“African-American”

Image by SpreePiX - Berlin via Flickr

According to MSNBC, Colin Powell is our “first African-American Secretary of State.“  Hardly.  He is our first black Secretary of State.  P.S.  He happens to be a Jamaican-American.

Why did the author call him African-American?  Because he’s scared… all non-blacks are scared of raising the ire of black people and being labeled a bigot.  We’re so terrified of being called racists that we change and misuse the English language to avoid it.

Want a real African-American?  How about Charlize Theron.  Born in South Africa, now living in the U.S.  Interesting that she’s not referred to as an African-American actress.  She’s pictured here next to Will Smith (born in Philadelphia to American Parents).  Which of them is the more African?

I must add the obligatory disclaimer here.  I am neither a racist nor a bigot.  I have only the greatest of respect for the multitude of successful black Americans.  But let’s get a clue.  If I’m refered to as “white” then they are black.  No disrespect, just the facts.

Message to american media: grow a backbone.