what do you think...?

Question

In the United States, there are many, many people that have either come from other countries, or have ancestors from other countries. Well, although I am going to be specifically addressing Mexican-Americans, this goes for all.

For many years, I had gone on referring to myself as a Mexican-American. I even, at some times, referred to myself as Mexican. Everything was fine with that until just a few weeks ago, I logged onto "Yahoo! Answers" and came upon some people who thought differently.

Supposedly, to refer myself as a Mexican-American was out-of-the-question! It was a clear indication that I, a natural born citizen and proud American, was not a "true American." Just because I call myself Mexican or Mexican-American. Now, does that mean I hate America? Does that mean I have some special alliance or loyalty with Mexico? One that is higher than that of America's? Well, let's look into that.

I love America. I love Mexico. Both are great countries in my eyes. Although I consider myself Mexican-American, I still very much enjoy the United States and do not plan leaving anytime soon. But why do I consider myself Mexican-American? Why not just American? Well, I do consider myself American. I also consider myself Mexican-American and Mexican. I am all of them. Because I am an American citizen., but also because I have Mexican heritage, culture, blood, family, and roots. A part of me is Mexican and I try to represent that side when I call myself Mexican-American.

Well then why must the "Mexican" side come before the "American" side? Well, honestly, I have no clue. I guess it's like how Africa-Americans put the "African" part first as well. Like how the color "Yellow-Green" is called "Yellow-Green" with the "Yellow" before the "Green" when the color is clearly more green than yellow. I am clearly more American than Mexican, but I still have a huge part of me devoted to my Mexican culture and roots.

It's within my complete legal rights to label myself whatever I want. I could care less is everyone in America started calling themselves "Barney the Dinosaur!" It's their right. So why do so many people in America complain when Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, and Americans (because we are all of them) call ourselves just that?

Almost the whole United States refers to African-Americans as African-Americans and i see no problem there. They are even referred to as "black". God forbid that means they have a special loyalty with the color black! Well, I'm pretty sure you know what I mean.

Answer 1

I think you can call yourself anything you want, but consider a few things when you do.

When someone asks you what nationality you are - there is no such nationality as mexican american, you are american.

If someone asks you what heritage you are - you are mexican american the same way someone is irish american or whatever.

If you are defining yourself as mexican american every time you are asked, then people might wonder where your loyalties lie. I too love my ancestors homeland and am very proud of it and my heritage, but only comment on the combined definition when addressing that heritage. Otherwise, I am an american.

That is why mexicans do not like people calling themselves mexican americans and some americans have a problem with it too. Where is your primary loyalty and go from there.

Answer 2

1. I don't care what you call yourself. I'm sorry you are offended by the narrow-mindedness of others.
2. Mexican comes before American as a descriptor of heritage. American-Mexicans (or American-Africans) are those born in or to parents born in America now citizens of Mexico/Africa. You can call yourself American or Mexican-American. Technically, you are not Mexican unless you hold dual citzenship as a singular nationality is usually an indicator of citizenry.
3. I'm a Native American for the most part. When asked race, I usually say Native American. Tho to be specific, I am a Native Jewish French Mexican Germanic Russian American. When asked nationality I usually just say American. It's where I was born. It's my citizenship.
4. The popularity of African-American can be attributed to many things, including the fact that some believe "Black" is politically incorrect and offensive.
5. I have a friend of mine that refuses to be called Black or African-American. She even hates "Person of Color". Any division between herself and the rest of the country is offensive to her (she's quite militant). Now, she uses American as a descriptor. She feels anything else is not her. She describes herself as Brunette with Dark Brown Eyes....... and that's it. Her perogative.....

Answer 3

I do not have a problem in any way with you calling yourself what you wish. That part is irrelevant.

The problem of late is the influx of ILLEGAL aliens and the strain
that is placed on the legal citizens. Legal citizenship is not an issue either.
The problem starts with companies over here that don't mind hiring illegals,and thereby paying them less. That takes a paycheck away from someone who was born here or has gone through the requirements of becoming a legal citizen.
The problem becomes more entangled as communities swell and civic dollars have to be diverted to cover unpaid health benefits. It also puts a strain on the housing costs,water electrical,sewage... EVERYTHING that a city has to pay for and thus charge for.

I salute you for honoring you ancestors, and for doing it in a legal manner. You should understand most of all, the affects of mass immigration, and illegals.
and I believe that joeandhisguitar deserves the best answer!!!

Answer 4

You are right, you put a label on yourself. If I did what you did, I would be an Irish, English, German, Czech, American. I am an American. I am proud of my culture too, but I am an American first and foremost. The least you could do if you must be hyphenated is call yourself an American Mexican.

Answer 5

Did you know that Mexicans (real Mexicans) don't like it when "Mexican Americans" call themselves Mexican?? It's the same on both sides, and you will never make either side happy.

Answer 6

Since I was a young boy i have always referred to myself as an American. I have never felt the need to refer to myself as any type of hyphenated American. This action in my opinion serves only to divide America. It is also my opinion that people who hyphenate themselves have somewhat of an identity crisis. Do not take this as an insult but, because you were born in America the government of mexico see you as an American. Their(mexico) constitution prohibits you from interacting in a way, and with the "freedoms" that mexicans are allowed. It always puzzled me when i would meet a person who was born in America and they said that they were Irish or something. I felt like they believed that if they ever went to Ireland they would expect the people there to open their arms and say "welcome home" which is not the case. The Irish and virtually all countries see you, me and everyone born here as Americans. Hyphenating ones self automatically turns one into a "special interest individual". Do the blacks in Mexico refer to themselves as "African mexicans"? This hyphenation syndrome was created to point out differences in Americans NOT to bring us together as Americans.

Answer 7

What specific point are you trying to get across? That we should not be just a generalization of American, but to hyphenate ourselves in to specific labels and categorizes? I guess if that is what you are saying, who is to stop you.

Answer 8

You haven't got your butt KICKED yet? Your either a mexican or an american. CHOOSE! I did.

Answer 9

AMEN to joeandhisguitar. If you go to Mexico and call yourself Mexican they´ll refute it. If you were not born in Mexico they will never see you as Mexican. Period.

Answer 10

You're either Mexican or American! If you aren't then leave! We don't have room for half assed folks here