. Does mean one necessarily is forced to practice the culture of their parents, but they are still part of that particular heritage.

And yet Ricans act the fool towards each other about what constitutes being a "true" Rican. Not to mention that just being of Rican heritage gives you African and Native (Taino) heritage as well. But Ricans, like everywhere else also get caught up on the white/black bullshit. The best is when someone who's all thinking themselves "white" has a much darker child and then are like . Told ya u dumb bitch.

Very true. But you can blame that on brainwashing techniques and colonization from the past, so that does not surprise me. I find many Puerto Ricans who can pass for White, kind of have that mentality. I have Black/Puerto Rican cousins, and my parents were born right next door to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, VI, where around the time they were growing up there, was a large, Puerto Rican influence. There are still quite a number of Puerto Ricans living in the VI. Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. V.I. celebrate the same holidays, different than on the mainland (the states). Much has changed in the V.I., now with other islanders coming in and taking over, so-to-speak, so the culture there has changed a lot.

The food/cuisine, are similar, and about the same between the two islands. I was raised on so much salsa and calypso music at family reunions, which is why I love that music to this day. Not to mention the food-peas and rice, baccalao (?sp), (cod fish), cassava, plantains, collaloo, etc., The liquored fruitcakes relatives sent during the holidays, was a trip.

Both islands, historically have the same ancestors African/Arawak/Taino/European (of various ethnic groups). My mom lived in Puerto Rico for about a year with her cousin, when she was 19 years old. She left, and moved back to the VI, but her cousin stayed in Puerto Rico and got married. My mom's sister, lived and also worked in Puerto Rico at one time when she was alive. One of my sisters, born in the USVI, speaks Spanish fluently, and so do some of my first/second cousins. Although I'm born in the states, I embrace my Caribbean culture. 4 siblings of mine were born there, and the rest of us here in the states. My aunts and mom have/had Spanish names --Esmeralda Bianca(mom);Inez(aunt), and my maternal grandfather--Edwardo(still trying to search for his birthplace-rumors he was born either in Virgin Gorda or Cuba.He's buried in Cuba.

Some folks need to take the time to research their history, and embrace it without shame. My family has a beautiful culture. Ther is a Puerto Rican poet who wrote "Who is your grandmother?" Forgot his name. It references Puerto Ricans who hide the black ancestry or dark skin of many of their Black grandmothers in shame.

[Edited 4/12/11 9:31am]

Graycap23 said:

2elijah said:

Until they educate themselves

That will NEVER happen.

I l take it upon myself to do it, don't understand why others won't. Guess it's lack of interest for many.

[Edited 4/12/11 9:30am]

2elijah said:

johnart said:

And yet Ricans act the fool towards each other about what constitutes being a "true" Rican. Not to mention that just being of Rican heritage gives you African and Native (Taino) heritage as well. But Ricans, like everywhere else also get caught up on the white/black bullshit. The best is when someone who's all thinking themselves "white" has a much darker child and then are like . Told ya u dumb bitch.

Very true. But you can blame that on brainwashing techniques and colonization from the past, so that does not surprise me. I find many Puerto Ricans who can pass for White, kind of have that mentality. I have Black/Puerto Rican cousins, and my parents were born right next door to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, VI, where around the time they were growing up there, was a large, Puerto Rican influence. There are still quite a number of Puerto Ricans living in the VI. Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. V.I. celebrate the same holidays, different than on the mainland (the states). Much has changed in the V.I., now with other islanders coming in and taking over, so-to-speak, so the culture there has changed a lot.

The food/cuisine, are similar, and about the same between the two islands. I was raised on so much salsa and calypso music at family reunions, which is why I love that music to this day. Not to mention the food-peas and rice, baccalao (?sp), (cod fish), cassava, plantains, collaloo, etc., The liquored fruitcakes relatives sent during the holidays, was a trip.

Both islands, historically have the same ancestors African/Arawak/Taino/European (of various ethnic groups). My mom lived in Puerto Rico for about a year with her cousin, when she was 19 years old. She left, and moved back to the VI, but her cousin stayed in Puerto Rico and got married. My mom's sister, lived and also worked in Puerto Rico at one time when she was alive. One of my sisters, born in the USVI, speaks Spanish fluently, and so do some of my first/second cousins. Although I'm born in the states, I embrace my Caribbean culture. 4 siblings of mine were born there, and the rest of us here in the states. My aunts and mom have/had Spanish names --Esmeralda Bianca(mom);Inez(aunt), and my maternal grandfather--Edwardo(still trying to search for his birthplace-rumors he was born either in Virgin Gorda or Cuba.He's buried in Cuba.

