Skip to main content

Up Next

Why Do We Have Political Parties?

Why Do We Have Political Parties?

Season 3 Episode 21
11:11
Evolution of Law Enforcement

Evolution of Law Enforcement

Season 3 Episode 23
13:39
The History of Reparations

The History of Reparations

Season 3 Episode 24
14:12
Did Europeans Enslave Native Americans?

Did Europeans Enslave Native Americans?

Season 3 Episode 25
12:41
Farewell

Farewell

Season 3 Episode 26
1:59
Episode 5: The Calling

The Calling

Season 4 Episode 5
53:05
When Whales Could Walk

When Whales Could Walk

Season 51 Episode 1
53:31
Back to Show
Origin of Everything

Why Do We Say "African American"?

Season 3 Episode 19

Language is constantly changing and ethnonyms are no exception. From "Negro" to "Colored" and "African American" to "Black," the people and cultures of African origin living in the United States have had many names. Today Danielle looks at the etymology and reclamation surrounding Black history and identity.

Support Provided By
Season
Why Does the Government Pay for Art?
10:39
Is art a public good?
Why Do We Have Private Prisons?
10:11
Why Do We Have Private Prisons?
Revolutionary 60s
10:52
What is it about cults that captures the public imagination?
Why Do Schools Teach Sex Education?
11:04
Why are school teachers tasked with teaching students about sexual education?
Why Do We Have Hobbies?
9:06
Why Do We Have Hobbies?
Why are Patriotic Songs All the Same?
12:36
Why do so many anthems and patriotic songs from across the globe sound the same?
What is Racial Passing?
10:06
What motivates someone to disguise their race, gender, religion, etc.?
What is Ethnicity?
9:18
What's the difference between race and ethnicity?
Why Do TV Shows Use Laugh Tracks?
5:31
The laugh track, otherwise known as the cringiest sound in modern television.
Why Do We Have Middle Names?
5:49
Why Do We Have Middle Names?
Modern Warfare and Alien Invasions
10:07
What really crashed down to Earth in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947?
What is Cultural Appropriation?
9:38
What is culture? Can it even be appropriated?
Active loading indicator