They referred to Africans as primitive because they had to justify to themselves and the rest of the world the brutal rape and enslavement of Afrika and Afrikan People.
If you read history of anyone who dared to tell the truth in those days white or black (Gerald Massey) you'll begin to see that Europeans were living under the worst conditions for the most part in early Europe. When they traveled to Africa it was to find that which Europe lacked.. Vegetation, Gold, spices etc... When they arrived in Afrika they found Not Only beautiful Temples and Pyramids but a Spiritual People who were Culturally and morally superior in THEIR Eyes. Read the History. Remember the Greeks who were the Europeans to write books (The Illiad By Homer) studied for years and years under the Kemitians. (called Egyptians by The Greeks) All the "Great" Philosophers ARistotle, Plato... ALL received their wisdom from studying in Afrika for Many years. Read a Book called Stolen Legacy By George G.M James.
I say All this to say that the 1st Europeans to call Afrikans Primitive knew they had to belittle those they were attempting to exploit by calling them names, changing their names, robbing them of their language, rapping their women and men, taking them away from their spiritual base and making them think they were nothing at the same time boosting their own egos and justifying their wicked acts. Now through generations the story continued to be told that these Afrikans were nothing but Primitive Monkeys, Ni**ers, Koons, and the list goes on. These ideas still exist today but they are Not usually expressed in the public.
Don't take my word for it Read from the masters who taught the truth.. Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Yosef Ben-Jochanan, Dr. Barashango, Basil Davidson and Many More.
You can find these Books and More at..
http://www.BlackPowerProductions.com