Why do we call the US 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.