It seems to me that Canada, Mexico, Columbia, Brazil etc. could have equals rights to the name American. After all they are all in the Americas. We call the people of the europe; europeans, the people of Asia; Asians, and the people of Africa: Africans. However; If you say Americans then you are refering to citizens of the United states or America. Anyone know why this is? Why are we not USAers?
2007-10-02 08:09:20 · 6 answers · asked by jon 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Canadians and Americans are called North Americans (North American continent). Most citizens of South America are called South Americans (South American continent).
South America would be Mexico, Brazil, Peru, etc etc.
2007-10-02 08:14:59 · answer #1 · answered by ohioan_femme 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
People from the United States of America are called Americans because we are the only country with the word America in the name of our country. So calling us Americans is just an abbreviated version of our country's name. For example the full name of your country is The United Mexican States so an abbreviated name for it's people is Mexicans. The term United States of America was first used in the Declaration of Independence which was created in June & July 1776 and ratified on July 4th 1776. It was officially established as the name of our country on November 15th 1777 when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation.
2016-05-19 15:51:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are called Americans because we are from the country called the United States of America. It has nothing to do with regional geography.
We could also be included in another descriptive term called North Americans which would include peoples from North America, regardless of which nation they hail from.
Asians ARE called Asian, regardless of what country they are from; just as Africans are African not just if they are from South Africa (the country)
It seems many of you are confusing national with regional or continental. Spanish and Italians ARE Europeans! Japanese are both Japanese and Asian; depending on which you are referring to: country or continent.
Oh and by the way, Mexico is part of North America; not Central or South America.
Definitions and word choice is important... it is what allows us to communicate effectively.
2007-10-02 09:32:07 · answer #3 · answered by Mama 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The USA usurped the name of America. Simple as that.
I agree completely with your comment. If I'm from Spain I'm also and European. With not be an American if you are from Costa Rica or Canada?
Frank Lloyd Wright one time say that the true name of the "Americans" is the Usonians. Sounds better to me.
2007-10-02 09:33:37 · answer #4 · answered by Lost. at. Sea. 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
since the British reffered to the "Americas" back when it was a place to send prisoners before it was "colonised". (n. and s. america) the whole thing.....
2007-10-02 08:15:27 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. "Diamond" 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are where you are. Canada are canadians, Mexico are mexicans, etc. We are americans because we come from north america.
2007-10-02 08:17:41 · answer #6 · answered by BB 2 · 1⤊ 5⤋