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9 February 2012 Some blacks insist: 'I'm not African-American'

**Summary:** The term “African- American” doesn’t sit well with the black community today. A young man name Gibre George started a Facebook page called "Don't Call Me African-American", which now has about 300 "likes." The young black community honors their African heritage but being called an African doesn’t show who they really are. A survey was taken in 2011 and majority of the voters wanted to be called Black instead of African-American. With so many cultures in America now, society thinks that all dark skinned people should be put in a group as African-American instead of what they really are. For example Joan Morgan is a writer that was born in Jamaica. She had moved to New York City when she was young. Morgan had her first book signing and the host announced her as an African American. Morgan and her family were very shocked and upset. She felt that calling her an African-American erased their history, their sacrifices, and the contributions it took to make her become an author. **Relevance:** African American culture is the combination of what was brought to America by African slaves. The segregation of blacks throughout American history has always been a big deal. The Black culture can be seen in religion, language, family structure, food, music, dance, literature, art and so much more. Many people question why President Barack Obama is considered African American when his father is from Kenya, which makes him Kenyan. American R&B song writer, recorder producer, and actress Alicia Keys is also questioned about her being called an Africa-American. Keys mother is Scottish, Italian, and Irish and her father is Africa-American. Her father left her and her mother when Keys was two years old. If her father wasn’t there to teach her their culture, then why should be called African-American. **Evaluation:** Many young people feel that the African-American term shouldn’t be used towards them if that’s not who they are. Some feel that it’s very disrespectful to their true culture and feel as though their culture doesn’t get notice because of what society wants to generalize them as. Culture plays a big role in many households so to be called something that doesn’t represent your culture really hurts and gets people angry. If it wasn’t for the important Black people in history the African-American culture wouldn’t be noticed. A small amount of the older generation feels that even though you are not from Africa you that are and not wanting to be called an African-American is very disrespectful. **Questions:** Works Cited "Alicia Keys - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Feb. 2012. . "President Barack Obama | The White House." //The White House//. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Feb. 2012. . "Some blacks insist: 'I'm not African-American' - US news - Life - msnbc.com." //msnbc.com - Breaking news, science and tech news, world news, US news, local news- msnbc.com//. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Feb. 2012. . "What is Black Culture? A Brief Introduction Â« Black is, Black Ainâ€™t." //Black is, Black Ainâ€™t//. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Feb. 2012. .
 * 1) What age group doesn’t like the term “African-American” most?
 * 2) Will society ever stop using the term “African-American” on those who aren’t African?
 * 3) Will the older Black generation like the change?
 * 4) How can Black people that aren’t from Africa connect with their culture?
 * 5) Have Blacks always felt this way?
 * 6) Would society start changing the name to Black-American or just Black?

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