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Debate Score:127
Arguments:60
Total Votes:173
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 Why should black people be allowed to call themselves African Americans? (59)

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MHSaunderz(35) pic



Why should black people be allowed to call themselves African Americans?

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12 points

Allowed? :\

Because of freedom of speech, that's why. Call yourself a Leprechaun-Martian if you want. No one has to "allow" you to call yourself anything.

Side: allowed by whom
6 points

Reverse racism is rampant in this country. Minorities trash whites all the time in movies, music, tv, etc. The whole thing about giving "african americans" anything because they are black perpetuates their victimhood. Affirmative action, diversity programs and such tells minorities that they can't compete without help. It holds them back because they feel "special" or different. Btw....what would happen if we had White Entertainment Television, or White history month, or The United White College Fund. And why can't I call them colored when the C in NAACP stands for colored.

Side: allowed by whom
3 points

Reverse racism? What is that, acceptance? If you think that people are being racist towards you, fine, but don't use terminology that doesn't make any sense.

The reason for programs like affirmative action is because African Americans were unable to make nearly as much money in the earlier part of this country's history. This meant they couldn't afford to get a good education and they remained impoverished. Even though many of the terrible racist institutions that existed early in our nation's history are now gone, their legacy still remains.

Also, there might not be a "white entertainment television" Channel, but there are Italian Festivals, St. Patricks day and a whole lot of other European oriented celebrations. It has nothing to do with excluding people, it has to do with celebrating a groups culture.

Finally, the NAACP was created about 100 years ago when the language was different. Since then the term colored is associated with a time when African-Americans were second class citizens people don't want to hear it.

Side: A Racist Debate
1 point

I see your point. But his point I think is to get over it. Many black comedians crack racist jokes about blacks themselves, many even use the word "nigger." That being said, if they hate racism, fine, but don't live by a double standard.

Side: A Racist Debate
Grendelwulf(3) Disputed
1 point

" The reason for programs like affirmative action is because African Americans were unable to make nearly as much money in the earlier part of this country's history."

That was the earlier part of U.S History, not now.

" This meant they couldn't afford to get a good education and they remained impoverished."

Maybe back then, not now. Obviously you have no clue what Affirmative Action is, supposedly it's to give a Black or a Woman a job over a White Male if they are equally qualified. And I hate to break the bad news to you, but there are not many Blacks that are equally qualified for anything over Whites. ( Except flipping burgers and such.)

Blacks remain impoverished not because the white man is holding them down, because they choose to live that way. Apparently getting an education and working hard is a White thing to do, which is why many Blacks get ostracized for being successful outside of the Sports and entertainment fields. Blacks have the same access to the same education as Whites, in fact they get grants and scholarships just for being Black, and yet they still fail.

AA has been warped to give Blacks jobs over Whites that they are not qualified for. Why you may ask? It's because if Blacks today were held to the same standards as Whites there would not be as many Blacks in the work force period, companies would suffer lawsuit after lawsuit for not hiring non-qualified Blacks. Ever heard of the term " Token Black"? A Token Black is a Black that got hired not because he/she is qualified, but because the company, Government establishment, etc needs a Black or two so they don't seem racist to avoid a lawsuit.

"Also, there might not be a "white entertainment television" Channel, but there are Italian Festivals, St. Patricks day and a whole lot of other European oriented celebrations. It has nothing to do with excluding people, it has to do with celebrating a groups culture."

Blacks have a whole month dedicated to them not to mention other Black Holidays such as MLK day. All supposed " White " Holidays are also observed by Blacks as well including Christmas, Easter, St. Patricks day, etc.

And please explain what Black culture is? No Black in the U.S even know where in Africa they came from, or if they even came from Africa and not Haiti, etc. If Black culture consists of talking Ghetto babble, sagging pants, being a degenerate and a leech of society then that culture needs to die off and with a quickness. There is Nothing redeeming about that culture and I could care less to get to know it either.

Finally, there is no " African American" in this country, only Blacks. The only people who have the right to call themselves African American are those that immigrated here from Africa. I don't call myself an Italian American, I am a White American since I did not immigrate here from Italy. If you wan't to be Scientific about it, I am a Caucasoid, and Blacks are Negroids.

Side: A Racist Debate

Exactly. If they feel so strongly against racism, they should not be racist to whites. I'm not racist, but it pisses me off to hear a black guy get all up in arms on white people for no reason. Our race made mistakes. But so has theirs, in fact, many Africans sold fellow Africans into slavery. So they need to get over their issues. Move on.

