What is the difference between colored and black

This became clear to me last week when I wrote a column about Mr. Some said they were frustrated that the goal post for what is appropriate to call black people keeps moving. They admitted that they are tired of trying to keep up. Indeed, what is acceptable for white people to call African Americans and for black people to call themselves has evolved over the last century. While the distinctions can be complicated, the information is readily available for anyone willing to seek it out.

That means reading and having meaningful conversations with people of different races. The group has since broadened its mission to include not only African Americans, but all people of color. Younger African Americans have long balked at the idea that black people have an obligation to explain race to white people. They refuse to try and educate white people about what it means to be black in America.

They have understood what many older black people and white people have not. Race, Gender and the Vernacular in th Crossing the color line in American p African American Hair and its role in African American Identity in the City African American Identity and The Sou The Representation of African America Comparing and contrasting Caribbean, Boyz n the Hood.

How and Why Does the The Blaxploitation Film and its Influ The portrayal of African-American rel African American Vernacular English. But too often, the pervasiveness of a color hierarchy in the outside world seeps into the household and becomes part of the implicit and explicit teachings of parenting.

That is not to say that the solution to solving our color problem as a country lies in the home, but that is precisely where the conversation should begin. Then, we could have a more public facing, cross-cultural dialogue about the more global problem of colorism and plot its necessary demise.

Tharps Beacon Press, Reprinted with permission from Beacon Press. Contact us at letters time. Beacon Press. By Lori L. Lori L. TIME Ideas hosts the world's leading voices, providing commentary on events in news, society, and culture. We welcome outside contributions. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors. Related Stories.