# I pit the phrase "African American" **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 31, 2010, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095 "2010-01-31T07:43:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2010, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/101 "2010-02-01T21:54:42Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > I did. She tartly replied that she was neither African nor American, but from Barbados. > > Then again, she got offended at everything, so she may not be a good example. The correct term is _Barbell._ ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2010, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/102 "2010-02-01T23:06:48Z")
Bajan. ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/103 "2010-02-02T05:49:05Z")
> [@Nzinga\_Seated](#): > > I love referring to myself as negro around white people. Fun. My favorite post in this thread. I wish I could be there with you, **Nzinga** , just to watch everyone squirm! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![lee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lee/32/7455_2.png) [@lee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lee)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/104 "2010-02-02T06:00:51Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Ha, makes 'em uncomfortable. I also use the term colored, or if I really want to watch someone grimace, darky. I was meeting a friend for drinks at bar some weeks ago, and when he called to say he’s about five minutes away, or our conversation was something like: > > Me: It’s super-crowded in here, but I’m [at such and such part of the bar, or wherever I was], so that should be enough to help you spot me. > Friend: Well what color shirt are you wearing? Might make it easier. > Me: Dude, I’m the only colored person in the state. I think I’ll stand out. > Friend: (Pause) …Okay… Which state? ---
**Author:** ![Bam\_Boo\_Gut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8c91f0/32.png) [@Bam\_Boo\_Gut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bam_Boo_Gut)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/105 "2010-02-02T06:01:22Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Bajan. Exactly. Making him a West Indian from Barbados of course. I notice it’s Black History Month, although it’s mostly stuff about North Americans. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/106 "2010-02-02T07:33:05Z")
> [@A Monkey With a Gun](#): > > I rescind that completely. Now that I look it up, you never said anything wrong in the Michelle / monkey thread. But nobody called you a racist in that thing either. Did I even post in that threat? > [@](#): > > So, **curlcoat** , who called you a racist? Get off the cross and tell me who called you a racist. I don’t have any idea, tho it wasn’t just one person. Does it matter? ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/107 "2010-02-02T12:40:04Z")
Um… someone called you a racist, but you have no idea who…? You do realize that there is a username attached to every post, yes? And the search function does work. Usually. No, it doesn’t really matter, I’m just completely baffled that you can claim someone insulted you on this board and yet you have “no idea” who that was. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/108 "2010-02-02T14:16:16Z")
Uh… in **curlcoat** ’s case, keeping track of who’s insulting her is going to be tricky. That said, I distinctly remember some thread in which she and **brazil something something** went on for pages and pages about “the [black] underclass” and how they were destroying America and how other Western countries didn’t have to deal with such things. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/109 "2010-02-02T14:36:56Z")
> [@lee](#): > > Which state? Minnesota. I think Prince lives in Vegas now, so it’s just me. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/110 "2010-02-02T15:26:35Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > I hate it too. What is my American friend who is originally from Barbados? Most, if not all, of my black friends refer to themselves as black, not African-American. If I’m referring to blacks in another country, I wouldn’t think to call them African-Canadians, or African-Europeans. For that matter, what is Charlize Theron? ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/111 "2010-02-02T18:00:06Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > For that matter, what is Charlize Theron? Hot. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/112 "2010-02-02T18:06:09Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Minnesota. I think Prince lives in Vegas now, so it’s just me. He still lives in Minneapolis, I think. They showed his skybox during a Vikings telecast. ---
**Author:** ![Omega\_Glory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7c8e57/32.png) [@Omega\_Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omega_Glory)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/113 "2010-02-02T22:58:02Z")
> [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > Oh, for crissakes… just to make sure we set them apart, can we call them Ex-Slave-Americans? I wouldn’t want to include just any old black person. Especially a child of an African immigrant (who in my estimation is more African-American than any descendant of a slave). Whatever. If you don’t ever have a reason to refer to that specific subset, then don’t. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/114 "2010-02-02T23:17:27Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > (hijack post) > > If this is what you find your purpose in life to be, then that will sustain you through the abuse you’ll get. Nurses are like cops: there are no people better than the good ones, and few worse than the bad ones True, dat. > [@](#): > > my mom was a nurse, both my SIL’s are nurses, my daughter is in nurse’s training right now, and my brother became a nurse when he, like the OP sought a career change. His female co-workers conned him into doing the heavy lifting, with which he complied as a “team-player,” and when he broke his back they gladly supported his employer by lying so that his disability quest would be as long and difficult as possible. He now weighs 130 pounds and will probably not live another three years. That is some messed up shit. Watch your back (in so many ways!) new grads! > [@](#): > > **A Monkey With a Gun** , I encourge you to get the full 4-year degree and not get stuck at bedside nursing. No–we need him at the bedside. I have my BSN and never wanted in to management or education. I did work critical care for many years. Now I’m an RN part time (in same day surgery–a cake walk),and a medical librarian part time. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/115 "2010-02-02T23:26:38Z")
