racial seperation

“Just Call Us ‘Black Americans’” Mid-Term Essay

Frank W. Terry In a February 1999 article from the Los Angeles Times approached the issue of whether the term ‘African American’ should be changed to ‘Black American’. Political correctness in America is a very hot topic among different races and nationalities, often becoming a debate topic among many. Everyone that lives and is born in the United States of America is American. The term ‘African American’ should not be changed to ‘Black American’.

Deciding whether or not to change the term ‘African American’ to something different is making an issue out of something small. Individuals who move to this country from another have the right to have a separate term to distinguish them from others. Individuals who are born in the US or have taken up US citizenship should be referred to simply as ‘Americans’. There is no reason why one race or nationality should be segregated and singled out saying that they feel that they are being treated unfair. Changing the name that they are allowed to be called further points out their differences and makes room for further debate. The term ‘Black American’ singles in on the color of the individuals instead of their nationality. There are real issues in our communities and our nation of greater importance that should have higher priority than these that are trivial.

Others may argue that the term ‘African American’ should be changed given that not all people of color are from Africa. It is also arguable that not everyone that is from Africa is colored. Racial segregation and debate on what to call individuals of other ethnicities is always going to be a controversial topic. Discussing and changing these things will only hold it off for a while. Sooner or later the issue will be brought up again and there will be more demands and reasons for change. This is not something that is going to be fixed or fashioned to keep everyone happy indefinitely.

In conclusion the term ‘African American’ should not be changed to ‘Black American’ or any other term. Americans should be called just that if they are living in The United States of America. Race and color should not be included when trying to classify someone based on where they are living. Political correct names are just another way to divide a country that needs more unity and not separation.