What is an African American?

MR END · #1 2008-07-30, 20:25

http://www.ketv.com/education/2783824/detail.html

He was born in Africa and yet he was suspended from school for entering a contest as a African American.
Ohhhhhh......

HE'S WHITE!!!!

If a American moves to another county, say Japan; Is he a American Japanese?

Anyways, cudos to this kid whether his intentions were good or not for doin this.

Nihilist · #2 2008-07-30, 23:56

thats pretty funny though.

KikoSanchez · #3 2008-07-31, 03:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR END

http://www.ketv.com/education/2783824/detail.html

He was born in Africa and yet he was suspended from school for entering a contest as a African American.
Ohhhhhh......

HE'S WHITE!!!!

If a American moves to another county, say Japan; Is he a American Japanese?

Anyways, cudos to this kid whether his intentions were good or not for doin this.

It's just a category, one which most people understand, but obviously this kid did not. As for the hypothetical "American Japanese," I don't know. This is a social construct made by the whole of Japanese culture. As far as I know of Japanese culture, you are a simply an outsider and a non-asian. There is some term for this, but I forget.

It's a silly term, but it is still one that is easily understood with anyone with half a brain.

rusty needles · #4 2008-07-31, 05:09

I don't see why he should get suspended for that. He's partially right, though he knew he was wrong. Shouldn't even be an article written about it.

zik · #5 2008-07-31, 07:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by KikoSanchez

As far as I know of Japanese culture, you are a simply an outsider and a non-asian. There is some term for this, but I forget.

Gaijin?

MR END · #6 2008-07-31, 07:59

zik got it... :

So a "African American" needs to be black huh?

So do the Whites in Africa want to be called American Africans? Or "British Africans?

Rolloffle · #7 2008-07-31, 10:42

Multi-culturalism, tolerance, and diversity are just euphemisms for not white, not Christian, not straight, and not normal. People are starting to realize this.

Pink P&ther · #8 2008-07-31, 12:19

KikoSanchez · #9 2008-08-01, 09:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by zik

Gaijin?

Ding ding ding! Also derogatory iirc.

KikoSanchez · #10 2008-08-01, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR END

zik got it... :

So a "African American" needs to be black huh?

Drrrr. This isn't a geographic term, it is a term associating color of skin. This is why we don't consider Turks or Saudis "Asian-Americans." It is more about generalizing looks than genetic background. I imagine most of you know this, but would rather make an issue of the false semantics involved.