I am an American. But so is a Mexican. I am a North American, but so is a Canadian. I am a citizen of the United States. American for short.
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Your Canadian friend was right. Rhesus where did you go to school? Were you born and raised here? I think you'll have a hard time selling the term you say originated in South America.
By third grade, we learned about the continent called North America -- composed of Canada, the United States and Mexico. Then Central America, and even learned where it is on the map and the countries that comprise Central America.
Then South America, a continent of countries like Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela. South America is South America. Central America is Central America. North America is North America. Canadians are Canadians, citizens of Mexico and called Mexicans, and citizens of the United States are called Americans. Is that so hard? It's been since our nation originated. I don't have an identity crisis. Do you?
Nope, just being a little more analytical about the term. Maybe global travel does that to one. I was never one to take school "lessons" at face value.
posted by Rhesus
about 1 month ago
A South African is an African. So is Libyan, or an Ethiopian. It is a curious little topic for discussion, which means nothing, just like in the Americas. The only thing that sets the U.S. apart is the high number of people who will pick a fight over practically anything.
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True, but they ordinarily pronounce it "Uhmurkun".
posted by Rhesus
about 1 month ago
The origins of the name “America” are very much clouded in obscurity. As we all know, the name was based on the voyager Americus Vespuci. It seems doubtful that he ever saw North America at all, but he likely did come across South America. Probably the application of the word depends more on usage than historical accuracy, anyway. For what it is worth, my American College Dictionary defines American as 1. of or pertaining to the United States of America and 2. of or pertaining to North or South America. (There....that settles that!)
posted by Ioruach
about 1 month ago
I'm a Californian....if someone does not know where that is...let 'em buy a map.
posted by pancho3
about 1 month ago
The collective term for US citizens over here is 'Yanks'. English are 'Pommies' singular 'Pom' (don't know why) the Scots and Irish answer to anything ya call em. I suppose 'Yanks' come from the civil war though obnoxious Yanks are sometimes called 'Tanks' as in septic.
UnitedStatesian works, sure would take care of all of us hyphenates. African-American, Irish-American...
Yeah, but that would piss of the ones that feel the need to differentiate themselves.....and then whine when they are.
posted by pancho3
about 1 month ago
