What is your opinion regarding hyphenated-Americans?

2015-05-14T12:48:49-04:00

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

RR: Teddy Roosevelt: "No Room in This Country for Hyphenated Americans"

His "Man in the Arena" speech is favorite of all time... when it came to patriotism and foreign affairs, TR was the man

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made May 14 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-05-14T12:53:34-04:00

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.

Response by SSG Derek Scheller made May 14 at 2015 12:58 PM

2015-05-14T12:58:45-04:00

OK, this has been a huge issue for me. In my opinion we are all Americans, and it is the X-American and the fact that Government and society that pushes such a thing that causes racism, prejudice, and segregation. I truly believe that if you want to be an American than you are just that AMERICAN, however if you feel you have to latch on to some other country and don't truly believe in the freedoms of America than there's the door. I don't understand why there has to be an X-American month for anyone. I am not prejudice nor do I negate the past, but pushing that so and so deserves more importance just because they are X-American takes away from the fact that they are or at least should be one thing and one thing only and that is AMERICAN.

It is OK to embrace your heritage and your families past. For instance I am mostly German and Irish (yes I can hold my alcohol, lol), however, that does not make me German-American or Irish-American. I was born in this country and will forever be known as AMERICAN nothing more nothing less.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 14 at 2015 12:59 PM

2015-05-14T12:59:57-04:00

The more we label, the more of a divide we create.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 14 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-05-14T13:01:22-04:00

Took a Diversity of Psychology class and they referred to Caucasians as European-Americans. I don't self-identify as European-American, and will not have that label forced upon me. If someone else chooses to call themselves a X-American, that's their business. I always liked the "We're all green" mindset.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 14 at 2015 1:14 PM

2015-05-14T13:14:18-04:00

In this thread, white men who have never had to think about what that means for a moment complain that other people have. Identity is important. Here's the thing, for decades upon decades, we never had to think about it. White male of European decent was the DEFINITION of American. We could vote, own land, bear arms, etc etc. There are things most of us have just never really had to think about.

Hell, in my experience, asking someone what they think it means to be White or male is a good way to start a fight.

Yes, "X-American" can be divisive, but largely, that seems limited mostly to people who think you should just abandon everything about your heritage and conform already.

I just think it's funny when a media personality gets so used to saying "African-American" instead of black that they use it to describe a black man in Nigeria. Yes, it's happened.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 1:38 PM

2015-05-14T13:38:08-04:00

I understand that some people have pride in being American as well as in their own ethnicity and do not judge them if they choose to identify themselves using both. I do however feel that this creates a divide in our culture, and that we should get rid of it.

Kudos to Raven Simone for refusing to identify herself this way. Not because she chose it, but for holding strong in her beliefs even with the backlash of criticism.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 14 at 2015 1:41 PM

2015-05-14T13:41:49-04:00

I'm a Texan-American.

Has a nice ring to it.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 14 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-05-14T14:11:53-04:00

Encouraging hyphenated Americans through political correctness discourages full integration into American society. Makes it much more difficult to close ranks against enemies.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-05-14T14:28:07-04:00

Personally I view Americans as Americans. Its not bad thing to do the hyphenated version to display your pride in your heritage but at the end of the day I think we all need to be and act as Americans, no need for the division.

I mean they all live here and enjoy what makes this America if you don't want to fully embrace it why associate at all? I know we could be considered the pillar of diversity and that makes us great but use it to enhance not partially separate from being an American.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 14 at 2015 2:37 PM

2015-05-14T14:37:08-04:00

First off, Thank you SGT Slaughter for your question! lol. My belief is that we are all "Americans" and should be called as such. I also believe we should not only celebrate our Ancestry but also bring awareness to others about it too. Be proud of who you are, but not be stuck with that label. I'm "Scott-Irish" but i'm not "Scott-Irish-American". Holy Hyphened Words Batman!

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-05-14T15:43:18-04:00

George Carlin pretty much covers it for me.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 4:03 PM

2015-05-14T16:03:45-04:00

I'm an American-American. I'm 100% with MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — the more we label, the bigger of a gap we create.