The articles What's in a Name: Who Is an African American? Young, Black and Inspired by Barack Obama and Does 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Have a Future? led to an outpouring of responses as DiversityInc readers shared their thoughts and opinions with us on this issue. Here's what some of you had to say in your unedited comments below:

Responses to What's in a Name: Who Is an African American?

I believe that we will have made even more progress as a people when we stop using the 18th and 19th Century language of the oppressors to describe human beings whose condition was one of enslavement. 
There is an old riddle: how many "slaves" were taken from Africa?
Answer: NONE.
The people taken were PEOPLE -- artisans, farmers, nomads, etc. -- who were kidnapped and ENSLAVED.  They had descendants who were PEOPLE born into enslavement. Every time we refer to those people as "slaves" we are legitimizing their circumstance instead of letting our language condemn it. In this the 21st Century, we should be more aware of what our useage says. By our language we are showing a mindset that is even more disturbing than use of the word.
--A. Adar Ayira

My name is Michael Carter and I am the Chief Diversity Officer at a hospital in Western North Carolina. Regarding the article above, I would just like to add another nuance if you will to the conversation.

I have a friend who is from Sierra Leone on the continent of Africa. He resides in NYC and became a citizen of the United States approximately 5 years ago. He self identifies as an African American and rightly so. He is originally from Africa and is now by choice and American citizen.

I too and labled African American but for whole other set of reasons. Its called The One Drop Rule. However, my heritage includes Cherokee, British and African. I honor all of these bloodlines in my personal self identification. My point is one must always consider who does the 'labeling'. That is where the power lies in the power to name. One night I went to bed 'Black' and the next morning I was told that I would now be called, "African American". NO one inquired of me my opinion of what I wanted to be called. I am so many generations removed from Africa that if I visited the continent today I would still be seen as an American, and in my opinion rightly so as I am not African because of my other blood lines which I mentioned above.

Not to mention that powerful people do not have to change their names every generation or so. This goes to show the confusion we have about our identity here in this wilderness called North America.

My European Amerian brother and sisters can name all of their lineage, Dutch, French, or German for example and this is excepted. A person labled African American my acknowledge other bloodlines and is still viewed as simply African American. The nomenclature has political fallout as well as a comfortability effect for the dominant culture as well.
--Michael Carter 

I wonder: what ever happened to the "one-drop rule"?   Is saying that one is biracial an attempt at distancing oneself from being black?   What with the negative images of blackness American culture has been transmitting to its citizens since colonial times, I can't find fault with those who would just rather not be black.  Furthermore, Hollywood images aside, I cannot think of one liberal arts course that does not have its roots deep in American racism.  Finally, regarding terminology, as I understand it, at the time of the great War of Secesion, there were approximately 123 terms applied to persons of color, especially those fighting in what could be called the navy.   One such term I remember was "crisp".  You might be surprised to know what it means.
--Donald Williams

I read with interest that a white person doesn't think of themselves as a color. I think they refered to themselvs as "pasty white."  Well, White, is a color.  I like to think in terms of all people of color, which includes, white.  First and formost, Americans, Eurpoeans, Africans, Latinos, Asians, Arabs, and all others are HUMAN BEINGS!  Enough said.
--Cheryl Strayhorn

In my own writing I often use the phrase People of Color when referring to the people in this country that are affected by the oppression from the White ruling class. I liked your article in that it made me feel more comfortable in my own choice of words when in conversation with someone.
--Rick Baumgartle

Though both are appropriate, Black is more comprehensive because it takes into account the global ramifications of the African diaspora. That is, people of African descent are around the globe. The term African-American at times can divide even cousins who are of the same race. For example, according to Black Enterprise magazine(see how many people would be cut out if it were named 'African-American Enterprise'?), there are over 6 million Afro-Latinos in the US. However, they are often called 'Hispanic'(an ethnicity not a race), which results in Blacks being undercounted as well as in misapplied socioeconomic policy. Within corporations, when Black is used, employees of color are included regardless of their national origins.
--Richard Mondibo Kelsey

I prefer the term black person / man / woman.  I can't look at someone and say they are American.  I think this American thing is important.  It does not refer to the Americas, but the U.S. I can't imagine  the U.S. without the contributions of Black Americans. No Jazz, no Rock n Roll, no Blues, no Gospel, or soul in general.  We'd all still be singing like Rudy Valle. Therefore, an African Caribbean, or African Brazilian is not an African American; so, if you don't know where a black person is from, he or she is a black person and not an African American. By the way, I'm white (couldn't tell by the name, could ya).
--Robert Eisner

We are not african am. we are black american , born in this country, BLACK AMERICAN, and I proud to be black woman
--Marvel Anderson 

Responses to Young, Black and Inspired by Barack Obama

Good Morning Mrs. Johnson, I can not express in words how much I enjoyed reading your story.  Your story uplifted my spirits this morning when I read it.  From your family history you are truly blessed.  I pray that some mother, aunt, uncle or even teacher will share your story with someone and that this story will reach the ears of some young child, man or woman.  Just as the memories of your ancestors and other greats in American History has inspired you.

