What do you think of referring to yourself as in regards to being of african descent.

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 10:49:51 -0500

Ok, due to a recent discussion i came across located at https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/why-was-this-included-in-the-updated-ar-600-20-negro?c=1&page=1&urlhash=315377#315377 , I couldn't help but wonder if I said anything acurate. I would like to know what individuals of african descent would rather refer to themselves as in regards to race. I apologize ahead of time if anyone is offended as that is not my intention.

Why was this included in the updated AR 600-20 ("Negro")? | RallyPoint

This is in the new AR 600-20, Page 55 dtd 22 October 2014, under Equal Opportunity Policy: (c) Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. Terms such as "Haitian" or "Negro" can be used in addition to "Black” or “African American”. We'll I don't believe I've ever met any black Soldiers who refer to themselves as Negro. So this new regulation allows me to refer to myself as Negro, so what's...

Response by SSG Jeremy Siebenaller made Nov 7 at 2014 10:32 PM

SSG Jeremy Siebenaller — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 22:32:27 -0500

Regardless...This isn't very professional in my semi professional opinion. If it isn't "socially acceptable" for me walking down the street as a civilian to say "Hey, tell that guy...the Negro... I said hello" (or something of the effect) than why should it be ok for the most professional fighting force in the world? Just my $.02

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 12:23 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 12:23:08 -0500

First, I think folks have the right to refer to themselves anyway they choose. And close friends can refer to each other any way they choose. I'm of the mindset that what others say or do about themselves, it isn't any of my business to worry about. I think that many folks come from a place of worrying about the downfall or disintegration of the American society -- a form of self-segregation in the American society, when all it is that people are taking pride in themselves, their heritage, etc. Maybe some are self-segregating, not being inclusive, but that has to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. But even if they are doing that, so what? :)

How do you refer to yourself in regards to being a veteran? Kind of the same thing wouldn't you think?

Back when I went through bootcamp, the Drill Instructors told us "you are not Black! You are not White! You are Green!" They were emphasizing that we were all Marines and that was our new identity, which holds through for me today.

I'm wondering why this is being asked. We are all soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. Let's identify with that as brothers.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 12:28 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 12:28:19 -0500

How about just "American?" Hyphenating creates division.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXAho8vlmAI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2d2SzRZvsQ

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 12:32 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 12:32:54 -0500

Aren't we all just Americans?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 12:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 12:34:59 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member What do you think race means? Why do you think we need to have a race classification?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 22 at 2015 12:44 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 12:44:25 -0500

Odd ball question, what about "whites" from Africa that are also American? Would they not be African American?