elevator conversations

a conversation with a little boy (probably around 9 years old) in my apartment building elevator:

him: what country are you from?
me: America
him: really? you look like you're from Africa.
me: really? why?
him: you're skin is just so dark. I don't understand, you look African.
me: hmm.  well my Dad is black so that is why my skin looks darker than other Americans.
him: oh!! your Dad is African!
me: no, he's American. But he is black.
him. oh, so He's American but he looks like an African.
me: *thinking*  sure.
him: ok.. see ya!

glad I was able to help him understand a bit.  haha!! american does not always = white