just a thought?

Question

the color "yellow-green" is actually a green color with a yellow dash to it.

also, the color "green-yellow" is yellow with a green dash to it.

therefore the first word is just describing the type of color indicated in the second word.

now think about this. "mexican-american" is just an american with a dash of mexican [culture, heritage] in him/her. "mexican" is just describing the type of american that the person is

i hear people say that it should be "american-mexican." but wouldn't that just be a mexican with an american touch to him/her?

therefore, wouldn't being a "mexican-american" designate you as more of an american than the latter designation?

just a thought

(also, for those that say it should be just american, that's cool too, i'm just addressing this issue that's been on my mind)

Answer 1

When people ask me what Nationality I am, I tell them Mexican-American. American, because yes I was born here, Mexican because both my parents were born in Mexico. I'm a first generation born American. My parents are Mexican even though they both have strong European lineage, but that lineage is generations back. My children or my children's children may decide that they don't need to carry the Mexican hyphen, that is their choice. I find that most of the time when people ask my nationality, they are looking to distinguish where my looks come from. My looks come from my parent's Mexican heritage and I'm very proud of that, it makes me who I am. My loyalty however is with America, the greatest country on earth.

Answer 2

I agree a lot with "chiquis707." she saved me time from writing that because it also describes me.

But I think it doesn't really matter. When I have to fill out some application, (or fill something else) for whatever reason, it always asks if I'm Hispanics American (Mexican American). I feel that's what the US is calling me. And I go with it.

Answer 3

No matter where your heart lies, and what heritage you come from people will still put a label on you. Anything to try and make anyone not feel as American as the other, just because of their genealogy. Yes, American should be good enough but in the eyes of many it is not. I can't get anyone to get my daughters race right, I am still fighting with her pediatrician over that. Her race is down as undetermined. That just shows how early these stereotypes can start.

Answer 4

Personally I don't see one description as more 'American' than the other.
Mexican - American or American - Mexican
Both express the desire to own their heritage as well as acknowledge they are American citizens.

Answer 5

Hypthetically, in Boston one may be an "Irish American". In New York one might be an "Italian American". It makes sense than in California or Texas we would have a "Mexican American".

I've often wondered though if an American with no ethnicity recognition goes to another country and gains citizenship if they would be (once again hypothetically for the sake of example) an "American Mexican" or "American Italian" so on and so forth.

Answer 6

Like any other ethnic or racial group in the US, you are what you designate yourself as being.

I live in an area of the country where diversity is the order of the day. We don't worry about such things ---- Here, you will hear "Italian-American", "Irish-American", "Polish-American" , "Mexican-American", "Brazilian-American", "African-American", "Native-American"...... it simply doesn't matter.

You are what you are and can call yourself what you wish.

We don't get upset to see a British Flag hanging in the front yard, or an Irish Flag, or one of the flags of the Caribbean or South America.... Simply doesn't bother us.

It is only those poor isolated folks from Podunk who get all jiggy with it. Fear and ignorance is a nasty thing.

Answer 7

You are right that the citizenship is the last name - the first name describes the heritage.

I personally think that hyphenated nationalities describes divided loyalties. You are either a citizen of a country or you're not. Tell your children and grandchildren about their heritage - they will love it and you can pass on your culture.

This is a part of why America is such a beautiful place to live. We are rich in a wide variety of cultures. You should never lose the beauty of your heritage. Be proud of where you came from, but be the citizen of your country first.

Answer 8

this is deep:) i guess u could just call u're self and American b/c u were born here, and if not then jus stick to w/e nationality u r. the color is confusing and annoying, and i'd rather just call it green and yellow or light green and light yellow. who cares, u know? why label u're self when all u r is a person, a living being:)

Answer 9

All Americans could hyphenate their heritage, most choose not to.
If Americans immigrated , you could have American-Africans, American-Polish, American Fijians. Just sounds rather silly if you ask me.
For me if you decide to immigrate, leave your other country behind. Show some loyalty to the one that gave you a fresh start.

Answer 10

Technically, American is an incorrect term. If you're born in this continent, you're an American. I actually like what the Australians call us; Yanks........