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Non-Tech : Auric Goldfinger's Short List
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To: Francois Goelo who wrote (10142)7/15/2002 10:14:22 AM
From: Edscharp   of 19428
 
Francois,

You're definitely missing the point.

For instance, caucasian people are often referred to as 'white' in spite of the fact that, strictly speaking, they are not white at all.

Place a white sheet of paper next to a caucasian's skin and you will realize they are a tan or light brown.

'Caucasian'is the most appropriate term to use, but that doesn't stop virtually everybody in the States from using the term 'white' or 'black' when discussing race issues.

The point you're missing is that it's not regarded as incorrect usage here to use those less than accurate terms. It is culturally acceptable to refer to ourselves this way in the same way we refer to ourselves as "Americans". It is not unusual for certain words, terms or descriptions, even though not exactly accurate, to enter into a language and become readily understood. It's called common usage. The English language, especially 'U.S.A. English' is constantly changing. Language use is not regulated by any government agency.

People outside of the United States can refer to us in any way they want. We refer to ourselves as 'Americans'.

To use the example that you gave about South Africa, I would suggest that if indeed South Africans were to refer to themselves as simply "Africans" then I would also do the same if I were visiting their country. It's their language and their culture, they are entitled to call themselves anything they want. Honestly, I think the arrogance would be mine if I referred to them in any other way. Outside of South Africa I would certainly make the distinction between 'South Africans' and 'Africans'.
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