URM Distinction Question Forum

[TomahawkChopper]

So being characterized as "African American" can give a noticeable jump in admissions. Can someone define African American?

I have a black friend whose family came to the United States from the Caribbean generations ago. Is he African American? If he as him he will say "No mon, I'm Jamaican."

On the other hand, I am white. My parents moved to the United States from South Africa when before they had me. So while I am African-American, it seems like a random distinction that would give me this advantage over my friend.

Thanks

[hamsamitchguy03]

ed ited

[071816]

He's African American. You aren't.

[TomahawkChopper]

Why is he African American and I'm not? I sincerely do not understand. Do you mean he is black and I'm not? Because that is true.

[JVanHo]

Why is he African American and I'm not? I sincerely do not understand. Do you mean he is black and I'm not? Because that is true.

Dept. of Education defines African-Americans as:

"African American:
A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa."

I'm pretty sure the LSAC uses the DOE definition. Not that you can't get a bump some other way, but you're not going to get a URM bump by being classified as African-American.

[TomahawkChopper]

Interesting, thank you for that definition.

I wasn't really looking for the bump, just the justification for not getting one. I would have thought being a dual citizen from an African country and the USA would qualify.

[bk1]

The DoE definition is correct. The reason that it is like this is that at some point in American history, Americans started to use a term that related strictly to geography (African-American) as a substitute for race. It is a euphemism for black that happens to use a geographical term so the definition stems from the term it replaces, not from the literal meaning of the words that constitute the euphemism. So you'll hear Americans sometimes call black people from other countries "African-Americans" because the term is wholly synonymous with black to them even though black people from other countries aren't actually American.

[071816]

Why is he African American and I'm not? I sincerely do not understand. Do you mean he is black and I'm not? Because that is true.

Bingo.

[mcdeeremitch]

The DoE definition is correct. The reason that it is like this is that at some point in American history, Americans started to use a term that related strictly to geography (African-American) as a substitute for race. It is a euphemism for black that happens to use a geographical term so the definition stems from the term it replaces, not from the literal meaning of the words that constitute the euphemism. So you'll hear Americans sometimes call black people from other countries "African-Americans" because the term is wholly synonymous with black to them even though black people from other countries aren't actually American.

+1

[Lawlexrotica69]

Dept. of Education defines African-Americans as:

"African American:
A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa."

I'm pretty sure the LSAC uses the DOE definition. Not that you can't get a bump some other way, but you're not going to get a URM bump by being classified as African-American.

The DoE definition is correct. The reason that it is like this is that at some point in American history, Americans started to use a term that related strictly to geography (African-American) as a substitute for race. It is a euphemism for black that happens to use a geographical term so the definition stems from the term it replaces, not from the literal meaning of the words that constitute the euphemism. So you'll hear Americans sometimes call black people from other countries "African-Americans" because the term is wholly synonymous with black to them even though black people from other countries aren't actually American.

Imma quote these for when another derpy "I'm a white person who was raised in Africa so I can check African American, rite?" thread comes up again.

[Flame Retarded]

I always wondered, what if you lie? Who is going to remember or go through your application once you get in? I say, if it gives you the edge, click the box. I'm super-caucasian, but I'm checking off African-American in June.

[Aberzombie1892]

I always wondered, what if you lie? Who is going to remember or go through your application once you get in? I say, if it gives you the edge, click the box. I'm super-caucasian, but I'm checking off African-American in June.

Character and Fitness.

[mcdeeremitch]

I always wondered, what if you lie? Who is going to remember or go through your application once you get in? I say, if it gives you the edge, click the box. I'm super-caucasian, but I'm checking off African-American in June.

Other than being ineligible for the bar come C&F time, I don't really see a downside to this strategy.

check out his profile name...i dont think he was being serious

[ben4847]

The DoE definition is correct. The reason that it is like this is that at some point in American history, Americans started to use a term that related strictly to geography (African-American) as a substitute for race. It is a euphemism for black that happens to use a geographical term so the definition stems from the term it replaces, not from the literal meaning of the words that constitute the euphemism. So you'll hear Americans sometimes call black people from other countries "African-Americans" because the term is wholly synonymous with black to them even though black people from other countries aren't actually American.

Yes, it sounds funny as applied to Blacks from Europe, but it shouldn't. It is a defined term, it means the Black races of Africa.

[Flame Retarded]

I always wondered, what if you lie? Who is going to remember or go through your application once you get in? I say, if it gives you the edge, click the box. I'm super-caucasian, but I'm checking off African-American in June.

Other than being ineligible for the bar come C&F time, I don't really see a downside to this strategy.

check out his profile name...i dont think he was being serious

Most people will believe anything you say if you act seriously and confidently. I think if I looked someone dead in the eyes and told them I was an African-American they would believe me. But if you think this is not good advice for the average person, you're probably right. Don't say you're black unless you can really feel black.