The Eyes of Mara

[Not Afraid]

Originally Posted by blueerica

I was told by a co-worker that she hated when she was called "my black friend" and I would also assume that applies to anyone in any "different" type of community. Ideally, someone's my friend - minus the prefix.

Is it because she doesn't like the term "black" and would prefer African American or is it that she doesn't like to be singled out by her defining features.

[Gemini Cricket]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

Is it because she doesn't like the term "black" and would prefer African American or is it that she doesn't like to be singled out by her defining features.

Something I learned recently, and it makes perfect sense in hindsight, is that the use of African American doesn't necessarily pertain to everyone who is black in skin color. (I'm not calling NA on anything, her post just made me think of something and the PC subject was out there so...) I met a gentleman who is Jamaican. He doesn't consider the label of 'African American' to include him. His bloodline/ancestry is not from Africa... Dave Matthews also identified himself as being African American on an interview I saw long ago (he's from South Africa). In fact, another article I read called Stefan Lessard the only non-African America member of The Dave Matthews Band.
Just my 2 cents...