Some folks need to take the time to research their history, and embrace it without shame. My family has a beautiful culture. Ther is a Puerto Rican poet who wrote "Who is your grandmother?" Forgot his name. It references Puerto Ricans who hide the black ancestry or dark skin of many of their Black grandmothers in shame.

[Edited 4/12/11 9:31am]

I'm such a mutt (and was raised to be fully aware of and celebrate this) that I can never fully wrap my head around people who want to turn their back on their heritage. I can see how life circumstances sometimes lead to this, but just don't get how folk don't hit a point when they come to the realization that there is no escaping who they are (nor is it necessary).

Y Tu Abuela, Donde Esta?

2elijah said:

Graycap23 said:

That will NEVER happen.

I l take it upon myself to do it, don't understand why others won't. Guess it's lack of interest for many.

[Edited 4/12/11 9:30am]

How else do think the masses are controlled?

johnart said:

2elijah said:

Very true. But you can blame that on brainwashing techniques and colonization from the past, so that does not surprise me. I find many Puerto Ricans who can pass for White, kind of have that mentality. I have Black/Puerto Rican cousins, and my parents were born right next door to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, VI, where around the time they were growing up there, was a large, Puerto Rican influence. There are still quite a number of Puerto Ricans living in the VI. Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. V.I. celebrate the same holidays, different than on the mainland (the states). Much has changed in the V.I., now with other islanders coming in and taking over, so-to-speak, so the culture there has changed a lot.

The food/cuisine, are similar, and about the same between the two islands. I was raised on so much salsa and calypso music at family reunions, which is why I love that music to this day. Not to mention the food-peas and rice, baccalao (?sp), (cod fish), cassava, plantains, collaloo, etc., The liquored fruitcakes relatives sent during the holidays, was a trip.

Both islands, historically have the same ancestors African/Arawak/Taino/European (of various ethnic groups). My mom lived in Puerto Rico for about a year with her cousin, when she was 19 years old. She left, and moved back to the VI, but her cousin stayed in Puerto Rico and got married. My mom's sister, lived and also worked in Puerto Rico at one time when she was alive. One of my sisters, born in the USVI, speaks Spanish fluently, and so do some of my first/second cousins. Although I'm born in the states, I embrace my Caribbean culture. 4 siblings of mine were born there, and the rest of us here in the states. My aunts and mom have/had Spanish names --Esmeralda Bianca(mom);Inez(aunt), and my maternal grandfather--Edwardo(still trying to search for his birthplace-rumors he was born either in Virgin Gorda or Cuba.He's buried in Cuba.

Some folks need to take the time to research their history, and embrace it without shame. My family has a beautiful culture. Ther is a Puerto Rican poet who wrote "Who is your grandmother?" Forgot his name. It references Puerto Ricans who hide the black ancestry or dark skin of many of their Black grandmothers in shame.

[Edited 4/12/11 9:31am]

I'm such a mutt (and was raised to be fully aware of and celebrate this) that I can never fully wrap my head around people who want to turn their back on their heritage. I can see how life circumstances sometimes lead to this, but just don't get how folk don't hit a point when they come to the realization that there is no escaping who they are (nor is it necessary).

Y Tu Abuela, Donde Esta?

Wow, thanks for that! I have been looking for that poem online for sometime now, and couldn't find it. Didn't even think about trying youtube. I first heard it recited on a pbs documentary about a Puerto Rican poet some years ago, and loved it. Thanks!

[Edited 4/12/11 9:58am]

2freaky4church1 said:

I like European American or white person or whatever, but caucasion sounds like some sexual disease. African American is a strong term, while caucasion is weak.

I think it's a plot..lol

We're all African anyway. lol

dbl post edit

[Edited 4/12/11 10:22am]

2freaky4church1 said:

I like European American or white person or whatever, but caucasion sounds like some sexual disease. African American is a strong term, while caucasion is weak.

I think it's a plot..lol

We're all African anyway. lol

It sounds a helluva lot better than CAUCASOID and EUROPOID!

Plus you don't have to be white to be caucasian. The latter term being very broad and including those that would otherwise get called the N word in the deep american south. If you have to ask what I am referring to then you just don't know and you should shoot your history/ethnic studies/government & humanities teachers skr8 in the cranium.

would all the caucasion african americans please raise your hands???

wow

thank god i'm black and can just leave it there.

actualy,

i'm still waitin to see an african.

before an italian discovered the place

didn't it have a real name???

oh

my bad.

i didn't bother to read

whutever it is this thread

concerns, i just read words

then sa whut i waant to say

the perk of being King Bad

KingBAD said:

would all the caucasion african americans please raise your hands???

wow

thank god i'm black and can just leave it there.

actualy,

i'm still waitin to see an african.

before an italian discovered the place

didn't it have a real name???

oh

my bad.

i didn't bother to read

whutever it is this thread

concerns, i just read words

then sa whut i waant to say

the perk of being King Bad

Where your wifey at? Or should I say wives? :snicker:

Graycap23 said:

Humans should let go of terms.

