- Firstly from the get go I want to make it quite clear this is a question and not a statement
I travel alot and generally have noticed when none native people/relatives have immigrated they call themselves in general the nation they are in then thier tradittional background...i.e. a British Asian or a Dutch Chinese.
I understand this as some of those may have never been to thier parents or grandparents country of origin
However in America it's the reverse and I've not experienced this anywhere else some say African American, Irish American even though most Americans are very patriotic and even though many have never visited the country they claim first in several generations
Does anyone know how this come about? just a question that come to mind amongst many others07-23-09 11:23 AMLike 0 - Why is everyone whatever they are?
Why do I still consider myself Cuban when I was born here?
Why do 3-4 generation Italians still consider themselves italians?
And what is the difference between Afro Americans and African Americans?
I don't think there is one set answer-
Of course the generic one will be that they still closely resonate with that aspect of their "mother" culture.
Especially since immigrants **brought** their culture to a **"cultureless"** nation.
Their is very little American "Culture" has to offer, besides fireworks and turkeys...Last edited by xxxxpradaxxxx; 07-23-09 at 11:29 AM.
07-23-09 11:25 AMLike 0 - im half german and half polish but i just go by "white" cuz its easier. plus i really didnt know alot of my immigrant relatives, im 3 generations in of living in america.
plus i dont think my family likes to talk much about how our family came to be.
(german+polish+1940's=_________)07-23-09 11:31 AMLike 0 -
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- I'm Canadian.
Both my Parents are British Born, but I am Canadian, ONLY time I would mention British is when people say " Are you Italian" or "Are you French" then I say, I'm Canadian but my parents are Brits.
I don't under stand this trying to hold onto artificial ties to another country within your own distinction.
NOW if you carry 2 Nationalities, THEN I can see being both. but really a 3rd Generation Black man is not African American, he his simply American, no need for a differentiation.07-23-09 09:07 PMLike 0 -
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It depends, though I tend to Agree with you, one could say that American is the term for people who reside within the continent of America, as there is no country named America, but in fact, United States of America, as mentioned in another post American is equivalent to European. THIS point gives the poster a arguable defense to his statement that American is not a Nationality, though I do not know how one would describe what we refer to as American.
"US American" maybe?07-24-09 06:12 AMLike 0 - Firstly from the get go I want to make it quite clear this is a question and not a statement
I travel alot and generally have noticed when none native people/relatives have immigrated they call themselves in general the nation they are in then thier tradittional background...i.e. a British Asian or a Dutch Chinese.
I understand this as some of those may have never been to thier parents or grandparents country of origin
However in America it's the reverse and I've not experienced this anywhere else some say African American, Irish American even though most Americans are very patriotic and even though many have never visited the country they claim first in several generations
Does anyone know how this come about? just a question that come to mind amongst many others
it appears people are not understanding your point here.
the British Chinese in this example is a Chinese person living in Briton.
but an Irish American, is a Irish Person living in America.
the distinction of heritage vs nationality is reversed in America.
why is that?07-24-09 07:27 AMLike 0 - I'm Canadian.
Both my Parents are British Born, but I am Canadian, ONLY time I would mention British is when people say " Are you Italian" or "Are you French" then I say, I'm Canadian but my parents are Brits.
I don't under stand this trying to hold onto artificial ties to another country within your own distinction.
NOW if you carry 2 Nationalities, THEN I can see being both. but really a 3rd Generation Black man is not African American, he his simply American, no need for a differentiation.07-24-09 08:58 AMLike 0 - I hear African American, and Afro American...
Is it the same thing? I've never found out, and I've always been to scared to ask.07-24-09 10:14 AMLike 0 - I think some have either missread or missunderstood the question originally posted so I'll try it another way
For example..you were born in America as were your parents and their parents. In fact your familly were born in America for several generations with none of them or you ever having visited say Africa/Italy/Ireland etc
So with no personal knowledge of any other country than America why do you place America as second in your personal description
African American for example..why isn't it an American African07-24-09 10:31 AMLike 0 -
- I don't know-
I just don't want to offend, seem insensitive, or even "un-pc" or something.
It's probably just me being stupid.07-24-09 10:42 AMLike 0 - Did I read that right prada afraid to offend? The world has gone completely mad, Armageddon has come, repent repent! Save your souls!
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com07-24-09 10:45 AMLike 0 - amazinglygracelessRetired ModFor me this is one of the biggest problems with this country.
We for some reason feel the need to self segregate by way of
hyphens.
Regardless of my race or heritage, I am an American.
That does not need a qualifier.07-24-09 10:57 AMLike 0 - exactly. i live in america, therefore i am american.
i dont consider myself a polish-american, or german-american. im just american.07-24-09 11:02 AMLike 0 - I never use a racial moniker is on the census, and that's just to annoy "The Man". I always write in Hebrew.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com07-24-09 11:09 AMLike 0 -
- Like I said earlier, I'm Mexican-American and I'm proud to call myself that! I'm Mexican first, American second.
These racial discussions can go on forever, no matter how many times you explain yourself and your thinking. Therefore, I won't elaborate anymore cause I know what I say will get taken out of context, no matter how I word it.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com07-24-09 11:25 AMLike 0
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Why are you a African/Irish etc American
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