Side: A Racist Debate
blackdoll(1) Disputed
1 point

It's not called reverse racism, it's called a response!!! whatever is said on the radio or in movies, that's hollywood, besides whites have been saying things worse than that for many many years in movies, on radio and live and in person....and as for white entertainment television, u do have it....its every other television station besides bet and all other 11 months of the year belong to u. we have always been taught your history even when it was all true so why is a problem when we pull 1 month out of 12 to discuss our own history. black people have been victimized all through history of the us, not just slavery...why cant we uplift ourselves through positivity by creating college funds, entertainment and educating the youth on their history....oh i forgot its ok to say white power, but black power is unacceptable!!! we are only doing what you have been allowed to do for many years.

Side: A Racist Debate
2 points

You need to look into who runs Hollywood and the media and pretty much controls our government. They are the same people who've convinced you that you are hopelessly oppressed by the White Man. Just Google "Who runs Hollywood".

I have to disagree with you on your white power/black power statement. If a black person was to walk the streets with fist in air yelling "Black power!" no one would think anything of it at all. If a white person walked the streets saying "White power!" , it wouldn't be long before someone started a fight with him, no matter what part of town.

Side: A Racist Debate
0 points

I might come over to where ever you are and make sweet love to your brain. OMFG im glad someone sees things clearly. What would W.E.T have on it though.. Stock reports hahaha. But really like Affirmative action is bullshit. Someone gets the job because they are black not because they are the best for the job...All the blacks who voted for Obama skewed the election results. Tecnacally we still dont know who the best president would be. I recently heard where howard stern went into harlem and interviewed blacks about who they were voting for. They all said Obama of course but then he asked them how they felt about Obamas views. Instead they said that they were obamas views but used McCains views. The finial was they asked them how they felt about sarah palin becoming president and they said and i quote " I think she is alright i mean we could have the first black man and the first white woman"..........ABSLOUTLY EMBARRASING to the human race.

Side: Ignorance
HGrey87(750) Disputed
2 points

"Skewed the election results?" They voted. They won. Get over it. And yes, we know who the best candidate was, as it certainly wasn't McCain.

And you've got the Howard Stern thing a bit wrong. He found Obama supporters, then said, "Do you support him even though he plans to [McCain's plan]?" Then they'd agree. It wasn't so much that they were completely misinformed as completely ignorant. In any case, consider the mechanics of this: it's not a study, it's not unbiased, and they could cherry-pick whatever they wanted into the program. Technically, you could have pulled the same trick on any major candidate. But I guess a lot of people are eager to believe this bullshit because of latent racism. Oh well.

Side: Ignorance
5 points

If you want racism to end you shouldn't engage in racist debates. Why? Cause race doesn't matter, simple. Debating whether this or that is racist IS racist.

We don't debate whether things are offensive to people with large curved earlobes, or straight, why? Cause it doesn't matter one damn bit on who the person is.

Side: Ignorance

Well said. But (jokingly), this is a good way to pass the time.

Side: Ignorance

Black people should be allowed to call themselves African Americans because we have bigger things to worry about than what people decide to call themselves.

Side: Ignorance
3 points

They call themselves African Americans because they want to. Nobody 'allowed' or gave them 'permission' to do so. There is also nothing inherently wrong with referring to someone as being an African American.

Side: Stupid Debate
aliproductio(2) Clarified
1 point

There is something wrong with calling us African Americans. That's not who we are. That was a label giving to us. We are muurs and have been muurs. But when a colonist comes and take your land, he cuts the indigenous people of that land off completely. It's humiliating to call us Black or African American. We are the aboriginal to the world and here in North America. Where is Black on the map or African American? Therefore people are described by Nationality and nationality only, not crayon colors.

Side: Stupid Debate

Because that's what they are?

Side: Stupid Debate
2 points

Why not? White people can call themselves caucasian if they want to(I apparently can't spell caucasian, sorry about that). I think everyone should stop stressing about perfect terminology and just love everyone equally...or at least not based on skin colour, belief systems, etc.

Side: Stupid Debate
2 points

Sure, call yourself anything you want to. Democracy is about diversity more than solidarity.

