Americans, when do you stop describing yourself as.......?

Question

3rd generation Irish, half English, quater Swedish, eight Russian etc etc and just say 'I'm American'

Answer 1

Because, it's a topic for discussion, and when someone asks us a question we normally answer it...and the ethnic question on those standardized tests don't help at all. As for the "3rd generation Irish" etc. etc. we say that as a matter of pride, as in that I myself have a lot of Irish blood in me, as well as Polish, French, and list goes on. But I only say that to answer someones question, or to give off an excuse on why I can hold my alcohol so well...but the reason is is because we have many and I mean MANY different ethnicity's here, so we just ask to find out which is which. And you're right, I am an American, but we normally don't say that because the rest of the Americans (i.e. Canada, South America, and Central America) really don't like it when we say we're Americans because that leaves them out too...even though the U.S.A is the only country in the Americas that have America in their name...but that's why.

Answer 2

When society is not as interconnected as it is. Communism is not bad, it just doesn't work on the large scale. Also, you are incorrect in saying it is an evolved form of politics. Communism is socio-economic system. It gives no description of governance, rather it details how people can cooperate to survive. Which is fine on a small scale because on a small scale you NEED co-dependence to achieve more. On a large scale however a survival of the fittest mentality works better because you able to achieve much more and are not held back the limitations that large scale communism would impose. It's really not that hard to figure out. As with regards to what we started two centuries ago, well that was the progression towards self governance and away from totalitarian rule. The socio-economic system is relatively the same as before just without the same political restrictions that a monarchy places on the people. The question is this: Would you rather have X amount of potential (which is the same everyone else) or would you rather have X times infinity potential so that you can choose how much effort and how you will get back? Most people would rather have an option of more even they choose not to utilize it fully because they still have the option to. This is why communism is opposed by the overwhelming majority. The stigma to the word comes from people ignorantly fearing it but the original reason for creating that fear still holds true, it is a lesser form of potential for a human being.

Answer 3

Probably for the same reason that the only racial group that do not seem to need to be identified racially in the American census (and elsewhere) IS someone whose ancestry is not mixed. Don't you find it very interesting that everyone else is referred to as African-American, Native American, Asian American, Japanese American, Chinese American, Hispanic American, Cuban American, and so on ... and so forth ... ? This is NOT the American him - or herself saying this, this is America saying this. We are not simply American in the eyes of America ... probably not even in your eyes. In other words, If the United States government stops differentiating between Americans from the time we are born, then perhaps we would have a chance to feel that there is no difference ... perhaps then we would begin to see ourselves as simply American.

Answer 4

It probably depends on how deeply immersed the individual is in a particular ethnic heritage. It could also be affected by how close that heritage is to mainstream American culture.
If your parents are first generation, and you grow up speaking their native language at home, eating the foods they were used to in the 'old country', and engaging in traditions that most Americans don't share, then you're more likely to define yourself in terms of that background.

Answer 5

On the Internet, when we enter into an international discussion, we don't say, "Hey, everyone, I'm half this and one-eight that." We introduce ourselves as Americans. I reside in China, and I introduce myself to everyone as an American. I hardly believe that any American would introduce him- or herself by their heritage unless they are visiting a nation they are descended from.

If you're living in the US, it's a pretty good chance you're an American, and especially if you're white or black without a European or African accent. You're not going to introduce yourself as an American. Of course you are! If you're white more likely than black, you might make conversation by describing your heritage because it's usually somewhat interesting to talk about.

Answer 6

Wow, some people here really hate Americans. I say, if you don't want to be racist, don't hate us. It's not like I choose to be American. hah. But really, since I'm black, I'm either African American or just American. Don't think all people care so much about their ancestries... I think I have a little native american, but I don't go around saying it when I describe myself. I don't like it when people generalize.

Answer 7

And deny Native Americans as the real Americans?

Answer 8

When the rest of the world stops accusing them of being mongrels!! This is a term that most countries in the world have to accept. Please get over this hatred of Americans - they are just human beings with no control over their wayward government - the same as you and me!

Answer 9

America is a melting pot. That means that people from ALL OVER the world have settled here. We define ourselves by our ancestory just as people on other continents do. Most of us are a result of cross-cultural breeding which, for us, adds a lot of depth and interest to who each of us become.

Answer 10

the only real north americans r the first nations people--what columbus decided 2 call "indians" and what explorers called "eskimos". south americans r true americans cuz they r the native people of the continent. mexicans r true americans cuz texas is really their land that newcomers and colonists took away thru slaughter and war.