What is an American?

Question

I'm a third generation American yet I still constantly get questions from foreigners on " where I'm from" as they put it. When I say I'm an American they usually snicker and give me a look. I'm not sure they understand our history and the fact that all Americans come from diverse ethnic backgrounds. I don't fit the stereotype of the blew eyed blond haired American and that throws them off.

Answer 1

American- a label placed on the people that are inhabiting the certain area of the world, labeled America.

Everone is different. I know that there are many people that seem to be acting the same ways, however they all have individualistic qualities, even if they are supressing them.

Answer 2

If you were born in America or went through the legal process your American. I come from an Italian/Panimanian background. But when people as what I am I say American. Not Italian American, or any other crap. I think that is stupid. I think that if I had so much Italian pride, I would move to Italy. I am red white and blue and that is all.

Forget the stereotype, your just as American as anyone else.

Answer 3

An American is someone who is relative to the United States, its people and or culture and language. Don't worry about other people Popeye, I'm not a blue eyed, blond haired American either. I am a dark brown, hazel eyed American, third generation German and Married to a first generation Sicilian. Some people are very small intellectually aren't they? Don't let it bother you.

Answer 4

Bolnde haired, blue eyed? You sound like a member of the Aryan Nation. You tell them you come from a land where diversity is respected and everyone has the right to freely speak their mind. It's not about appearance it's about philosophies/governments. That's how you describe an American. Peace!

Answer 5

A lot of people still don't understand that America was called "the melting pot" because people of all ethnicities and cultures came and lived together. The only "true" American would be the Native American. The rest of us are foreigners. You'd be surprised how many people don't know their own history.

Answer 6

Somebody born on the land of America or providence. It would qualify for in a plane over American soil as well. Space is independent domain so that will not count. You’re an American citizen if born in America or born to American parents on foreign soil.

Answer 7

This is about semantics. "Where are you from?" has become a synonym for "What is your heritage?" or "Where are your people from?" and it's not just Anglo-Americans that use it. I have heard Latin-Americans, African-Americas and even Asian-Americas, all US citizens, use this phrase. It's really nothing personal unless it's taken in a hateful context and then you're probably in a conversation with a highly ignorant person and should exit stage left. If it just comes up in idle conversation you should probably be flattered they're interested enough about you to ask. Obviously they find something engaging enough about you to start or continue a dialog.

Answer 8

I just came back this week from ten days in
London and Stockholm. When I was asked this
question I said "The U.S.... Michgan" They
may not know where Michigan is but they know
the U.S. is composed of 50 states. There is no "typical" look to an American. If you are
a citizen... you are American. I think most
people in the world know that.

Answer 9

We are all from some where else not america. My faimly is Irish, german and cuban. I am A imagrent. Just like you ask your Family your background and then when some one ask's you the same thing you can say my Family is from Blah blah but I was born in Amercia. I don't look like I am irish or german or cuban I have brown hair green eyes and olive skin I look itilan

Answer 10

That's a common misperception the world round, that America is comprised solely of white people. Of course, I know of a number of white people from Europe who are mistaken for Americans when they travel, so I guess the misperception works both ways.