The other day I heard a real stupid comment. I was watching a young African American guy talk to this older Caucasian male. Before the young guy could finish the older guy came in and said something to this effect: What have the Blacks done for America. Every other race has contributed to the American experience except blacks. When I heard this i had to laugh within my self b/c to say that was an incredibly ignorant statement. As always I just want to hear you guys' opinions.

Of course the Black men and women have given to this country. I would only have to say a few things to make this point, start with the Red Tails in WWII a great fighter and escort squadron, George Washington Carver, Booker T Washington the list is long and very distinguished.
ANyone who doesnt see this is a racist or just thinks that because a minority of young black men are out of control, just like all races, then all are bad people. And that is the definition of prejudice.
Every one of the cultures that are part of this nation have contributed to our well being.

See this is part of the "labels" people have put upon themselves.
This gives the opportunity to be singled out.
"Black", "White", African-American, etc.

Whats wrong with American as a word to describe all U.S. citizens.

I agree, thats the point of my, " I am going to catch hell for this..." Thread

I am of the opinion that we are all Americans and we should speak to each other as such.

Like I posted in that thread an African-American doesnt always mean a black man or woman, but a person born in Africa that moved here.

I thought "African-American" was the politically correct word for "Black american" and meant "american citizen with african ancestors" - not "born in Africa".

That would be incorrect, African-American by definition is an American of African descent. SO anyone born in Africa would be an African-American.
To use it to describe Black Americans solely would border on prejudging that all Black Americans are of African Descent.

that was an extremely ignorant comment. every cultural group has contributed things to america.
bv: although it's nice to think of everyone as americans, which we all are, we have to be careful to stillvalue and celebrate diversity, and the different cultural backgrounds people come from. I find it fascinating to here about tradition from other countries and religions, and we shouldn't lose that.

Whammy we wont lose the diversity by dropping the hyphens.

I know, it's not the titles that concern me, it's the creation of one singular culture where everyone is the same. less melting pot, more mixed salad.

well being black its good to here others who share reasonable opinions

I remember this one incident where a jamiacan guy was sought by police and they insisted on calling him african-american, when he wasnt even from america, he was a citizen of jamaica.

James we may go at it on the war and politics but most of us are good people who all love the country and the people who make it up.
I for one am for a culture that is American but also for celebrating our differences. By placing tags on people we actually are fueling the fires of racism, it is bad idea to call attention to the differences by tagging them with the Hyphen.
When I was replying to your post it was hard to express myself without using the hyphen or Black or people of color, I am waiting for the day that we are all called Americans pure and simple.
They only time skin tone is required is when describing someone to the police, either dark skinned or light skinned etc.
Other than that we are all Americans and we should share the burdens of this country equally.

Beirut i understand what u r saying but really i agree with what WhammyBar said. I, being black, dont have a prob with "African-American" and I would think that if I dont then neither should u. Jus like you may have an Irish or German heritage, u would not hide that b/c of stereotypes, perceived or otherwise. So dont worry Beirut, I love our differences b/c that is what makes us individuals

I am against the use of hyphens in refering to all groups in this country.
I am what you would call an Anglo-American but I would be very upset if I was called that. I am an American, and so is everyone else who is a citizen.
I am not saying it is a bad thing but I know what kind of problems it causes, if you put African-American on an application an employer can discriminate against you before he sees you.
I believe that we can celebrate our differences without the hyphen, if I see you on the street, our differences are readily apparent, but is there truly a need to tell everyone about the difference in advance? Not really, if we are to ever truly have a level playing field then all questions and labels that refer to ethnic, sexual, national origin or any other group must be removed.
I respect everyones right to celebrate their heritage but isnt part of your heritage being an American?

whats really a shame is that it even matters

I guess it only matters because we have placed an emphasis on it by placing it on applications for assistance, housing, school and loans. What does it matter what group you belong to if you need help you need help. I didnt make it matter, but I am for fixing it so that we can move away from tags and all become unified as a people. Then maybe we can fix the rest of the country and enjoy what we have helped build.