Why do we call the US America?

[Write14u]

Originally Posted by UofMfan

Waldo, that is what you are going by these days right? I can understand how names are really not important to you. Having said that, I can see where you would find logic in your post. Fact is, Germany, Mexico, China or even Brazil are not the names of continents, so it is fine for them to call themselves Chinese, Brazilian,etc. since by doing so they are not insulting anyone else.

I don't expect you to see the fact that the more you and others defend your point of view, the more you prove the fact that it is arrogant.

I have to hand it to you though, at least you, unlike Bit, do not think that there are two continents named America.

Out of curiosity, how do most in Columbia identify themselves? South Americans? Or are they Columbians first?

And as I asked before: What exactly is stopping anyone in the Americas from calling themselves American?

And for the record, your snark toward Bit does little to cover YOUR arrogance, which is a nice touch when you're trying to point out ours.

[Apocalipstic]

It is awkward, I get it. Our country has a long name which is also the name of a Continent (or 2 or 3 depending on your views...I like to think of us as one).

Actually I learned that the US were not the only Americans and it hurts people's feelings that we think that when I lived in South America....I wish I had come up with it on my own, but as a small child in Argentina I was constantly reminded that the entire continent is America and it is arrogant etc to call ourselves Americans.

Now what to call ourselves? It is awkward....we watched a WWII movie this weekend, and it was the British, the Japanese, the Canadians and the American's. The soldiers from the USA does seem awkward when everyone else has nice short names....and I totally get that for many people Yanks is derogatory (not for me, I could care less personally)

Maybe we say American because it's easiest?

I do try to make a point of saying US and USA when I can and wonder in what other ways I can be respectful to the fact that the US is not the only America.

[Write14u]

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

It is awkward, I get it. Our country has a long name which is also the name of a Continent (or 2 or 3 depending on your views...I like to think of us as one).

Actually I learned that the US were not the only Americans and it hurts people's feelings that we think that when I lived in South America....I wish I had come up with it on my own, but as a small child in Argentina I was constantly reminded that the entire continent is America and it is arrogant etc to call ourselves Americans.

Now what to call ourselves? It is awkward....we watched a WWII movie this weekend, and it was the British, the Japanese, the Canadians and the American's. The soldiers from the USA does seem awkward when everyone else has nice short names....and I totally get that for many people Yanks is derogatory (not for me, I could care less personally)

Maybe we say American because it's easiest?

I do try to make a point of saying US and USA when I can and wonder in what other ways I can be respectful to the fact that the US is not the only America.

I think we say American because it's who we have been taught we are. Not because it's easy, per se. Again, i don't think it's arrogant or exclusive unless we're saying the rest of the Americans shouldn't call themselves that.

And I was sincere in asking what Central/South Americans call themselves because no, I've never been there. I have been to Canada.
I think it's cool they call themselves Americans as well, since it's true.

I'm not arguing that at all. I just think it's a bit harsh to call people from the U.S. arrogant for using what they've been taught for at least two centuries. And not meaning to be dismissive, but it's not going to change. Lord knows we are slow to change on anything. I think it's simply about being respectful of everyone else as Americans, too.

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by Write14u

I think we say American because it's who we have been taught we are. Not because it's easy, per se. Again, i don't think it's arrogant or exclusive unless we're saying the rest of the Americans shouldn't call themselves that.

And I was sincere in asking what Central/South Americans call themselves because no, I've never been there. I have been to Canada.
I think it's cool they call themselves Americans as well, since it's true.

I'm not arguing that at all. I just think it's a bit harsh to call people from the U.S. arrogant for using what they've been taught for at least two centuries. And not meaning to be dismissive, but it's not going to change. Lord knows we are slow to change on anything. I think it's simply about being respectful of everyone else as Americans, too.

I agree I might have been strong in my wording, my appologies. I feel very passionately about this, having grown up in South America.

If I can get a few people to at least think about it and how arrogant it sounds for the US to always refer to ourselves as 'The Americans" then that is all I can ask for.

I understand that being sensitive to the other countries in the Americas is a new thing for many of us. We were taught in school that those countries are completely insignificant.

I hope you do get to travel to South and Central America sometime, I think you would so enjoy it and see more clearly what I am speaking of.

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by June

Thank you! I just learned something new today!

I find it funny though, when Kate Smith was singing "God Bless America" she was singing for Canada and South America as well. I don't know why, it just struck my funny bone. Same thing with America the Beautiful. it also makes me feel warm and fuzzy for reasons I cannot identify.

Ha, I know.

It is something that we have all done forever, but it does upset people in the Americas outside the US, except for the Canadians according to one source .

Just something to think about.

[suebee]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYoTJItSPt0&feature=player_embedded"]YouTube- Tom Brokaw Explains Canada To Americans[/ame]

[Toughy]

Originally Posted by cybersuebee

YouTube- Tom Brokaw Explains Canada To Americans

personally I am waiting with some excitement to hear Tom explain my generation....the Boomers........to me..........laughin..........it's his new tv special..........

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by Write14u

Out of curiosity, how do most in Columbia identify themselves? South Americans? Or are they Columbians first?

And as I asked before: What exactly is stopping anyone in the Americas from calling themselves American?

And for the record, your snark toward Bit does little to cover YOUR arrogance, which is a nice touch when you're trying to point out ours.

I know many in people in South America actually identify as many people in North America do...from their ancestral history...like German, Irish, Swiss, Spanish, Italian, Lebanese, and so forth.

Does not make it any easier.

[NJFemmie]

If I am going to call myself anything, I'll call myself American. Honestly, if someone finds that offensive, I can't help that. They can say they are American too. Am I being dismissive? *shrug* Would I get offended if they call themselves American? Not at all. Obviously, there are different types of Americans. It is what it is, is it not?

[Apocalipstic]

I think as long as mean we are American in an inclusive way, it's all good.

If we go to Uruguay, Norte Americano or Estados Unidense would be a better choice of what to call ourselves...

The USA does not contain the "only" Americans.