When I finished reading your story and came to the signature block, I was impressed but not surprised to see your God given position.  May God continue to keep His hand on you and I pray for your continued success.
--Diana Collier

CAROLYN JOHNSON, Having lived through the great depression plus serving as a U.S. Marine during WW 11, I still find the solution eluding me, a Black Man. I can only hope that the history to which you refer will have meaning to more of us and will inspire working to improve conditions and attitudes. Please keep in mind that work brings more progress than celebration. This message also comes with the belief that too many of those fancy speaches that we hear are responsible for much of lack of progress toward first class citizenship.
--W.E. Clark, III

I am 68 years old and am happy to be at a time in my life that I never thought I would see - a Black Man would will hold the highest office in our country. That of President. I am happy to read the chronology in this article and proud to have witnessed those changes in my life time since 1947.
--Joyce P. Gray

Carolyn, I enjoyed your article.  I could tell that you spoke from the heart.  There are a lot of history among African Americans. I too, am a very proud African American Woman who did not think I would see the talent of an African American rise to the level that Mr. Obama has risen.  It is so great to see his story unfold.  It is also sad to see so many folk still living in a place of ignorance/fear and will spare no expense to spread their racist comments about Mr. Obama and his wife. I dream a world where one day we will really be able to accept a person for the content of their character and NOT the color of there skin.  I love your work with the magazine. I pray that you and I and other caring Americans will be the change that we want the world to become. God Bless you.  
--Earlene Wood Reynolds 

As a young "white" woman from descendents of Canada, Ireland, Native Americans and who knows what else, I have always felt accepting of other races.  I am married to a Mexican man. I am inspired by the possibility that our country may be brave and choose the best candidate no matter what race he is but because of his belief in people.  I am in shock at some of the close-minded comments I read online about Obama.  I would never think to speak of McCain in such a hateful way just because I disagree with his politics.  I just won't vote for him.  Obama speaks to me.  I care about our children, our elderly, the environment, and global peace and prosperity.  I believe he does also.  I am inspired by Carolyn's story also, that a person can choose to see the beauty in life after immense struggles by her people.  I believe our country has some serious soul searching to do.  I have hope!
--Paula Vega

Greetings sister, That was a great article on the challenges faced by the black race.  I often find myself wondering why as well, but I somehow find the courage to continue on.  The black race is a beautiful race of people, but we must find a way to network and love one another.  Please keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you and yours.  Thanks a million!
--Lorenzo D. Washington

You go girl. You are indeed an inspiration to many young black women.
--Charles Rox

Awesome article, it's a shame what he had to experience, sometimes people are so cruel, that's why we really need a President who knows what it's like not to fit in because I believe that a person who has experienced what he did will be able to make things right and treat all people fairly and provide rules and regulations that are just for everyone.
--L.James

I'm inspired by you. Your life story is a replica of black people around the country and the world. You have stated your past experiences with clarity and conviction. You, like so many of us around the world, are pulling for Obama and understanding his ascent. We know all to well what it has taken for him to get to this place in history. We know the struggles and the hard work it has taken to reach his time. Some told him to wait but they didn't understand the urgency of now. Thank God he could see that we need him now.
--Gwen Day-Fuller

Carolyn, I can relate to the discrimination that you faced as a young african american woman. I've faced and continue to face discrimination and it is mostly in employment. I think that it was the worst in the military. I left the military a shell of my former self and entered a ruthless world in civilian life. I continue to tell myself that I am a educated, intelligent and beautiful black woman and that I will prevail in the end. I keep my faith in God and I take life day by day.
--Betty Smith

And even though you found yourself hating your color, you were still the same the following morning.  In fact, you were the same 365 days a year. 
  Your article moved me for many reasons.  I came from a predominantly black school, a historically black High School.  Booker T. Washington High.  Ended up in a predominantly white school my Senior Year, where I graduated.  It was hard being black, and even harder being dark skinned.  But I LOVE my black.  And to hear someone tell the same story, have the same feelings, and carry the same perceptions makes me feel like I'm not alone.  I love the fact that you love your Black.  It is beauty in itself. Thank you. 
--Phylicia Upshaw

As a 56 old Latino male it is my hope my fellow latino's will join in the pursuit of education in this country. You cannot change your skin color or where you were raised but you always hold your head up high. I to was raised in a predominantly white neighborhood but it never stopped me from participating in everything that was going on in my neighborhood.
--Steve Carpio

Responses to Does 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Have a Future?

What went wrong with Clinton's don't ask - don't tell initiative was not some vague "opposition." He brought all the much decorated and much uniformed generals together, and they teamed up against him.

Had he done the thing any smart politician would have done (divide the opposition), he would have simply called in the lowest prestige head of service (merchant marine? coast guard?) and put an executive order on that branch...no more anti-gay discrimination. Then he could have added the remainder one at a time. He's not so smart to bring all his opposition together.

Of course his wife did the same thing with the health care plan. Instead of designing a pilot plan for two states (Georgia so black Americans wouldn't object, and New Mexico so Latino Americans wouldn't object), it could have been slid into place as neatly as a butcher knife. Instead she tried to do too much at one time. If that was too much, the pilot program could have been limited to kids birth-15 and oldsters 70-death. Piece of cake. Dumb Clintons.
--Bo Sears

The U.S. military has always been discrimanatory in its policies regarding minorities.  The Pentagon uses and abuses minority groups, while benefiting from their respective abilities.

It shouldn't matter what color a person's skin is, or what their sexual orientation is, in any segment of our society. And now, the different military branches are accepting enlistments that they would never have accepted before, it seems absolutely insane to discriminate against those who are more than qualified.
--Judith McCarthy

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