Do Americans have it better?

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by kazbates

The word American is a derivative of the name of our country just as the term Canadian derives from the word Canada. If I were from Canada, I would introduce myself as a Canadian not as an American.

But, is name of our country is the "United States" or "United States of America"? Actually, I have read it some places that "united states" was used in some places. In the Consitution in many places it is just refered to as "United States". Also, most of our federal government branches don't have the work "America" in them...

US Department of Labor
US Department of Treasury
US Department of Interior

Isn't minutia fun?

BOb

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by ahi

That's just an ignorant stereotype, eh?

- Ahi

I don't know what you are talkin' aboot. I'm oot a here!

BOb

[ahi]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

When we in Europe talk about 'Americans' we generally mean people from the U.S.; although anyone in South, Central or North America is also an American.

I often wonder - do non-U.S. Americans mind us using 'American' in that way?

Yes, they do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_f...lternate_terms

The fact that citizens of the United States call themselves "Americans" causes discomfort for many Latin Americans, who see it as an appropriation of the collective identity of all peoples and countries of the Western Hemisphere. However, this usage has historical roots.

[=X=]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

But, here is the US we are taught there are 7 continents of which North and South are continents and "central America" is all located on the North American continent. However, Mexico is part of North America and South of Mexico is Cenrtral America.

Some schools are staring to teach that there are only 6 cause any educated person knows Europe and Asia is really one continent, their calling it Eurasia.

Originally Posted by pilotbob

All of that said, I consider myself "American" but usually tell people I live in the US, not America. I also personally don't consider a Canadian or Mexican, "American"... although technically I guess they are.

BOb

That's mainly cause it's hard to say I'm a "United Statian" man it's just easier to say American. But if you cross the US boarder and declare yourself as American you will often get corrected that Canadians and Mexicans are Americans. I've often have to re-declare myself as "US Citizen"... maybe their having fun but still they are correct.

=X=

[ahi]

Originally Posted by =X=

Some schools are staring to teach that there are only 6 cause any educated person knows Europe and Asia is really one continent, their calling it Eurasia.


That's mainly cause it's hard to say I'm a "United Statian" man it's just easier to say American. But if you cross the US boarder and declare yourself as American you will often get corrected that Canadians and Mexicans are Americans. I've often have to re-declare myself as "US Citizen"... maybe their having fun but still they are correct.

=X=

If I recall correctly until remarkably (though do not ask me precisely how) recently, people viewed themselves as being Name-of-their-state-ians. i.e.: Not Americans, but Floridans, Californians, New Yorkers, Iowans, North Dakotans, Massach... errr... well... you get the point.

- Ahi

[=X=]

Originally Posted by ahi

If I recall correctly until remarkably (though do not ask me precisely how) recently, people viewed themselves as being Name-of-their-state-ians. i.e.: Not Americans, but Floridans, Californians, New Yorkers, Iowans, North Dakotans, Massach... errr... well... you get the point.

- Ahi

Well that is more regional/province/state pride an as far as I recall from US history, state pride has always been a USA culture. It even goes down to the City you live in.

I don't know if that is an North American thing since every Canadian and Mexican I've gotten to know also use that form of regional/State/Province pride.

=X=

[yvanleterrible]

Originally Posted by kazbates

Here in the United States of America , we call ourselves Americans.

I've heard the name 'USiAn" a few times.
Doesn't sound right but I'd get USed to it.

[Sonist]

Originally Posted by hidari

Most of my friiends us the term gringolandia....That seems to work and there is not fuss about which country it is....... and
...

Cute.

Some trailer-dwellers here use similarly imaginative names for various foreign lands and their inhabitants.

[DaleDe]

Originally Posted by =X=

Some schools are staring to teach that there are only 6 cause any educated person knows Europe and Asia is really one continent, their calling it Eurasia.

=X=

Actually in parts of Europe it is still believed and even taught that there are only 4 continents. Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. There are also a few large islands.

Dale

[kazbates]

Originally Posted by =X=

Some schools are staring to teach that there are only 6 cause any educated person knows Europe and Asia is really one continent, their calling it Eurasia.


That's mainly cause it's hard to say I'm a "United Statian" man it's just easier to say American. But if you cross the US boarder and declare yourself as American you will often get corrected that Canadians and Mexicans are Americans. I've often have to re-declare myself as "US Citizen"... maybe their having fun but still they are correct.

=X=

They may be correct, but using the same logic it is still correct to call US Citizens Americans as well.

[Stitchawl]

Originally Posted by ahi View Post
That's just an ignorant stereotype, eh?

- Ahi

Originally Posted by pilotbob

I don't know what you are talkin' aboot. I'm oot a here!

BOb

Don't you also have to change your given name to Denise and prepend a 'Mac' to your family name?

Stitchawl

[Greg Anos]

Originally Posted by ahi

If I recall correctly until remarkably (though do not ask me precisely how) recently, people viewed themselves as being Name-of-their-state-ians. i.e.: Not Americans, but Floridans, Californians, New Yorkers, Iowans, North Dakotans, Massach... errr... well... you get the point.

- Ahi

Still do here in Texas....Red

[Xiaopanda]

Originally Posted by kazbates

Having said all that, I can understand non-Americans' frustration with not being able to purchase some of the technology that is available here in the US. I'm sure their are a whole host of reasons why these things are not sold outside of the US yet. I have theories as to why, but since I am not skilled in market analysis, trade agreements, technology transfer, etc., they are probably pretty basic. I just hate to see this turn into yet another we vs. them.

Us (US?) Vs them re Availablity of tech?

The US is way behind! Sth Korea and Japan are THE leaders in "Only in this country" marketing and sales...... I would love to get my hands on a Jap. phone and or the Korean "Nuut" ebook reader to name but two!

The US are simply the best capatalist economy we have access to, (IMHO), and they are as boisterious as the rest of the world expects in their advertising....and they have the "Oprah effect" that sends ripples across the world.....Dame Edna Everage does not have quite the same pull, Sad to say...

[CleverClothe]

Originally Posted by DaleDe

Actually in parts of Europe it is still believed and even taught that there are only 4 continents. Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. There are also a few large islands.

Dale

Well, we have already lost a planet. Who is going to miss a few continents?

[=X=]

Originally Posted by kazbates

They may be correct, but using the same logic it is still correct to call US Citizens Americans as well.

Right that is why we call ourselves the "United States of America"

I wasn't trying to excuse US Citizen just stating that Canadians and Mexicans are considered Americans or more acuratly North Americans.

=X=