"Does a black person make them an African American? No. There are Hispanics that are very, very dark skinned so the word has lost its meaning, it's not a very concise or proper word to use even today and it wasn't then"

Pam Grier's quote challenges the automatic association in between skin color and ethnic identity, particularly in the context of identifying people as "African American". The statement recommends that the term "African American" has actually become somewhat outdated, or at least uncertain, since it does not constantly properly show individuals' cultural or ethnic backgrounds. Grier explains that there are people with dark skin, such as some Hispanics, who might be aesthetically categorized as African Americans based on skin color alone, yet their cultural and ethnic identity is distinct.

The quote stresses the complexity of racial and ethnic identity, where phenotype (such as skin color) doesn't constantly align nicely with cultural or ethnic heritage. This complexity is particularly common in racially varied places like the United States, where people typically come from numerous ethnic backgrounds or determine culturally in manner ins which do not match simplistic racial classifications.

Grier appears to be promoting for a more nuanced understanding of identity that exceeds skin color. Her perspective highlights the importance of acknowledging the variety within racial categories and comprehending the personal and cultural significance of ethnic identities. The declaration also critiques the historic and modern social constructs of race, suggesting that they can become simplistic and lose their original intend purpose-- highlighting not just individual identity but also the cumulative historic experiences and cultural contributions of a group.

Additionally, by pointing out the term's evolution, Grier highlights the fluid nature of language and identity classifications over time. Words and labels that when appeared precise can develop as societies become more integrated and culturally mindful. In essence, her declaration motivates a relocation towards understanding identity in a way that respects individual and cumulative histories, cultural expressions, and self-identification, rather than relying exclusively on shallow traits like skin color.