Essential Differences in Terms of Black and African American

In John H. McWhorter’s essay “Why I am Black, Not African American”, the term “African American” is being stressed out and misused. McWhorter says, “It’s time we descendants of slaves brought to the United States let go of the term “African American” and go back to calling ourselves black – with a capital B” (527). I agree with McWhorter’s argument about calling African American’s Black. I feel people should not be addressing a person as an “Italian American”, if one has a heritage in America. So why should the term African American be treated by one descendant’s nationality? McWhorter’s essay is trying to make people realize that there is a difference between the terms African American and Black. He wants people to realize that people born in America have a heritage in America than Africa. Unless you come from a generation that resides in Africa, people should use the term Black instead of African American. McWhorter gives people evidence to stop the term African American and to use the term Black. I agree with McWhorter’s essay because adults of color should care and acknowledge the essential differences like culture, label, and heritage between the two terms African American and Black.

I think that adults of color consider carefully the difference between African American and Black. I agree with McWhorter that people should recognize the meanings of the term African American in an aspect like culture. He defines the term African American by saying that they are raised on African food, music, and customs such as dance and dress styles (527). I think that the term African American is described as one from Africa who either immigrated or is being influenced. But, a Black person is different culturally because he or she would ha...

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...ween African American and Black is culture. A culture example would be that a person called African America would imply a person would have influence from the country. A second difference would be the labeling between African American and black. The term “Black” is not perfect but of labels but has improved greatly throughout time. A third difference would be the heritage between African American and Black as well. African American is not a term that should be used because it is not a fair label to people that has a heritage in America but a true heritage in Africa as well. I would hope adults of color would realize, Black can be used without insult to the true African Americans that come to this country as immigrant.

Works Cited
McWhorter, John H. "Why I am Black, Not African American." TheContemporary Reader. 9 Goshgarian, Gary.

Longman, 2007. 527-528. Print.