Quote:
Originally Posted by JRutledge
There is a difference between race and ethnicity. Being Black is my race. Being African-American is my ethnicity. And since many in this country call themselves Italian, French, Irish, Russian and Mexican, I think it is only right and makes since to label myself what I know I am. I am a decedent of African, not a descendant of America.
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I was born in the United States of America, as was my father, and my grandfather. On that level I consider myself to be an American. My great grandfather, and great great grandfather, were born in Ireland, so on that level I consider myself to be Irish American. Homo sapiens arose in Africa and migrated out of the continent around 50-100,000 years ago, so if you go back far enough in my family tree, I can be considered to be African American. In fact, JRutledge and I have a common ancestor, Mitochondrial Eve, the most recent common matrilineal ancestor from whom all living humans are descended. She is generally estimated to have lived around 200,000 years ago, most likely in East Africa.
So JRutledge? Since we're related, can I borrow twenty bucks?