African American

For the past twenty years, we have become engrained with "political correctness syndrome". You can't just be what you are anymore, which was a typical living breathing red blooded American. No, no, no. Now you have to have a title in front of that to identify you. When did that happen? Why did that happen? So that the powers that be can fill some sort of twisted quota? So that if you are non-white, you must some sort of weird ethninicity mind game? Well, I for one have had enough. Enough with political correctness. Enough with saying the right thing and not offending anyone. Enough!! We should call ourselves what we want to be called and live with it. Let's take certain terms into question. "Asian-Americans": The term is used to describe an American citizen whose origin is of oriental decent; whether, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean or any of the other South Pacific countries. However, what is an Asian? Also, where does India fit into all this? Isn't that also an Asian coutry. It's a part of the Asian continent. Also, what about Russia? What continent does that fit into? Some people say its a part of Europe. Upon looking at a map, it clearly looks like it could be a part of Asia. I really can't see it as part of Europe. Oh, and let's not forget the middle eastern countries. Where do they fit in politically? Then there is the term "Hispanic". This one one boggles my mind due to the fact that is represents a group of people of latin origin. I assume that means Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and generally all the coutries in central America and South America. I also know for a fact that there is no country called "Hispa". All kidding aside, the terms also refers to those in Spain. Spain?! Isn't Spain a European country? Looking through history, we know that spanish speaking people learned spanish from Spaniards through historical vicious attacks from countries centuries ago. Spanish was forced or learned upon innocent victims or through a family tree bloodline. Moving on, my question is how do we count Spaniards as Hispanic? I remember when political correctness was first coming out, whites were supposed to be called European American. Hmm... I find that funny how that term never seemed to stick. Why is that?! Which brings me to the term that over the years I have learned to battle, hate, tolerate, wince and grimace: African American. This is a term that I have never truly embraced and never will. Let me explain. I am a kid from the late 70's and all the 80's. Growing up, I was made to believe that black was beautiful. I still feel that way and will always feel that way. Black is beautiful and a wonderful state of mind. It's how you carry it which makes you embrace it. Through the centuries, we have endured many titles: Coloreds, Negroes, Black and now, African American. I for one, always stuck with Black. I loved it and still love it. It's what I am. Beautiful, Lovable, Attitude, Clever, and Knowledgeable. By the way, if you patent this, I wrote it first. So, you need my approval. So, ha! Being black was to be proud and honored. James Brown said it best in the 60's. "Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud." With all the struggles that blacks went through during the civil right movement and brutal struggles to prove that they were just as important to American society, why now do we call ourselves something else? A great civil rights leader also made the great arguement refering to the great Dr. Martin Luther King, "With everything he went through to get us accepted would he really have wanted us to call ourselves something?" Would he have? I am not disrepecting the term African American, I just for one do not like that label to be placed on me. For one, Africa is a continent not a country. Second, I believe it cheats me out of being an American by saying I am half-American. I am not half-American. I am American, period, end of discussion!! Third, the term is used to describe blacks who are American. What about Grammy award winner rocker Dave Matthews? He is South African born and now is American. What is he? South African is an African country. Isn't he a real African American. Let's not forget Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron. Also, South African born. She got her  American citizenship in 2008. What is she?! I've given you two Caucasian of African decent and yet the media does nothing to look into the matter or address the matter. Why is that?! As I wrap up this hodge podge of political mumbo jumbo, I simply ask that we ask ourselves what is correct and what is not totally correct. The only term I truly embrace and  totally agree with is Native Americans. I have Native American blood in me from my great grandmother who was Cherokee. Bottom line, I feel they, Native Americans, have earned that title. They were here first before anyone came to this great and troubled country of ours. So, there is my rant and rave on political correctness. Why does it exist? Who knows? Who cares? Be who you want to be and let no one stop you.