Why do we call the US America?

[Selenay]

Originally Posted by Enchantress

Selenay, just for clarification, the statement above (not yours, but UofM's) was an inside joke between the two of us. It is not in any way meant as racist, bigoted or malicious (even though without having inside knowledge you might somehow see it differently). So, please, do not take it as such.

Thanks!

(Apologies for taking this thread off topic; I'll let it go after this post)

I can understand that it was a joke meant in good fun, but to an outside observer it was callous and uncalled for. I'm not telling you, any of you, not to joke but perhaps cautioning you to think twice about where it is posted. Because no, I don't know you, or UofM, but I'm reading this thread, too, and I'm going to respond where I see posts worth calling out.

[Enchantress]

Originally Posted by Selenay

(Apologies for taking this thread off topic; I'll let it go after this post)

I can understand that it was a joke meant in good fun, but to an outside observer it was callous and uncalled for. I'm not telling you, any of you, not to joke but perhaps cautioning you to think twice about where it is posted. Because no, I don't know you, or UofM, but I'm reading this thread, too, and I'm going to respond where I see posts worth calling out.

Please forgive me, however I don't see where one could have even assumed what you did (from what was written).

I'm quite aware that others read this thread.

I must be honest and let you know that your response to what you assumed was a racist statement was offensive to me.

When in doubt, investigate and ask questions before attacking. It's a good rule of thumb, not only in the forums but for life in general.

As you've stated you don't know me and I do not know you.

However, I tend to be respectful when adressing others or topics that I may find offensive. It's the way I believe life should be lived, but everyone has their own way of thought...

Again, you still have no idea what the original sentence was about, and I have no intention of clarifying any further. Suffice it to say, it was not even based in the direction you took it.

I too will make this my last response in regard to said subject.

Enjoy your day, Selenay.

Respectfully,

Enchantress

[Selenay]

Originally Posted by Enchantress

Please forgive me, however I don't see where one could have even assumed what you did (from what was written).

I'm quite aware that others read this thread.

snipsnip

Enjoy your day, Selenay.

Respectfully,

Enchantress

I will PM you, Enchantress, so we can continue this dialogue and perhaps clear a few things up *s

[Enchantress]

Originally Posted by Selenay

I will PM you, Enchantress, so we can continue this dialogue and perhaps clear a few things up *s

Sounds like a great idea, thank you.

[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.

[Waldo]

Dude. Check your geography. There are only two. Central America is part of the North American continent.

Further. I think my work here is done.

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.

[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.

[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.