I just object when Americans call Africans who live in England or Africa "African Americans." (Facepalm)

Side: Stupid Debate
1 point

I mean I understand that their ancestors came from Africa but nintey percent of the people here now who call themselves African Americans have never been to africa and some of them couldnt tell you where it is on a map. People who are actually from Africa and come here want to be called Americans! As they should. If you live here you should call yourself an american. Africa owes them nothing. Im scottish by decent so maybe I should call myself a Scottish Australian because my people were enslaved there. Dont give me this we suffred bull shit. When you got a chance you all got set free on Harriet Tubmans underground Railroad. Aka the TUBWAY. Just kidding about that last part but really like youall say you want to be treated equal but then you want to have Black history month.(Shortest month of the Year) And you want to have mrs black america. Why is that??? I thought you wanted to be equal. If we denied you the right to have these perpostrious event and displays of reverse racism then you would call us racists. Where I live in Richmond VA (the capitol of the Confedracy) a bunch of blacks protested aginst people with Confedrate flags. Its NOT RACISM ITS HISTORY. Just like you want us yo know that your all "suffred" we want you to know that where you lived your momma and daddy were gettin hog tied and whipped if they stepped out of line. Im not Racist Im RACIAL. There is a differance. I dont dislike black people. I dislike the things they do because they think we owe them something. I did not enslave you so stop acting like I did.

Side: Ignorance

Well said. Yes, they need to get over this mindset that we "owe them." Its bullshit. Yes, it was terrible, and I'm sorry it happened. But on the other hand, if their ancestors hadn't been brought over here as slaves, then they would all be stuck in the hell that is modern Africa.

Side: Ignorance
0 points

Your dumb...should we get rid of St. Patrick's day too? How about Cinco de Mayo? Celebrating your culture should not be something people (like you) ridicule.

As for the confederate flag, it's unAmerican. The confederacy tried to start a new country because they no longer wanted to be a part of the United States. As for your argument about history, would you hang a Nazi flag in Germany? That's history too!

Side: MHSaunderz is kinda dumb
MHSaunderz(35) Disputed
4 points

Really thats funny because as I remember it I think that the Nazis tried to take over the world. Thats pretty different to starting a new country because they didnt like the views of their current one. A confederate flag IS AMERICAN. It is part of american history. So if what you are saying is true then I should go to Australia and ask for forgiveness from the government and from people whos great great great great grandparents MAY have enslaved my people? Tell me how that has effected them in their lifetime? They are free now. Free AMERICANS. What about when they tell people from Africa that they can call themselves African Americans. My point exactlly. Im pretty sure that Mrs. Black america has nothing to do with culture it is called REVERSE RACISM. Blacks try to turn it around into a way where if we say no then we are "racists." Jesse jackson is one of the biggest racists out there aginst white people. Now a days it does happen and we need to realize it.

Side: Ignorance

Not only have they not even been to Africa, they don't even have afros like in the 70s. ;)

Side: MHSaunderz is kinda dumb
0 points

Ok, I can't deny it..That was hilarious!

Side: MHSaunderz is kinda dumb
-2 points
MHSaunderz(35) Disputed
3 points

Utter bullshit....That is all you said. The hogtied and whipped thing was a joke. I understand that it shouldent be a joke but i did joke about it. It is rediclious that you would say that we owe them anything. I DID NOT ENSLAVE THEM. ME PERSONALLY, No Ma'am I did not. I feel I owe them nothing. I dont feel Australia owes me anything which was the main point of my arguement. Why do they think we owe them anything. What you dont understand is that they were slaves in Africa BY THEIR OWN PEOPLE before we brought them here. Is it my fault that they were not treated equal. Hell no. Im a southern boy at heart and I have been since I was a young one. Im 28 now and feel the same way. Australia's people currently. Currently being the key word. Do not owe me a thing as I currently do not owe BLACKS anything.

Side: Ignorance
1 point

I can agree that what our ANCESTORS did was wrong. However, you cannot blame countless generations for the mistakes of the past. That just perpetuates the problem. Get over it. I don't get pissed at white jokes, why? Cause its a joke. Stop with the pity us crap. Move on. I am not racist, so why say I am racist just because I am white? That is real racism right there.

Side: Ignorance
1 point

First off. Im sorry for any stir I caused yesterday. Not a good day for me..... Hope we can put it behind us. Ok lets get on with it You all missed what I was saying. it. I understand I can call myself that but I dont get offended if people dont call me that. If you call me white I dont care. they care if you call them black/colored/a negro/nigger/nigga...etc. It just doesnt make since to me. Maybe Im a redneck? Probably. I grew up in the downtown area of Richmond VA. Blacks and white class workers. Maybe the furtest thing ffrom a redneck. You all can think I a racist if you want and I know that you do. It doesnt changge my opinion. I know that we have the right to call ourselves what we want but do we have the right to get offended if people dont call you what you please?

Side: A Racist Debate
1 point

I don't think they really want to be called African Americans. I have several friends who are black and they all tell me they aren't African American, they are American. The term was created by someone in power. You know who holds the power in this country? White people, so I don't wanna hear should black people be allowed to call themselves that... when it's the white people in power that told themselves to call them that.

