Why do we call the US America?

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by cybersuebee

On "American" sites I use the term American for brevity and to simplify things. I've used the term "United Statsians" for a couple of decades now. What little I've heard has led me to believe it's a much bigger deal in South America than in North America. Canada is a pretty easy-going country. We don't get riled up about the smaller things in life, but I don't believe that the term "American" should apply to only people from the United States. Not a BIG deal, just a little one, but yes - I do believe that there are a multitude of little deals that give the world the impression that the United States is arrogant. Not necessarily individual people, but the country as a whole.

So, South American's are uptight for resenting US citizens feeling like we deserve to be the only American's?

Mexico is kind of in North America too.

[suebee]

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

So, South American's are uptight for resenting US citizens feeling like we deserve to be the only American's?

Mexico is kind of in North America too.

I'm not sure what you're saying here. I don't know about Mexico so I didn't speak about it.

[UofMfan]

I suppose we South Americans are just uptight and picky about accuracy. I have also encountered this from people in Central America, by the way.

Apocalipstic, yes, before they we had revolutions and became independent and individual countries.

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by UofMfan

I suppose we South Americans are just uptight and picky about accuracy. I have also encountered this from people in Central America, by the way.

Apocalipstic, yes, before they we had revolutions and became independent and individual countries.

Before San Martin and Bolivar!

We are all Americans South, Central and North.

I think it is important that when we are speaking of the US in particular we say US.

It seems pretty racist, classist and arrogant to say otherwise.

[sharkchomp]

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I think it is important that when we are speaking of the US in particular we say US.

It seems pretty racist, classist and arrogant to say otherwise.

Apocalipstic

I know you personally and I respect you and adore you but I just don't buy this. I think those words are huge - racist, classist and arrogant and because I call myself an American doesn't mean I put a check mark by each one. I was raised and taught in school by TEACHERS to call myself an American. I've never heard of a United Statian til this thread. Perhaps not knowing this stuff makes me ignorant but I'd say it's a far leap from racist, classist and arrogant.

I respect your point of view. I know you've lived outside of the United States and that you're well traveled. I am not and honestly, I am not a big travelor. I think I'll stick to the United States and Canada for fishing on occassion.

I'd love for you and Mr C to come over, pick your poison(beverage) and you can tell me why I'm wrong

~~~shark~~~~~~~

[Apocalipstic]

So, even though people in the rest of the Americas find it loathsome and arrogant that we insist that we are the "Americans" and not them, we say that since "American" is easier to verbalize and since we learned to say "American" in school it is not worth even giving a thought to how it might make sound or feel to another American who lives in Columbia or Panama or Honduras.

Nice.

I know many of you personally and I really think it is worth at least some consideration. It makes us and our country look like assholes.
For me it is an important distinction.

Is it a class issue??? Good question. Maybe more of an arrogant, we have always done it this way, it is easier, I don't think I should have to change for anyone else thing with some racism below the surface. There are indeed wealthy people in outside the US who hate us calling ourselves Americans, so maybe that takes classism off the table?

I think the thought that people outside the US except Canada are fussy for resenting us for this is really really arrogant. Yes, I know we were brought up to think this and taught to think this in school, but the world is changing, we need to catch up.

[Apocalipstic]

I do want to say that I understand that for many of us this might be a low priority. I am just happy that we can have these discussions and hope that they will make us think a bit.

I thank everyone who is participating is this and other discussions like it.

[sharkchomp]

Now wait... are we not the United States of America that live in North America? Or are we just the United States. Does it not say on our declaration of independence, the United States of America?

I don't mind learning something new or looking at things in different ways, but why is it that I'm all the sudden racist, classist and arrogant? Perhaps I'm ignorant, plain fucking stupid or just misinformed. I invite discussions and expanding my mind but I loathe doing it from the stand point of "didn't you know you suck?".

I still adore you Jen and respect you immensely, we're just talking here.

~~~shark~~~~~~~~

[suebee]

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I do want to say that I understand that for many of us this might be a low priority. I am just happy that we can have these discussions and hope that they will make us think a bit.

I thank everyone who is participating is this and other discussions like it.

Priority/Not priority: I don't see it as either. I see it more as an exercise in self-awareness. Since the U.S. has such a huge influence in the world, since the U.S. has such an overwhelming stake in communications, entertainment etc. it can be hard for people living in the U.S. to imagine how the country is seen from outside of it's boundaries. Honestly I'm surprised that there as many "Americans" as there have been who have come on this thread and seem to have considered this question already. I live on the U.S./Canadian border, interact with my neighbours to the south on an almost daily basis, and seldom see as much awareness of this issue as I have here.

It seems kinda like the topic of white privilege: when it's all normal for you then it's pretty damned hard to think of how it's perceived by others, affects others, affects you yourself.

Great discussion. Great thread.