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When, and why, did the word 'black' change from being an adjective to a proper noun in the media?
When, and why, did the word 'black' change from being an adjective to a proper noun in the media? In the example below, which is quite typical, 'white' and 'multiracial' are adjectives. This is understandable, they describe skin colour / genetic heritage. 'Hispanic' is a proper noun, again understandable as this relates to a specific geographical origin. Why is 'Black' a proper noun and not an adjective?
'Of the nine jurors selected to serve on Chauvin's trial, five of the jurors identify as white, one as multiracial, one as Hispanic and two as Black, according to the court.' - https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/03/...
2 Answers
- Anonymous1 month ago
My understanding is the majority of Black people prefer it over African American. That makes sense to me.
- dave e. lampLv 51 month ago
The former proper noun for such people is frowned upon by many.
It's pejorative is even worse.
'Coloured' is perfectly acceptable in Africa, but not Europe/N.America.
I've never seen anyone who's actually black in colour, except Felix the Cat.
