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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Teaching

The word "black"

Hello there!

Can someone tell me if the word " black" is offensive? I'm teaching my students the slavery in America, however I'm very confused whether I can use the word " black".

And something else- in the USA people say "African-American", and what about Africans in Europe? Just Africans?

Pls help

Thank you
  

Top answer

Hello! I can give you a New Zealand perspective. "black" is not used here.

— AFE

  • Hello!
  • I can give you a New Zealand perspective.
  • "black" is not used here.
  • It is usually only used to describe someones skin colour, and not the person (8 times out of 10).
  • So it isnt offensive, usually.
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4 Answers
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Hello!

I can give you a New Zealand perspective. "black" is not used here. It is usually only used to describe someones skin colour, and not the person (8 times out of 10). So it isnt offensive, usually.

Perhaps in The USA there is a strong differentiation between "black" and "white". I dont know. I would be interested to find out as well, actually.

Nick
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Thanks for your answer. The books we use contain the word- "black", the thing is that I'm teaching kids in Africa so I need to find out which form I can use here:)

Maybe I am over sensitive, well anyway will try to search for it again. Thanks again

Maya
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No, black isn't an offensive term at all. It's fine to use as an adjective to describe somebody's skin colour.
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Hi,

Much depends on where you live. It's best to ask the advice of someone local whose opinion you can rely on.

Clive
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