Is anyone else offended by being called anything but American who live and have been born in our United States
919587
Welcome to America. In this "great" country of ours, we are told that racial makeup doesn't matter; that we are a "melting pot" for the rest of society. Yet racism is a huge problem in this country and has been for years. I would also venture to guess that America is highly Xenophobic, in that they don't want to know how the rest of the world works culturally or even economically (politically is another matter entirely; just look at the present mess in Iraq).\n\nPaul
543471
I am an American citizen but I was not born here.  Americans are people, just like people from Palestine, from France, from China, from Africa, and from other places all over the world.  Some are good, some are bad.  Some I love, some I hate.  It doesn't matter where somebody is from, but what's in their heart.  About the government, yes it is a bad government.  But nobody has a right to judge Americans because of the government.  The same goes for people of other parts of the world.
967672
Im offended by it\n\nYou should either be American, or not.\n\nIm British by the way, and that silly naming convention has been trying to find its way into our culture.\n\nIf you love your country and "race doesn't matter" then why highlight your ethnicity? \n\nIt's total bolox..
1159632
I'm Canadian. Under no circumstances would I call myself American.\n\nAnd the name "Europe" is becoming synonymous with the European Union, and so for example including Ireland and excluding Switzerland. (Although it's true that the Swiss would be more likely to call themselves "Europeans" than the Irish would.)\n\nAnd while you're at it, I know a fair number of US citizens (some who have no other citizenship) who were NOT born in the USA.
211323
Its kind of annoying, yes. I always add in my answers, okay no, I am not from America.\nPeople, its not just Americans who know English, there are loads of other Asian, African, European citizens who are well versed with English language.
334193
Of course, and I feel that way. It hurts me how some people in the u.s. think about immigrants.It also gets me mad, they should understand that we are humans and that we all should be treated the same way.Illegal or not legal. Each day some in yahoo answers has to say something bad about immigrants and how we take way the Americans jobs. And this makes  mad, this is not even the true. I'm proud of being what I'm. I'm proud that I left my country to start a new life in here. And although it hurts me how some people think about us immigrants I'm proud of being Mexican, and no one is going to make me change my mind.When ever some one insult us, it makes me feel bad, but it also makes me to stand up for what I'm and said something about what they have said. I'm a legal immigrant, but I think that we ALL should be treated in the same way, Immigrant or not, Legal or not.
1127828
If you or your parents, grandparents, etc., came here to the U.S. legally, then I am very proud of saying you are a fellow citizen. However, if you are illegal then you are a criminal. You broke our laws and should not be given any of our benefits or rights, except the benefit of a free ride back to where you came from. I don't hate you, I just want you to play by the rules.
568618
I agree that it sounds kind of racist...as does the census.  I think that we should break down racial barriers and stop identifying people on the basis of their skin color.  Granted, having a heritage is important, but when it comes right down to it, would you not rather simply say that you are an American, instead of trying to separate yourself from the country that you inhabit?  I also believe that calling people [or yourself] "African-American" is designed as a racist term, as about half of the people that I know who came to the U.S. directly from Africa are white and from South Africa.  Yet, this term is generally used to refer to skin color and a history of slavery [which ended about 140 years ago].  In short, multiculturalism is not bad, as long as people remember where it is that they live, and the freedoms granted to them by the government where they live.  Although heritage is important, you should always remember that you define who you are, not whether your ancestors were refugees from Russia, or slaves from Sierra Leon, or immigrants from Italy.  So, perhaps the next time someone asks you what you are, if you have dual citizenship, then say both country names.  But, if you are American, then answer with "I am American."  If they want more details, then say "I am of ____ heritage."
1181763
The people of Canada and Mexico don't get upset...this is an internally fabricated gripe.\n\nAmerican is the abbreviated name for United States of Americans and not necessarily a self-given name. \n\nPeople all over the world abbreviate USA Citizens as this.\n\n...Just as people all over the world abbreviate United States of Mexico citizens as Mexicans.. \n\n...actually they would also be able to claim the title of United Statesians \n\nThe "USA is arrogant to call themselves Americans" controversy is a nonsensical inspiration of USA bashers
158590
My heritage is English (British) many generations ago and I don't want to be called English-American or British American so I sort of get what you are saying. But, I agree with most of your other answerers. It's you. Be who you want to be and be ok with others making different choices or no choice at all about identifying as part of a group.
883196
I get what you are saying. I understand about being proud of your ancestory and everything. But you should be just as proud to be an American. Ppl die to come to this country, and I know they would be proud to be called an american. There should be more american flags on cars and at houses and things! I agree with you 100%
302077
YOU BET IT IS...I AM OF ENGLISH HERITAGE,AND PROUD OF IT,BUT IT SEEMS EVERYONE HAS A SLUR FOR SOMEONE,AND IT'S FUNNY TO THEM--UNLESS YOU PICK ON "THEIR" HERITAGE!...BY THE WAY,LET ME STATE HERE I AM SO PROUD TO BE YOUR FRIEND!!! SHOUT OUT TO ALL YALL PANAMANIANS!!!..snoopy
139942
none, we are all americans and should not be listed as a group of this or that.
442994
I don't know why.  You have a good point. I usually state that I am a New Yorker.  If I answer a question and they ask if I am an American I will answer yes but I always state that I am a New Yorker.  My g/f is from Holland.  My family has a tendency to state shes European.  No she's Dutch first. Europe is a big place.  Just as America is.  Need to be more specific in my opinion. People have been known to generalize.  And I for one dont like to be generalized so I help clarify where I am from.
507726
A lot not counting foreigners born here. but if u really think about it all of us except the native americans are non-americans. i will ask that americans learn info on any subject before they start pronouncing judgements. don't let others think for u, think for yourself.
998880
I find that really strange too! I do not go around saying that i am German-American. I am American and so are those black Americans. JUST AMERICAN.
883781
your right people take offense to those words but depends who you tell them to.I personally take offense when someone calls me "honey,baby,sweety" because it just bugs me.yet i call my bf gringo and redneck all the time and he laughs it off.i guess some people are more sensitive than others.and your right people have a right to defend their way of life and family but think it goes both ways.people against illegal immigration feel they are defending their way of life and family,while those who are in favor of illegal immigration also feel they are defending their way of life and family.though it always bugs me whenever both sides pull out the race card.I would think in this time and age when so many people are mixed that not many people would pull out that card or that it would loose any real push behind it,but guess I am wrong.white no longer should be associated with middle aged rich guys because there are people who are latino and european who are also white complected.both sides need to just put the race card in a little box and bury it somewhere and just deal with this issue without the name calling or childish bickering.