Thank you so much for this thoughtful response. Much to think about! I completely agree. "Black" is a very important word and it means a very specific thing, even if the edges of its definition are unclear (do Black Sudanese count, etc.?) Also, perhaps as long as it is being used in the American context alone, it can be quite clear what we mean.

However, when these words are exported overseas in Hollywood and other media, it creates a mess. As you're saying, what about Middle Easterners who are not white, Africans who are not Black, black or white skinned people who are neither Black or white (Caucasian), etc. Very complex indeed.