Other Usage
The American English term (spelled as colored) had a related but different meaning. It was primarily used to refer to people of African descent, except in the state of Louisiana, where "Free people of color" legally denoted people of mixed European and sub-Saharan African ancestry. The use of the term to describe people of African descent is now considered archaic and offensive in most contexts. It remains part of the title of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a prominent African-American organisation established in 1909. In addition, some members of the African-American community use "colored" as a legitimate ethnic/racial label when intentionally self-chosen and used in a respectful manner. 'People of color' is currently used more frequently than 'colored'. In the United States usage, the phrase refers more generally to all people who do not describe themselves as 'white', including people of Asian, Native American and African descent. In Great Britain, 'coloured' has also been used to refer to anyone who could not describe themselves as white. Colored is frequently used in the United States to promote affirmative action.
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