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Why the 'B' in 'Black' Is Capitalized at DiversityInc
By Luke Visconti
August 06, 2008
Keywords: Black, diversity, DiversityInc, African American, African, AP style, The Associated Press, Ask the White Guy, style, capitalize
Question:
Could you explain why the "b" in "black Americans" is not capitalized? I've noticed that other ethnic groups all are capitalized. But not Black people. Why is this?
Answer:
Most mainstream print publications in the United States use what is known as "AP style," or the style dictated by The Associated Press Stylebook. This book and web site describes what to capitalize and what not to capitalize (among other rules of grammar).
I made the decision not to follow AP style in the case of "Black" and "white" when it applies to describing people. AP style is to capitalize neither; however, terms such as African American, Negro, Caucasian, Italian American or Asian are all capitalized.
Regardless of whether there is adequate representation among the decision makers at the AP, I felt DiversityInc needed to be more accurate.
The word "Black" is used around the world to describe people who have "racial" features indicating African ancestry. Please keep in mind that the convention of race has been discarded by science--genetically, we are all one race, and the human-genome project proves we are all from Africa.
"Black" is also accepted by many Black people as an inoffensive description. It is a generalized description and can be supplemented by another description such as Black Canadian, Black African American, Nigerian American or Black Latino. However, many Black people describe themselves simply as being "Black," and this reality is reflected in a body of literature, music and academic study.
I do not believe "white" needs to be capitalized because people in the white majority don't think of themselves in that way. I don't think there's anything wrong with this--it's just how it is. The exception is white supremacists who have a definite vision for what "white" means. Most American white people describe themselves in more defined terms, such as Irish American or Jewish. I will make the point that African Americans (descendents of slaves) cannot define themselves more accurately than an entire continent because their ancestry was obliterated by the practices of enslavers, which included breaking apart tribal and family bonds.
I don't think there will ever be a time in our country where "white" becomes "White." Nor do I think white people will accept the term "minority" when we become less than 50 percent of our population by roughly 2045. I think that's a good thing--people should be allowed to describe themselves, not have descriptions forced on them. I also think that the term "minority" is a pejorative and has no place in describing people.
Our capitalization of "Black" is both a reflection of reality and of respect. Opinions will differ on this, but as long as I make the decisions on editorial policy and content at DiversityInc, this is how this publication will write "Black" and "white."
Readers' Comments
Posted: Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008
Why the 'B' in 'Black' Is Capitalized at DiversityInc
I'm an Italian/Irish American woman and I'm also a writer/editor who has used AP style in the past. I was puzzled by your use of the upper-case B and the lower-case w. Now that I know your reasons, I can see that there is a logic behind your decision. Still, when I see the words "Black" and "white" next to each other in print, it feels like my group is less respected. In general, I strive for better words than these two polarizing colors to describe ourselves. In terms of color, I am more of a "peach-colored" American.
Christine F
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Posted: Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008
Why the 'B' in 'Black' Is Capitalized at DiversityInc
Kudos for your article! I thought it was insightful. I had two additional comments. One has to do with the reference to African Americans being descendents of slaves. By and large this is true, but unfortunately this leaves out those African Americans who are descendents of non-enslaved Africans. Secondly, the term, "descendents of slaves" might be more correctly and compassionately stated as "descendents of people (or Africans) who were enslaved." The former term is a blaming one and implies an almost permanent state of beingness, as if slavery was inherent in or imperative to the identity of the person referenced. The latter term allows for the group's consideration as human beings, a group of people for whom there was culture and group identity, and upon whom the condition of enslavement was wrought. I am an African American woman.
Judy Sundayo
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Posted: Monday, Aug 11, 2008
Why the 'B' in 'Black' Is Capitalized at DiversityInc
When I lived in Europe and visited other countries, I was referred to as American by other nationalities including Africans. I wasn't black until I returned to America. I don't ignore our differences but also believe focus on the difference weakens us. I don't mind Black but I prefer American! I look forward to the day when we see ourselves as the world sees us!
James Collins
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Posted: Saturday, Aug 09, 2008
Why the 'B' in 'Black' Is Capitalized at DiversityInc
Malcolm X used the term Afro-Americans or Black -- African Americans as a term didn't come about until the 80's
Neill Brengettsey
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Posted: Saturday, Aug 09, 2008
Why the 'B' in 'Black' Is Capitalized at DiversityInc
I think it is so important for people to not only look at how we use terminology within the country, but be inquisitive about how others outside the USA describe us. As someone who travels to Africa frequently, they commonly use Black . So, I have embraced being a Black American. I'm okay with capitalizing the "w" in White, it doesn't take anything away from me as a Black American. But I also understand editor's privilege - you do what you feel is best for the readership. Just my thoughts.
Montee Evans
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