Should the "b" in "black" be capitalized when discussing racial matters?

[Maxirad]

What do CAF members think?

 

[RolandThompsonGunner]

Um, what do you think, Maxirad?

 

[Maxirad]

Um, what do you think, Maxirad?

I can’t say that I don’t have mixed feelings about the matter. However, habits can be hard to break.

 

[Mrchatsworth]

Why? Is it a proper noun?
I guess if you said a black man it’s an adjective but if you said. “The Blacks” it would be a proper noun. The Black Movement would be a proper noun title.
Elaborate on part of speech please.

 

[Maxirad]

Why? Is it a proper noun?
I guess if you said a black man it’s an adjective but if you said. “The Blacks” it would be a proper noun. The Black Movement would be a proper noun title.
Elaborate on part of speech please.

Mrchatsworth, you might want to check out this article:

Associated Press changes influential style guide to capitalize 'Black' | Associated Press | The Guardian

 

[esieffe]

Black is an adjective, a color, so no, even when describing people. If it is in the title of an organization, then yes.

 

[Mrchatsworth]

Again, the rules of English and capitalization are clear. They are also not racist in employment. Your question should indeed be clearer.

 

[Maxirad]

Again, the rules of English and capitalization are clear. They are also not racist in employment. Your question should indeed be clearer.

Mrchatsworth, would you describe the AP’s recent move as an act of virtue signalling?

 

[RhodesianSon]

It’s an adjective not a proper noun so no.

 

[on_the_hill]

What difference does it make? If people want to be referred to as Black, then let them be referred to as Black.

If you don’t like "B"lack, then use African American.

I get what you’re saying. It’s yet another change we’re pressured to make, as if it’s vitally important that we evolve. But in the grand scheme…There are so many important problems in the world right now.

 

[Mrchatsworth]

If it goes against capitalization rules then yes. Do you agree?

 

[1ke]

Mrchatsworth, would you describe the AP’s recent move as an act of virtue signalling?

Uh, no.

It comes into line with the rules of capitalization long in place elsewhere when denoting a race vs a color.

 

[Annie]

So… should we write Black Americans and White Americans?

Ick, I don’t think so!

 

[1ke]

So… should we write Black Americans and White Americans?

Ick, I don’t think so!

Actually, yes. When used to denote a race, the word is capitalized. When used as an adjective as a color, no.

The White race. That chalk is white.

 

[Maxirad]

If it goes against capitalization rules then yes. Do you agree?

Hard to say. A significant part of me is tempted to say, “Yes.” However, you might want to check out this piece:

Black and white: Why capitalization matters - Columbia Journalism Review

 

[Mrchatsworth]

I can’t keep up with your homework that you assign. We could discuss if you wish.

 

[DaveBj]

Treat “black” the same as “white,” within the same contexts.

D

 

[FiveLinden]

If you don’t like "B"lack, then use African American.

There are quite a number of people in the world who could use the world ‘Black’ who could not, and would not, want to use the descriptor ‘American’.