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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 9 y ago
Posted 9 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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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.
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.
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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.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
SFC Jeff L. Yep. Used only as a descriptive. Like saying "the one on the left."
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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.
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.
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SFC Jeff L.
Haha...kind of off topic, but every time I hear about someone who's German Irish descent I always think of the scene from The Godfather I where Tom goes to California to meet the movie producer.
But, yeah! One thing I find particularly disturbing is the unwillingness to assimilate into our society by some groups, but they are happy to enjoy the benefits of being in the country.
But, yeah! One thing I find particularly disturbing is the unwillingness to assimilate into our society by some groups, but they are happy to enjoy the benefits of being in the country.
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SSG Derek Scheller
That is the biggest problem for me, if you are here and are a citizen you are American, if you are not happy with being here or feel another country does it better, then feel free to go to that country. I tell you the grass is definitely not always greener on the other side.
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I'm an American-American. I'm 100% with MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — the more we label, the bigger of a gap we create.
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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!
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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.
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.
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