©2020 All Rights Reserved Carole Copeland Thomas • (508) 947-5755 • Carole@mssconnect.com
By Carole Copeland Thomas
In the 31 years I have been in the diversity, multicultural, and inclusion industry, one of the most popular topics focuses on diversity names, categories, and labels. Let me share my perspective on one category that causes both agreement and disagreement with those who lay claim to its importance and meaning in our global society.
Question: Which Term Is It? Black or African American?
Answer: Either term is appropriate. Some people prefer African American, while others prefer black. Style, tradition, and history dictate which term to use. From a global perspective, black is more appropriate, referring to any person of African descent from Lagos, Nigeria, to Liverpool, England to Long Island, New York.
The term African American pertains to those individuals living in the United States. It can relate to people like me, a 7th generation American whose ancestors were born
in slavery. It can also pertain to those born outside of the US, but now living in America.
However, don't be surprised if you encounter those born outside of the US who still reject self-identifying as "African Americans." For example, some in the Haitian community will call themselves Haitian-Americans or Haitians before calling themselves African Americans.
It gets tricky because one term does not fit all.
Your best bet is to ASK QUESTIONS and get feedback from a person or group before arbitrarily assigning a label to an ethnically different person.
Here's where it gets a bit complicated:
The socially acceptable term to use in the US: People of Color
NOT acceptable in the United States: Colored People (this is an old term closely tied to racial discrimination of the past.)
Please Note: The term "colored" is still used by some in South Africa to describe people of mixed race.
Old Fashion Term in the United States that may turn heads if you use it:
Negro or Afro-American
Yes, I know about the Afro-American Newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland. The publisher emeritus was the best man at my brother's wedding. It is one of the oldest and most respected newspapers in the US. I also know about the NAACP - National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. That organization, like several others, decided to keep
their original name first created in 1909.
A term that is NOT ACCEPTABLE anywhere: Nigger.
It's so distasteful that it’s difficult for me to even include it in this guidebook. I am particularly offended that it is the word of choice by some hip-hop artists, rap artists, comics, and other
entertainers. NO, it is not at all cool to use that word. The historical implications connected to its violent past are still too radioactive to consider mainstreaming its use.
And finally, there are those who only prefer to be called an "American" or "human" and see no value at all in the realm of diversity categories and labels.
So, your best bet is to ASK people of color which term they prefer using. You might be surprised in their response.
By Carole Copeland Thomas, MBA, CDMP, CITM
The Most Common Diversity Categories
Here is a list of the most common diversity categories used in training workshops, discussion groups and during conferences and conventions. Diversity categories, titles and, topics evolve and change from time to time like any other dynamic topic, so don't stress out about etching them in your memory bank. It's important to recognize that "one size does not fit all." The terminology for one person may differ from another person in the same ethnic/gender/racial group.
For example, some prefer the term Hispanic, while others like to be called Latino. Others may simply prefer Chicano. And women can be addressed as Latina. All four words describe the vibrant, spirited complexity of the Spanish Speaking community in America.
So give it a whirl. Choose a word or term and brush up on your diversity proficiency both on and off your job.
Class/Household Income/Economic Status
White Americans/European Americans/Caucasians
Asian American/Pacific Islander/South Asian American
Native American/American Indian
Arab American/Middle East American
Sexual Orientation: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Heterosexual
Gender Identities: Male/Female/Transgender, etc.
Persons With Disabilities
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