I understand what you mean. I hate the term African-American too. I think it’s a ridiculous umbrella term (I wish there was a better term but it is what it is.) I refer to myself as Caribbean-American or (“insert ethnicities-American). I think the cycle of poverty really influences certain Black people to stick together and (unfortunately) repeat the same process and undergo similar traumas. Equality of opportunities doesn’t always mean equality of results. I think this can be more of a familial or cultural thing regarding breaking the cycle of poverty and getting to where you want to go in the future. Personally, I feel like there is this animosity towards (African-Americans) from some Caribbean families and Africans. They stereotype AA’s as being lazy, leeches, ghetto etc. I feel like there should be more of a “push” of all African-based diasporas to help each other and get rid of this toxic mindset the cycle of poverty can cause. It’s hard but attainable.