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In the past Theodore Roosevelt had some pretty strong words for people who considered themselves a hyphenated-American. He referred specifically to Irish-, German-, and Native-, but you can easily expand that to African-, Muslim-, Asian- or any other special-interest group. Recently Raven Symone has gotten backlash for refusing to identify herself as "African-American."
It seems that many people have resorted to identifying as this or that group member, and forgotten that we are, first and foremost, Americans. In fact, there are certain groups of immigrants and -ism adherants who flatly refuse to assimilate into American society. They revel in their distinction, they use it as a crutch, an excuse, or a weapon against anyone with whom they differ.
What do you think? Are you American, or X-American? What do you think about those who do identify as X-Americans? Sound off!
*edited for spelling
It seems that many people have resorted to identifying as this or that group member, and forgotten that we are, first and foremost, Americans. In fact, there are certain groups of immigrants and -ism adherants who flatly refuse to assimilate into American society. They revel in their distinction, they use it as a crutch, an excuse, or a weapon against anyone with whom they differ.
What do you think? Are you American, or X-American? What do you think about those who do identify as X-Americans? Sound off!
*edited for spelling
Posted in these groups: 
Racism
Patriotism
Racism Patriotism
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Part of me does SFC Jeff L. because you create an instant minority/special interest group by identifying yourself like that. Now you become part of a potentially needy, entitled, sympathy group yearning for attention. I'm a (your race here), (your religion here), (your ethnic affiliation here), (your gender orientation here), (your sexual orientation here)-American who wants something that simply being an American doesn't get you. It's absurd to me, especially if you say I'm a white-American. Do that and you're call a racist.
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SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca, in my view, only used for those who are not completed with the path to citizenship. Drop once they become a citizen. Personally, I was not born in Africa so don't call me African-American. If you must census tag me just call me black. I know what and who I am.
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SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS
MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca, I am in a minority group by birth. Am I needy?
Do I need to be needy?
My dad taught me that no man is better than me. No man. No matter who he is or what he has is ever better than me. If I am not better than him, then we are equal. I believe this to this day.
Fact: I am a minority, but it will never make me needy, unless the majority is oppressing me.
Then, I am in need of fairness. Something our Constitution guarantees us all.
Do I need to be needy?
My dad taught me that no man is better than me. No man. No matter who he is or what he has is ever better than me. If I am not better than him, then we are equal. I believe this to this day.
Fact: I am a minority, but it will never make me needy, unless the majority is oppressing me.
Then, I am in need of fairness. Something our Constitution guarantees us all.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I was thinking Caucasian-American, but like yours better. Going to steal that one.
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1LT Nick Kidwell
Texas is the only state in the union that was its own internationally-recognized nation prior to statehood, so "Texan" carries a different connotation and history than the more encompassing term "American."
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I see it as an issue of needing to self identify. To stand out or be that quintessential snowflake. People get so lost in this concept that it becomes more important than actually showing who they are through gestures and kindness. We have women who don't even shutter at the idea of hyphenating their last names instead of taking their husband's once wed. I am an American. I was born here and raised here and fight for my country. I am proud to be a part of the World's cultural melting pot. I find it hard to understand the need to make that a sub set, it's quite defining when put simply.
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