White is white, black is black, and Black is back. Fortunately, the common use of “African-American” as a descriptor is in decline. Among other things, that helps relieve one from needing to determine a person’s nationality before being able to accurately describe that person (in terms of skin-color). And yes, that is sometimes necessary. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/116 "2010-02-02T23:26:59Z")
**Slithy Tove** , and **eleanorrigby** , I’m currently pursuing my Associates, rather than a BSN on the theory that the boards are the same and I already have a Bachelors in biology, so my employment opportunities shouldn’t be affected by not getting the BSN. Am I wrong in that assumption? ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2010, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/117 "2010-02-02T23:38:06Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Um… someone called you a racist, but you have no idea who…? You do realize that there is a username attached to every post, yes? And the search function does work. Usually. > > No, it doesn’t really matter, I’m just completely baffled that you can claim someone insulted you on this board and yet you have “no idea” who that was. Why would you be baffled? I was so unaffected by the insult that I have forgotten where it came from. As for searching, since I’m on dial up and I don’t care, I’m not interested in spending the time. If I remember correctly, the thread was titled along the same lines as this one. > [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > That said, I distinctly remember some thread in which she and **brazil something something** went on for pages and pages about “the [black] underclass” and how they were destroying America and how other Western countries didn’t have to deal with such things. You either “distinctly remember” incorrectly, or you are making something up, which seems to be a common pass time for many here. I have never said anything about “black underclass” nor how blacks are “destroying America”. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2010, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/118 "2010-02-03T00:10:24Z")
> [@A Monkey With a Gun](#): > > **Slithy Tove** , and **eleanorrigby** , I’m currently pursuing my Associates, rather than a BSN on the theory that the boards are the same and I already have a Bachelors in biology, so my employment opportunities shouldn’t be affected by not getting the BSN. Am I wrong in that assumption? If you ever want out of the bedside or into management, you’ll need to do some kind of bridge (most likely). Then again, since you have a college degree, you may not. You will need that BSN (and an MSN) if you want to go into education of any kind–including Clinical Nurse Specialist–which is an awesome position, btw, but not for everyone (including me–if I didn’t have a family, I’d probably have done it). There are a ton of bridge programs now, but like any kind of nsg school, it’s the lack of instructors/professors that create the bottleneck. It’s competitive to get in and stay in, from what I hear. Stick with your ADN for now–you can always go back. That said, I am rabidly pro-BSN being the entry level degree, but nursing’s been mindfucking that since the 1950s, with no end in sight… And now back to the thread! ---
**Author:** ![Monstre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@Monstre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monstre)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/119 "2010-02-05T04:16:45Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > I’m old enough to have gone through Negro, Colored, Afro American, Black, people of color, African American, and then back to black. It’s tiresome, especially when people who use the old term are deemed insensitive. And then at the same time, you still have the NAACP. If older terms are insensitive, will this organization be changing their name soon to the National Association for the Advancement of African Americans? NAAAA… 😉 * * * > [@NZinga](#): > > I love referring to myself as negro around white people. Fun. Now that’s funny! ---
**Author:** ![SomeBodyUK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@SomeBodyUK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SomeBodyUK)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095/120 "2010-02-05T23:37:36Z")
> [@Teacake](#): > > " “British-Indian” I have never heard in my life, but if I did it would be from a person who was from India, very specifically. Again, you’re British unless you say you’re not, and most people can tell where you’re from ethnically so people don’t really make a big song and dance about it, unless they’re racists. (As in, someone who would go on about “those Pakis” - and they’re usually wrong about where the person’s origins lie anyway.) > > . British-Indian is a very common term - I am one myself! > [@sulamith](#): > > … I like the way the ancients defined race…that anyone who shares common language, diet habits, clothing habits, health practices, and religious habits is considered to be of the same race. So by that definition, all of us Americans who wear blue jeans, speak English and eat fast food are all of the same race, yay! > > . Hear, hear! In my experience to a lot of non-white Americans, (especially those Asian descent) American = white. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-the-phrase-african-american/527095.md?page=7)