When will it be acceptable to claim America as our heritage, ethnicity and “country of origin”?

Question

I ask this in response to a recent question from Oprah regarding “What makes you an American?”

I am an American -as are my parents, grandparents and the majority of my great-grandparents. How many native-born generations does it take before one is allowed to be - plainly and simply - an American?

Although still young in comparison to many countries, the United States of America is now 230 years old. I believe her citizens should have the right to be known as Americans by now.

I am offended by the endless forms I’m required to fill out that ask for my “ethnicity”. Often, I mark “other” and place the word American in the blank beside it.

When will the word “American” be enough to describe my ethnicity? Do the This-American and That-American ethnic and ancestral adjectives used by so many unite us as a people – or divide us? If the USA is the “great melting pot” – why are so many who are born, raised and choosing to remain here unwilling to count themselves as part?

Answer 1

Great question. There are so many people that live in the past. Change is difficult for people ( especially our government!) It's time to move forward!

Answer 2

I have to agree, but I do see both sides of the ethnicity issue. Sadly there is still a lot of racism in this country, so tracking how many people in different ethnic groups get what jobs makes sense. However, I do think the concentration on ethnicity helps to keep us divided.