<p>So.. out of curiosity... what if you're white, but was born and raised in AFrica and then immigrated to the U.S. and became U.S. citizen. Are you considered an African American? Does African American refers to Black American or those born in Africa and then came to America? Therefore, can one look caucasian and still be an African American because of where one was born?</p>
<p>Black American</p>
<p>Well, biologically race doesn't exist, it's just a cultural construction, but that's the anthropology courses talking...</p>
<p>I think you have to put white (or leave blank since it's always optional) on college stuff though. But the fact that you grew up in Africa and moved here could still help you, if you wrote a cool essay about it, or you speak an African language, etc.</p>
<p>its hard to say, because the colleges really only care about your skin color...they just want to look diverse. They may as well ask are you black, but that jstu woudlnt be PC now would it? I do think, however, that you can legally say you are african american because you were born in africa and now are a US citizen. I'd say its sort of dishonest because you know the colleges mean are you black, but thats your choice. if you're not going to feel guilty about it, no one can stop you. im sure id do it if i were in your situation</p>
<p>screw it, put african american. it's their fault</p>
<p>the question is asking you your race, not where you are from. Even if you immigrated from africa, are you of black, caucasian, asian, or hispanic descent? If you are a white person from africa, you are still a white person</p>
<p>Here's the US census' definition of African American: "Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa. It includes people who indicate their race as "Black, African Am., or Negro," or provide written entries such as African American, Afro American, Kenyan, Nigerian, or Haitian."</p>
<p>Thus, the answer to the OP's question is "no."</p>
<p>Semantically, African American replies to an American from Africa -- the US Census definition isn't the only possible one. I'd say put it down -- it's their fault for not being more specific.</p>
<p>Thanks everybody..</p>
<p>It's their fault for being overly politically correct. They should just say, "black-skinned" cause that's what they want anyway.</p>
<p>"Maybe they should have a chart with colors to chose from instead? "</p>
<p>Think about it.. a lot of hispanics are really "mostly" white.... some even look "more white" than most "white" americans.. so where do you draw the line... I think it should be more about "the person"... their experiences etc.</p>
<p>No offense but a "white" african american that actually grew up in africa is probably more "diverse" than an african american with "resources".</p>
<p>amen..........</p>
<p>Mmmmm... I smell an essay topic.....</p>
<p>
[quote]
No offense but a "white" african american that actually grew up in africa is probably more "diverse" than an african american with "resources".
[/quote]
</p>
<p>that same "white' african american has also probably benefitted from white privilege.</p>
<p>Is this same white african american going to step up when solicited to become part of the african american society or take part in issues of relevance to the african american community? How are they going to feel if asked their opinion on diveristy in college? Will they be comfortable hosting other "prospective african americans" when the school puts out their diversity initiatives? Will they be able to talk about their expeir experience about being black on campus?</p>
<p>I think that it is a pathetic attempt because deep down inside you know who and what your are. I am also so sorry that the process has become so competitve that things have actually come to this. At the end of the day, character always is who you are when no one is watching.</p>
<p>^How can you warrant that the white african american hasn't gone through struggles? As opposed to many African Americans who were born in America, the white person from Africa was born into a region which was not aware of AIDS like America is. There are many threats of diseases and such in Africa. So let's not jump to conclusions based off stereotypes.</p>
<p>If race doesnt matter to colleges, put down that you are african american. They wont unaccept you because they find out that your white. Society shouldnt judge on color so put whatever you want and whatever you think will help you most.</p>
<p>Matt don't think that a college will not rescind your admission because when signing the application, you state that the information on your application is true. Misrepresentation is grounds to have your admissiopn rescinded even your degree after you graduate leaving you with a worthless peice of paper.</p>
<p>
[quote]
This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Shakespeare
[/quote]
</p>
<p>No one can tell you how to live your life especially a bunch of faceless people in cyberspace. I remember as an undergrad we talked about living your life as if the way you lived your life were to appear on the front page of the paper.</p>
<p>No one can tell you which box to check because you already know what you want to do. But consider this..</p>
<p>Could you proudly tell your family at the thanksgiving table that you have chosen not to check the box as being caucasian, instead you are applying to college as an african american (hey it is all about semantics)?</p>
<p>Would they be proud of your choice?</p>
<p>Could your parents proudly tell others that their child is applying to college as an african american?</p>
<p>Would you be comfortable telling all of your friends, teachers, recommenders that you are applying to college as an african american?</p>
<p>Would you be confrotable standing at graduation telling your entire graduating class and their parents and friends how proud you are to be an african american?</p>
<p>Despite what you think, college campuses are small places. would you be able to tell your college friends both black an white that you applied as an african american?</p>
<p>So as long as you are presenting your authentic self, and being truthful with your self, we'll just keeo it moving.</p>
<p>all the best</p>
<p>Be aware that when you check that you are a URM, if you are accepted, the college will release your name and other info to the URM organization for people of the race that you designated.</p>
<p>They'll look you up, call you, invite you to their events, etc. When it becomes obvious that you were lying, they also probably will tell admissions. Another option is that they'll think that you told the truth on the application, but are ashamed of being African American. As a result, they will probably go out of their way to treat you with hostility.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, there are people with black African ancestry who look white, yet consider themselves "black." I know such people who have blond hair, blue eyes and head African American organizations. They really do have black African ancestry, and are very proud of it!.</p>
<p>Anyway, depending on the school, by checking a URM box, you might be invited to special orientations, given merit aid scholarships designated for URMS, etc. Just imagine how your school might react to get a press release from the college stating that you won the XXXX scholarship for "outstanding African American freshmen." Imagine how your family will feel to see an article about that in your local newspaper.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, I know other white Americans who were born in Africa. One went to Harvard and MIT. He even has an African name (His parents named him after a black African friend). He didn't call himself "African American" on his application, but did use his essay to highlight his unusual background.</p>
<p>You are not an african american. I am an Indian (by race, both my parents are) , born in the US and am a US citizen. But I am still an indian.</p>
<p>Similarly, if you are an African citizen, born and brought up there... ur ancestory is what matters... and if you are caucasian, thats what you are. </p>
<p>Northstarmom is right, u shd be careful about the race issues. Its genetic not geographic</p>
<p>The census definition is the definition you should use. African-American is a racial designation not a geographic one.</p>