because they're not the same (and let's not act like people historically did not and in some cases, still do not think of them as "Americans"). That's because it's 2018. You have to understand the concept of coded language. I'm not talking about how African-Americans (at one time) embraced the idea of being called "African-American". That is a whole other kettle of fish of historical significance and overcoming societal bias's, etc. I think we'll agree that not all people who come to the US were treated equally. Some of it is that there are old enemies and some of it was as stupid as Catholics vs Protestants. Also some of it was the lack of speaking English. Irish were treated poorly here, as were Italians, Germans, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, etc. So calling them "something-Americans" at one time was a slur, or at least a way of identifying them as non real Americans. I'm not sure how that is something that anyone can deny. And now that, mostly, white Europeans don't have to really label themselves as something-Americans anymore. They've assimilated/become accepted. It's why those groups, to answer the OP's comment, tend to not be given the hyphenated nomenclature vs other non white groups do. Or if they are given that label, it's usually a 1s or 2nd generation label that is dropped. Yeah, I've referred to myself as a German-American, but only in the sense that part of my family originates from Germany (a long ass time ago) and not because I have ever referred to myself as a "German-American" instead of saying I'm an "American".
sure...also there were derogatory terms for Torey or Loyalist British colonists back in history...people called crazy King George all sorts of names. It really depends upon where you observe from in history but I'm not arguing about racism or classism...I'm pointing out that cultural adjectives are only a bad thing if people use them that way...they are not on their own derogatory. ..at least in my understanding of the language
My wife doesn't mind being called an Asian-American although I call her "Hey, You". She replies, "I'm right here, now whadda ya want?" Good Lord, no way in hell, I refer to her as honey bunches. I know which side my bread is buttered on.
Although I agree with you, I believe in calling someone whatever they want to be called. For example, I refer to my wife as "Your Highness", and she gives me delicious snacks.
So how does an adjective using a continent differ from and adjective using a country or even a religion or organization? I'm more offended by the term "real American" than "Irish American" and to me "Real American" has superiority complex written all over it.
There was a freshman medical student in my English class in the medical college I taught at in Taiwan who on the first day of class wanted to choose an English name...the teacher traditionally does this in Taiwan. I asked him what he'd like to be called....he said he wanted the name "Cute" so when people asked his name he'd answer "I'm Cute"......I immediately gave him the name " Butch" and told him he didn't want to go to graduate school in Ohio with the name "Cute"
I like what Smokey has to say about the topic....if you go back far enough we're all walkin' around with African roots and Genghis Khan roots. Maybe instead of colors or continents we should use conferences or divisions like basketball does...northern, northwestern, southern, southeastern..etc
Outstanding....A message with common sense and educational value. > Why are Poles are called polacs? Why are they singled out for jokes when the Rumanians and Bulgarians need a few. I don't worry about skin color, SMH themes and poster tirades in here. Many people in here post views that are refreshing and that's why you enjoy participating in S2. No doubt,@riverman channels that positive energy. +>My Brother is a water colorist and his pictures reflect positive energy>
One of the most famous parts of the I Have a Dream speech was, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." I really wish that was the case. I wish that skin color was not a factor at all for anyone. I hope for a day when we do not consider skin color in any way shape or form.
My great uncle was a water color artist who's works hang in an art museum somewhere back East. As a kid, grandma used to hang his pictures on her walls here and there. When grandma died they went back to the museum and I've never seen them again which has been about 50 years. Wish I knew where they went. I'm thinking it was either Philadelphia or Vermont.
Really??? So when i say i am a proud dad you think i am poor or low breeding dad? That is so sadly wrong.
I was using the "real" American in a historical sense and tbh, mocking the mindset of labeling someone as a "real" anything. It screams smugness and as one of my college professors once said, "flat brain" thinking.
I thought flat brain thinking meant you were thinking really smart. I've been called flat brained thinking many times, so it has to mean something really good.
As a proud dad, your pride is in someone else, not yourself. That's a bit different than what Maris (fallaciously) describes.
