A question for U.S. born minorities?

Question

How come is it that U.S. born minorities (i.e. blacks, hispanics, asians) want to be called by their nationality? For example, black people like to be called African-Americans, hispanics like to be called Latin-Americans, Asians like to be called Asian-Americans, etc., even if they were born in the U.S. If they were born in the U.S., wouldn't that make them an American? I don't go by a French-American because I was born in America, not France. Why is it that U.S. born minorities need to go by their nationalities instead of just plain American like white people do?

moonshot-

I wasn't counting you out. Aren't Spaniards white? I always thought they were. But like I said, white people take on the American name, it's just minorities who don't seem to want it.

mizmphelps-

You're the proof of my question. You aren't a Mexican. You were born in the U.S., that makes you American, not a Mexican. You weren't born there, you don't have citizenship there, so how can you be a Mexican other than race?

slew-

If someone who was French Canadian moved to America, they should re-title themselves to American, not French Canadian American because by getting American citizenship, they are taking on the American name.

tingo29-

White people are the first to call you that because we don't know what else to call you. If we say black, we get called racist, if we say Mexican, we're racist. It isn't our fault this has gone out of hand.

Answer 1

I don't know. I think it's stupid. Should I call myself a Canadian American? PC is BS! Technically I'm a minority since I'm female!

Actually, on some form my husband was filling out he jokingly said that there wasn't an Italian American option. The person was very concerned.

I was born here and I am an AMERICAN.

Answer 2

Huh. I don't think they are alone. Some one ask me that and I refer to the Irish, Italians and Jews. Actually I get A kick out of the Portuguese. I don't even ask them and they go out of the way to tell me their Portuguese and America was named after one of them. I think the list you gave us seem to perfer to add American in the back to state that they are also AMerican, since their color might make people think otherwise. Most Americans are of mix origins so they don't or can't say I'm French-AMerican, but I have met people who think that way. Mostly French Canadians Of course what a mess if they call themselves French Canadian American.

Answer 3

HEY PAL!! Don't count me in on your generalization. When I went to take the Air Force Officer's Exam, the proctor, an Air Force Captain, saw my name on the roster and asked "Is that Mexican?" (My heritage is Spanish). I looked him square in the eye and said "It's American". I'm an American! I know my history, I know my culture, but I'm not a Spanish-American. I'M AMERICAN!

Answer 4

I agree my ancestors came from Cork and sligo in Ireland and nova scotia in Canada when someone asks me what I am I say Im American the whole country is made up of immigrants but all citizens are American why cant people grasp this even the "Native Americans" were immigrants.

Answer 5

I think people do this because they don't want to betray their heritage........... especially because they are a minority. I also believe that they do this because they dont want to have the feeling of being conquered by America, think about racism......... wouldn't you be more proud of who you are and where you come from if someone was judging you b/c of your appearance? I say this b/c I was born in the U.S. and I consider myself to be a MEXICAN!!!

Answer 6

Those that choose to separate themselves from the great body of America, are not Americans, they add additions to the front of the Title American, to separate themselves, we must prepare for the coming war, it will be bloody, but it must occur, we must take back America for Americans ONLY!

I lived in Mexico, my wife was born in Mexico, we worked our *** off trying to get her a green card, my son is half Mexican, so don't pull that race **** with me, you are the racist.

Answer 7

Socialists have standardized this linguistic trick to further divide Americans. Divide and conquer - that is their game.

Answer 8

Because they cannot turn loose of their heritage baggage!
I know what mine is,but I was born here,not over there!

Answer 9

This is a confusing situation, but I think they originally are what is in their blood, physically.

Answer 10

its not like i CHOSE to be called that, im automatically called that when i fill out forms n **** like that.