What should we call Americans?

Question

People who live in the continent of Asia are called Asians, if they live in Africa they are Africans, those in Europe are called Europeans, whatever their nationality. But the people who live in the American Continents can't won't don't call themselves Amerians. That is reserved only for US citizens. Try telling a Canadian he's an American and stand well clear.
Should we find a different name either for US citizens, or the American continents? What should we call them?

Answer 1

The continent of America is so varied, and has so many different people that it really is confusing to call us all Americans. On the other hand, perhaps we could use this anomaly to begin to actually see ourselves as unified, if only in name. I am watching the European Union attempt to do something of the sort. That is not what they started out to do, but if you look at the results, and make sure they don't notice, there does seem to be a bit more unity there.

But if we all become Americans by some fluke, what then to we call citizens of the USA? Usans? Uncle Sams?

Its funny. I can't think of anything else that isn't pejorative.

Renaming the continent would probably be easier.

Answer 2

There is a very very simple reason for this and that is, in Africa, Asia and Europe, there is no country called The United States of Europe or The Allied Republic of Africa. If there was, then the terms African or European would probably have been used to describe those countries just like American is the term to describe US citizens.

Answer 3

Good question. Since there are only 3 countries in North America, and we are very different from each other, we only need to call ourselves by our country (Mexican, American, or Canadian). But since there is North America and South America as two separate continents, you can just call them North American or South American (you have to distinguish between the two). And, although not a continent, some may distinguish themselves even further as Central American.

However, my question to you is: Why do we need such labels?

Answer 4

There is no continent named "America."

I live on the continent North America. Continentally speaking, I'm a North American.

My nation is called the United States of America. "United States" in my nation's name refers to the parts. "America" in my nation's name refers to the whole -- not to the continent of North America. We could have called it "The United States of Fred" and "Fred" would have the same meaning in the name as "America" has now. So, nationally speaking, I am an American.

Answer 5

Greedy War Mongerers

Answer 6

Yea, on the whole Britain regards itself as separate from Europe, and a lot of people here would hate to be called European.

Well, they are the USA, apart from yanks I can't think of anything else apart from American.

Answer 7

I'm from the United States and I always refer to myself as a North American. People in Latin America are Latin Americans and of course people from South America are South Americans. A teacher of mine told us this is the polite way to refer to where you're from.

Answer 8

well first off...there ARE some ppl that call themselves North Americans...not just Americans! you have forgotten there are North Americans and South Americans....THAT is the title you would compare with Asians OR Europeans....not just Americans.

Answer 9

call em americans still, not everyone like what they are called,
e.g. portugal = pork n cheese
poland = jam polls
cosovo = scum
At the end of the day all im tryin to say is why think of a different name cos they dont like it, let the "americans" get on with it

Answer 10

NORTH Americans and SOUTH Americans.
Think: continents....duh.