Drop the terms.........drop the drama associated with it.

You really think it's that simple? That if people stop referring to themselves by different classifications, that somehow there would be no more racism?

No offense, but I think there's no way in hell that would happen.

doesn't it make us all a little less relevant when we refer to each other and ourselves just by one or the other color? black and white are like the keys on prince's piano for sure, but none of us are prince's piano and real people are anywhere from pink to brown. we should call it like it is, imo. beige, pink, cafe au lait, etc. just my 2c

armpit said:

Graycap23 said:

Humans should let go of terms.

Drop the terms.........drop the drama associated with it.

You really think it's that simple? That if people stop referring to themselves by different classifications, that somehow there would be no more racism?

No offense, but I think there's no way in hell that would happen.

Do u understand conditioning?

XxAxX said:

doesn't it make us all a little less relevant when we refer to each other and ourselves just by one or the other color? black and white are like the keys on prince's piano for sure, but none of us are prince's piano and real people are anywhere from pink to brown. we should call it like it is, imo. beige, pink, cafe au lait, etc. just my 2c

some people are beige

some people are ebony

some people are dark brown

some people are medium brown

some people are light brown

some people are golden brown

some people are blue black

some people are ghostly white

some people are tan

some people are fake tan

some people are bronze

some people are copper

some people are chestnut brown

some people are burnt orange due to age and sun exposure

some people olive complected - has nothing to do with the mediterranean

some people are dark pinkish - lots of Irish folk are this colorand I've been told this is due to

mongolian ancestry (?)

some people are very pale pink - another tribe of Irish..perhaps Viking Irish

some people are bright yellow

some people are dark yellow

some people are greyish

some people are spotted due to vitiligo

some people are covered in tats which would make them rainbowish

XxAxX said:

doesn't it make us all a little less relevant when we refer to each other and ourselves just by one or the other color? black and white are like the keys on prince's piano for sure, but none of us are prince's piano and real people are anywhere from pink to brown. we should call it like it is, imo. beige, pink, cafe au lait, etc. just my 2c

You forgot indigo. There's a lot of Africans from Morocco, Senegal, etc., that are actually that dark. I forgot the name of the African model who is that complexion. The insides of the palm of their hands/feet are like an orange tone, morso than pinkish, like in Black Americans.

[Edited 4/12/11 10:58am]

2elijah said:

XxAxX said:

doesn't it make us all a little less relevant when we refer to each other and ourselves just by one or the other color? black and white are like the keys on prince's piano for sure, but none of us are prince's piano and real people are anywhere from pink to brown. we should call it like it is, imo. beige, pink, cafe au lait, etc. just my 2c

You forgot indigo. There's a lot of Africans from Morocco, Senegal, etc., that are actually that dark. I forgot the name of the African model who is that complexion. The insides of the palm of their hands/feet are like an orange tone, morso than pinkish, like in Black Americans.

[Edited 4/12/11 10:58am]

Alek Wek? She is so lovely. She has a baby face.

[img:$uid]http://img1.browsebiography.com/images/gal/170_Alek_Wek_ELLE_cover.jpg[/img:$uid]

chaosandisorder said:

I honestly don't like being called African American. I have never even been to Africa. I perfer the term black american. I belive it just describes me better because not everyone who is black has strictly African ancestors.

It was meant to be used for Americans decended from black American slaves -- but ppl tend to mistakenly use it for every "black" face they see

~ this way, the term should not be applied to Latinos or West Indians, or even black ppl from Europe, Asia or Canada (unless their heritage does include black American slaves).

However, if the term is to be properly used, like "Irish-American" (born in the USA with Irish heritage) and "Italian-American" (born in the USA with Italian heritage), and so on, two good examples are:

1)President Obama isn't "African American" b/c he's half black, he is African-American b/c

a) he has one African parent and one American parent

b) he has at least one African parent and was born in America

* if he had been born in Africa to at least one American parent, this, too, would apply

2) If Charlize Theron has a kid with her American bf, that child - though white - will also be African-American

but yes (original post); human beings began on the African continent and spread out from there... technically, all human beings are "African."

While all of these "racial" labels attempt to define us, all they really do is divide. There's only one race; human (or hueman, as I've seen some ppl use ~ since man comes in so many lovely hues ).

[Edited 4/12/11 11:24am]