Side: People in power gave them it
1 point

I think it was just a sociological term that got out of hand when the PC movement came around. Not really a conscious effort on anyone's part, but you're right in that it serves to differentiate them, and possibly hurt racial relations.

Side: People in power gave them it
1 point

Black people or the so-called Blacks should seize the

term African American and focus on the real agenda.

Surely todays Black people were descendants of Afica,

like the Irish, Italians, Polish,Jewish, etc. Every so-

called race is a descendant from another country,but

they do not called themselves what this mainstream society call Blacks. If any of these groups, Blacks included were born here they are indeed American regardless what so-called color they are. I do not approve that Blacks only should be called a name that

specify their group. White America should do the same.

Why call Black people African American when the so-called Whites immigrated here from thier original boundaries country. Black people are not immigrants and can not emulate them. They came here against their

will which the European Whites kidnapped hundreds of years ago.

Side: People in power gave them it

I think the problem here is double-standard racism. Read my other posts in this debate for that argument. Anyway, my issue is that if we are supposed to be one AMERICAN PEOPLE, why should we drive ourselves apart with racial labels? I don't go around saying "I'm a Swedish American," I just say "I'm American and proud of it." We are one peolpe. We need to get past this point of racial labeling one another.

Side: Ignorance
1 point

Same reason I'm allowed to call myself an Austrian American.

But I don't ..........

Side: Stupid Debate
1 point

Why should we care how people identify themselves? i could declare myself the Ruler of All The World, because of my free speech; this wouldn't make it technically correct, but I can still say it. Let people identify themselves as freely as they choose.

Side: allowed by whom
1 point

Personally I get annoyed by the statement, I mean you can call yourself anything but if you were born in America you are American, especially if you have been here for generations. I couldnt care less if your parents grandparents (ect.) came from Africa, Europe, Asia, or Australia, if you were born in america you are American, it doesn't matter if your skin is darker then mine thats what you are. I don't mean to say give up your heritage but don't expect any special name just because of where your grandparents came from.

Side: allowed by whom
0 points

Only if I can call myself a Scot-Chippewa-Irish-Cherokee and make everyone else do the same.

Side: Ignorance

You certainly may! 50 times 50 is 50 times 50! It is also a pain in the butt!

Side: Ignorance
0 points

What to call them, where to put them, when to hire them?

Sounds like you are dealing with a group of immigrants from outside of America.

Side: Stupid Debate
-2 points
1 point

White is a color and not attached to any country. I am German-American and Italian-American and identify myself as such. Black is also a color that is not necessarily attached to any nationality even though the overwhelming odds are that they were stolen from the coasts of Africa. People should identify themselves in any way they wish, whether you like it or not or whether you do it or not.

Side: A Racist Debate
1 point

I'd hate to say it, but you defeat your whole argument when you label yourself as white american.

Side: A Racist Debate
0 points

You can call yourself anything you please! Yes I sometimes call myself a German-American and sometimes an Italian-American. What the big deal? Being a White-American shows no ethnicity, that's just plain ridiculous! No, the issue was that they wish to be known as African-Americans and haven't taken the word AMERICAN out of what they are.

You are just about as ignorant as it gets. Keep talking Saunderz...keep showing everyone what a Confederate Red-neck you really are. What gets me that in 2008, you're not even ashamed of yourself for thinking this way and perpetuating the prejudice you hold fast to. It's truly disgusting!

Side: A Racist Debate
aliproductio(2) Disputed
1 point

First of all so called black people are not black people. These are labels that Europeans gave us. And we can't be called African either because Africa was a European male whose name was Cipeo Africanus. And after Africanus defeated Hannibal he named that area after his self. We are aboriginals or you can call us Muurs. Take the emotions out and do your history. The land that you call the United States is incorrect, because the United States is a corporation that has an EIN # located in the state of Delaware, so that can't be a territory. So America is the land which was the Muurs. Europeans came in and stole our birthright. This land is ours and they had to lie and say that we came from Africa so we would'nt wake up and realize that this was our land all along. So that means that North, South, Central and all the Islands like Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican and many more, Hugo Chavez of Venezuela are all Americans. What you Europeans have done is colonized our land, and once you colonized our land you changed everything with the stroke of the pen and mass murdering and killings. So we are muur, all so called black people and so called africans are muurs and this land of America was always considered Northwest Africa. What was the moorish flag called? It was called the cherry tree, remember the red flag with the green star in the middle. And who said that they must not tell a lie it was I who chopped down the cherry tree. Old George Washington letting you know that they chopped down our power. And in history when we did label ourselves a crayon color we called ourselves white because it means pure and soverign and that's what we were and will be again. Black means dead. So your trick failed.

Side: A Racist Debate