Naked Science Forum

General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: paul.fr on 22/01/2008 16:24:18

Title: Ashamed to be an American.
Post by: paul.fr on 22/01/2008 16:24:18

Following the run up to the elections, i have noticed that only the white population are referred to as Americans. You then have African Americans, Cuban Americans, Dutch Americans, Irish Americans...and the list goes on.

Why are they all not simply, American?

Title: Ashamed to be an American.
Post by: neilep on 22/01/2008 17:31:32

Excellent post !!!


Putting on my 'diplomatic ' hat here.

I suppose the answer might be that to specifically mention the national cultural heritage as a precursor to 'American'....might show to in fact afford respect and recognition of their cultural heritage and that it is in fact a  good thing !!

It could well be that the particular 'creed ' want to be recognized as such also !

That's my diplomatic answer in how I might see Americans might say that !....lol...bad punctuation but I understand it !! [:)]

Title: Ashamed to be an American.
Post by: Nobody's Confidant on 22/01/2008 17:34:41

Hardly anyone votes. Why so?

Title: Ashamed to be an American.
Post by: another_someone on 22/01/2008 17:53:16

I think the only group you have not suggested are prefixed are Anglo-Americans - so, maybe the message one can take from that is they are ashamed to be Anglo?

Title: Ashamed to be an American.
Post by: Karen W. on 22/01/2008 17:56:41

Quote from: neilep on 22/01/2008 17:31:32

Excellent post !!!


Putting on my 'diplomatic ' hat here.

I suppose the answer might be that to specifically mention the national cultural heritage as a precursor to 'American'....might show to in fact afford respect and recognition of their cultural heritage and that it is in fact a  good thing !!

It could well be that the particular 'creed ' want to be recognized as such also !

That's my diplomatic answer in how I might see Americans might say that !....lol...bad punctuation but I understand it !! [:)]

That is very well said Neil.. And I tend to agree that is exactly right. I would sorely hate to think that anyone would assume it to be anything else but respect to their individuality..

Title: Ashamed to be an American.
Post by: Carolyn on 22/01/2008 18:05:19

I also am sure that Neil is correct in his assumption.  Although I think sometimes it's taken a bit too far.