what does any ethnic-American lose in his/her struggle to be all American?

Answer 1

You will likely lose some of your ethnic identity. It just seems to be a natural thing and it's a sacrifice you should accept. However, check this out: the number one thing important to any ethnicity/culture is language. That is because we are social creatures. Just like in any other country, people in the US want ethnic citizens to speak English and become turned off by those not willing to learn it. Therefore, if you know English already, you're ahead of the game. If not, make an earnest effort to learn it. Aside from that, just be aware of things like common courtesy. Oh, and pay attention to situations that might have seemed normal to your culture but could be taken as rude here.

Answer 2

We are all Americans if we live in North America, Central America or South America. The United States of America is a title that acknowledges that the U.S. is but a part of America: Of America, not IS America. As for ethnics, the United States is a huge melting pot of immigrants from many lands. Some came earlier than others, but we all came from other lands, except perhaps the Indians. However, more to the point inferred from your question. Unfortunately, there is racism to one extent or another in this country even if it appears underground. Tiger Woods, my favorite golfer, was not hindered being Black and Thai. Dwayne Wade, my favorite basketball player was not hindered by being Black. The point is that even though there are folks who want to keep non-whites down, they can't. So don't let them. Let that be fuel to be the best at whatever you do.

Answer 3

You loose your identity.

One has to make an EXTRA effort to find a balance. I look in the mirror and I see an American. My white American friends see a hispanic, therefore I have to work a little harder to be accepted and to prove myself. I am "pretty smart" for being hispanic. "Your English is so good, you can't hear your accent" they say.

When hispanics see me they see an American. I am not "really" hispanic because I was born on American soil (they say it in a belittling way). I speak Spanish pretty well "for being an American, it's very pretty" they say.

America is NOT a melting pot and ethnic-Americans will never fit in with anyone. It's the truth that sucks.

Answer 4

I'm Italian-American. When my family came to the U.S., they tried very hard to assimilate. However, they had to put up with a lot of abuse. Still, they worked very hard to learn English, and over time, gave up their native language and some of their customs. They wanted very much to be seen as loyal Americans. However, the one thing they refused to give up was their Catholic religion...but since there is religious freedom here, nobody asked them to. I'd say that language and a certain amount of ethnic identity is what they lost.

Answer 5

nothing any more, they can still have the label "ethnic" american to get special privileges and cause division and strife in this country. Its odd that they would flee their old country for whatever reasons, come here, and not want to be part of this one. It used to be different. No one is forced to come here anymore, they should be proud to be an american, it should be seen as a privilege.

Answer 6

All American what? Line backer, Quarter back, baseball player? If you are going to post a question, at least complete it. They gain more than they loose, or else there wouldn't be so many people trying to get in.

Answer 7

America is a melting pot of so many ethnicity's and cultures,,, there is no "all American."

And I hope it will always be that way.

Answer 8

Because they are way to concerned with where their ancestors came from,instead of what they can accomplish today.It gives them an excuse for failure.I'm an American of Italian descent,Not Italian-American.I have never set foot in Italy.So what does it have to do with what I do today to better myself.