It's interesting to note that Teresa Heinz Kerry, the potential next first lady, is an African-American. Though Heinz Kerry doesn't identify herself as such, she has one characteristic that most self-described African-Americans don't have: she was actually born in Africa. In Portugese Mozambique, to be exact.
This is partly why I care little for labels in general and hyphenated labels. A late neighbor of mine didn't care to be called African-American because she was born and raised in Jamaica. Jamaica's in the Carribbean, not Africa.
These labels, like all labels, are things that are based on shorthand, on convenience. But just like the pathetic labels 'liberal' and 'conservative,' they are inadequate for fully expressing the complexity of the human condition.
I knew this guy in college who born and raised in Morocco but who had become an American citizen. He sometimes identified himself in newspaper columns as an African-American. He enjoyed the look on people's faces when they met him, a swarthy fellow. I have to admit, I thought it was funny when he did it too. Everyone ought to have their pre-conceptions toyed every once in a while. It's good for you!
All four of my grandparents came from Italy. I never set foot in the country until I was 22 and even then only for four days. Now do you think you have me all figured out?
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