Am I American?

Question

I was born in Mexico. I moved to the US four yeras ago. In Mexico we say that we are Americans. For us America is a continent not a country. Why do people get mad when I say that I am America. Not only US citizens are Americans. Everyone who was born in South America or North America is considered American. I am happy to be American.

I never said that I am a US citizen. I do not want to be a citizen of the US. I am just saying that I am as American as anyone who was born in the US.

I know that people who are born in the United States are Americans because the US is in North America. But why do they get mad when someone from Mexico of South America says that he/she is American.

Answer 1

Yes, you are American, technically. However, I would bet that in Mexico, you are also called Mexican.

In the United States of AMERICA (that is the official name of the country), the word "American" means a United States of American citizen. You are a Mexican (derived from Mexico) citizen.

So, while you are American, in that you were born in the "Americas," you are NOT American, meaning a US citizen.

Lawrence

Answer 2

I guess some U.S. citizens are too proud or jealous to share that title. Even Norteamericano is North American, which is what we are taught in Spanish class people from the United States are. However, Mexico is also in North America, so geographically speaking, people from Mexico can also be Norteamericanos.

I'm accustomed to calling myself a U.S. citizen or USA citizen, but when I went to Europe, I was asked if I was "American" or I was referred to as "American". I have to admit, I liked the sound of that.

By the way, I don't have a problem with people born in Mexico, or any other country in the continents of North and South America, calling themselves Americans.

Answer 3

Good question, I never thought of it that way, I would consider you Mexican If you live or were born in Mexico. Since you live in North America not the United States of America you can call yourself North American or Mexican. Take your pick. You are not really considered American as you are not from America the nation.
I am not being racist its just the truth.

Answer 4

You are American, in the sense that you were born in South America. US Americans get upset because we have been calling ourselves "Americans" since the 1775, and it's JUST NOW becoming a catch phrase for the rest of the individuals born in North/South America to call themselves "Americans". You don't hear Canadians calling themselves Americans. People born in Mexico are called Mexicans. People born in the USA are called Americans. (United States of America is the name of our country.)

Answer 5

It is just too confusing. We say we are Americans because it is the United States of America (Like the United States of Mexico call themselves Mexicans). It is too hard to say United Statesian. I would prefer if you tell me what state you are from, not what continent. Unless you are in Europe. But be careful, in Europe they will just hate you more for being American!

Answer 6

Good point, I'd never thought about that before.

However generally only US citizens are considered Americans....it's easier than saying United Statesians I guess, lol. Also, whenever someone refers to "America" they are generally referring to the United States. It may not be completely correct, but that's just how the general public sees it.

Answer 7

Are you a citizen of the continent (the Americas), or of a country (Mexico), or should we consider globally (Earthling)?

I say good for you! Americans are hated around the globe, we need one more target... takes some of the pressure off us U.S. citizens! :~) Keep calling yourself an American.

Answer 8

Because in the US vernacular American is most often used in terms of national origin where it means From the United States of America.

You are an American like people from Europe are European and people from Asia are Asian. In the same way when speaking of national origins people from the United States of America, are American, and people from Canada are Canadian and people from Mexico are Mexican.

Answer 9

Si. Just don't say that to a Canadian. Yet they live in North America, they are from the country Canada and therefore are Canadians. Mexico, Mexican. Costa Rica, Costa Rican, Peru, Peruvian, Guatemala, Guatemalan. and the list goes on and on.

Answer 10

You are American. It makes me happy to see that even though everyone in America thinks you're not, you're still happy to be one. If you are an asset to America, then you should be considered one. I don't even know why people act the way they do towards people that are illegal. People should just stop being racist and judgmental, but good for you. I consider you 100% American.