Why do americans say Obama is black?

[Khuutra]

shio said:

Khuutra said:

I wondr why you aren't replying to me, shio.

Anyway.

Never call anyone "mulato" in the States - we understand the term as being related to slavery and colonialism. The word finds its root in mule, after all - half horse, half donkey, completely sterile, and good primarily for hard labor. It's dehumanizing for some, though others don't mind - still, better not to risk that kind of insult.

"Mulato" is a word that is commonly used in Europe (Portugal at least) without being insulting, yet is pejorative in the US. This hints at the difference between both places.

Why is this the only post of mine which you've replied to? Is the idea that you don't get to decide a person's identity based on genetic a bit odd to you?