"African American" is a ridiculous term

I am sick and tired of hearing this stupid term. It's just a more polite way to say black person. <br>I am British and we don't have an equivalent. We just say black or sometimes Afro Carribean. Why can't Americans just say black? There's nothing wrong with it.<br><br>Edit: Thanks for taking the time to read my post and put your opinion. I've just read through some of the comments and I noticed a common theme of anger and aggression towards me. I'd just like to make it clear I have no prejudice towards black people and the reason I made this post was simply to express a personal confusion about the term and that didn't mean I was being prejudice or racist. Of course some of you are going to be defensive when someone criticises a term that you use to describe yourself, but that doesn't give you an excuse to call me racist or tell me you hope I get beaten up by black guys.<br><br>On a slightly separate note I'm quite disappointed by some people saying I should educate myself on the subject. This is an open discussion, I literally posted here to learn more about the subject and your just criticising me for not knowing enough about the subject! Sure, I may not be educated on the subject but that's why I'm asking my questions here. <br><br>Thanks again for your time. I really appreciate all the comments I've been given so far :) 😊