I am sensitive to my female friend; when referring to her culture or race,

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do I use black or African American? I and a female friend have become very friendly. After our initial meeting and exchange of contact information, we soon discovered we have much in common, i.e. conversations, bicycle rides, walks, etc.

I'm ignorant of the proper reference to her culture or race. I'm Caucasian and age sixty, so the words, such as, colored or black were common place terms in the 1950s and 1960s. My friend is thirty-two and is attentive to the correct language when referencing cultures. I don't want to take a chance of using black of African American and offending her. Should I ask her what is her preference?

Thank you
 
To be honest why would you want to talk about the colour of her skin? When is that ever going to come up in conversation.. If it did it would just prove that you are not entirely comfortable, not because you are racist or anything but because you are not used to black people, you don't say to a white person 'so, you're white?' so why would you say it to her, unless you were complimenting her colour or giving her advice on it.x

But I suppose if you were reffering to her race or culture you say what you feel and ask her if that is OK you saying that.x

Sorry if I offended.x
 
you really are on a hiding to nothing on this one.in the uk,first you had to call black people coloured,because that was deemed to be offensive,now in this still politically correct world that we living,where there's no black board in schools,it's now called a chalk board i understand.golly wog on the Robinson's jam jars,been removed,and the famous world war two film 663 squadron,where the Pilot had a dog named with the 'n 'word,was edited out,just like this answer will be,because in case it upsets someone,sad really but true
 
ask her what she prefers. The current politically correct term is African-American for Americans of African descent, but I've met a great many who still prefer to be called "black".

and if she's not American (North American, South American, Central American or US citizen) then African-American is not the correct term for her. Europeans of African descent still call themselves "black" or persons of color.
 
I've found that is an individual preference for a lot of people. One of my best friends in college was black, and that's how she referred to herself. I'm not sure how I figured that out, if I just asked her or listened to how she referred to herself. It was awhile ago and I don't really remember. I suppose you could always just ask? I'm sure she'd respect you caring enough to want to know her preference. Neither is offensive, so i'm sure she'd just be glad to know you care.
 
I've found that is an individual preference for a lot of people. One of my best friends in college was black, and that's how she referred to herself. I'm not sure how I figured that out, if I just asked her or listened to how she referred to herself. It was awhile ago and I don't really remember. I suppose you could always just ask? I'm sure she'd respect you caring enough to want to know her preference. Neither is offensive, so i'm sure she'd just be glad to know you care.
 
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