Why do United States citizens insist on taking ownership of the title "AMERICAN"?

PooPooLaTrash

According to the dictionary at http://www.dictionary.co.uk/browse.aspx?word=American

American - 3 entries.
1. a. - Of or pertaining to America; as, the American continent: American Indians.
2. a. - Of or pertaining to the United States.
3. Noun - A native of America; -- originally applied to the aboriginal inhabitants, but now applied to the descendants of Europeans born in America, and especially to the citizens of the United States.

So apparently, people are confused in my birth country as well.

Mr. Smartypants

Because 'United Statesian' sounds just silly. 8^)

When I was a kid we lived in Detroit, right on the border with Canada. When I was in Canada and referred to my home as 'America', Canadians would correct me. I should say 'The States' or something like that, they said. And, wanting to have good manners, I got to be careful about that. But in the last few years, Canadians will say I'm from 'America' and ask me where in America I live and how long have I been in America. I figure if -they- don't mind, I don't either. We all know what we're talking about.

The biggest country in South America, it's actual name is 'The United States of Brazil'. But does anyone call it that? No, they just call it 'Brazil'. So why not call The United States of America just 'America'?

Andy

United States of...? I know you know this.

Sorry. I was worried my answer would be too logical for you. Looks like it was. The title United States of America (formal name) leads to the demonym , American. Similarly, the United Mexican States (formal name) leads to the demonyn Mexican. Are we clear, or is this still too complicated?

sociald

Its also logically absurd to make this argument as every other country in the world refers to the USA's citizens as 'americans' So its not just the citizens here that do it. Its a figure of speech that when you use the term American you are referring to USA citizens. And its a pseudo intellectual waste of time to make the argument you are making.

because mexicans are mexicans. They are also third-world FAILURES and a bunch of mongrel savages.

gimpalomg

Your logic is the same as someone who claims a dictionary "Defines" words. It does not, it reflects the way a word is "Used" at the time the dictionary was published. If you have trouble with that, I invite you to look up "Computer" in a dictionary published in the late 1800s. Then the same in one published since 1960 or so.

Other ignorant people contend Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion. It did not; abortion as a medical procedure was legal long before 1973. Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion on demand.

I have traveled all over the world, the world has tagged me as an American. In addition no other people claims it. Mexicans, Canadians, Puerto Ricans, etc. They claim national affiliation just as people from the United States of America do.

EDIT: I know several Puerto Ricans, your professor is an exception!!! I feel no animosity toward him and the reason why is simple. Puerto Rico is a self-governing island commonwealth of the United States. Oh yeah, and guess what; they even vote in US elections. I guess that makes them citizens of America or Americans even if you don't like it.
BTW the only reason you remain ignorant about a dictionary is because you obviously can't read. If you had, you would not have written such an absurd remark.

Kathy Carpenter

Because it's the US of America. Why would someone think of the Continent of Americas when discussing where one is from. It's just easier than saying one is a United States American. You drop the US. By the way, must other countries don't like to use America, because it is related to when Spain ruled the entire area. So Mexicans have no problem with not being called American too.

Common Sense in Exile

We're the ONLY nation in the hemisphere that uses America in our official name, and as a globally recognized, universal nickname. It's weird to say United Statian.

As a people, the Mexicans are LOGICALLY "North Americans," as are Canadians, Hondurans and Cubans, etc., but not "Americans."

Pork Patty

You are just now realizing that Americans are logically absurd?

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