North American Ethnocentrism

[Wand3rer]

Alright, this thought came across to me as I took a piss the other day, but before I get into it, I'll define Ethnocentrism for yall unedukatd folk:

Originally Posted by dictionary.com

eth·no·cen·trism n.
_1. Belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group.
_2. Overriding concern with race.

--

Now that you know what it is, here's my deep thought:

People of the United States of America as a group denounce other countries such as:

• Mexicans taking our jobs
• Canadians suck [random insult here]
• French is full of pussies because they didn't help us

But I will focus primarily on the Mexican and Canadian argument here.

When you see the word 'American,' you probably think along the lines of 'People of the United States' (notice I didn't just put 'American' when I started this topic).

Now here's something to ponder:

North America is a continent discovered by Cristobal Colon (Christopher Colombus), and described wonderfully by Amerigo Vespucci (he never went to the New World, but he DID make up a bunch of stuff about it and wrote books on it - everyone believed him).
Cristobal landed around here

Since the new world was named America, and subsequently two continents named America (North AND South), wouldn't it be fair to call every one that lives here an American?

Canadians and Brits and such are stereotyped to go around saying "Americans are fat and lazy and stupid and stuff..." when by definition they are insulting Canada and Mexico as well (Canada is still under rule of Britain just like the U.S.A. used to be, FYI).

So would it work to say that we are all stupid fat and lazy Americans?
*DUM DUM DUM*
dramatic reverb

[Wabba]

What aboot hawaii eh? Does that classify as American since there not even attached to the americas?

[Mael]

They are just to establish regions of the Earth, not to secluded people and their races.

[Adema]

Yeah that is all true but we aren't called Americans by our continent we're called Americans because we belong to the: United States of America

Just as people from France are more commonly called French and not European. Brazil...Brazilian. Canada....Stupid ;) You get the idea. Interesting point though.

[<magnum>]

What aboot hawaii eh? Does that classify as American since there not even attached to the americas?

Well Hawaii is a part of the U.S. and since the U.S. is located in North America, they would be considered Americans.

Interesting topic.

One thing that has always bugged me, is kids in my school trying to argue with me about Peurto rico being a State. Some people are so stupid.

[Adema]

Please don't tell me that you think Puerto Rico is a state...

[<magnum>]

Please don't tell me that you think Puerto Rico is a state...

HELL NO

I know it isnt, and I never said that I thought it was.

[Adema]

Originally Posted by <magnum>

One thing that has always bugged me, is kids in my school trying to argue with me about Peurto rico being a State. Some people are so stupid.

Just making sure...

[breath of life]

Well lets take a new look at it shall we.

If a person wants to be called something, then they have a right to be called it. I mean if you live in France you called French, but if you move to France you can be an American, or a French. I mean you can ask a mexican on the street (even if (s)he was born in America) if (s)he is American, and (s)he will probably say Mexican, or Puerto Rican. I mean it isnt all about what you act like, you have a choice to be what ever nationality you want, but only if you know the damn language! But that is a completly different topic. :D

[SuperYooper]

Originally Posted by breath of life

Well lets take a new look at it shall we.

If a person wants to be called something, then they have a right to be called it. I mean if you live in France you called French, but if you move to France you can be an American, or a French. I mean you can ask a mexican on the street (even if (s)he was born in America) if (s)he is American, and (s)he will probably say Mexican, or Puerto Rican. I mean it isnt all about what you act like, you have a choice to be what ever nationality you want, but only if you know the damn language! But that is a completly different topic. :D

Actually if you move to a different country, and take citizenship in that country, you are one of theres. For instance if a French person moves permanantly to The USA, then they become an American citizen. They are no longer a French citizen.

Back to the original post,

I dont think that Americans have problems with Mexicans working in the USA. As long as they are legal, it is their right. The problem we have is when they come here to live and work and utilize our welfare system, when they dont pay taxes or contribute.

Also, Native Americans were in the Americas long before Columbus came in and "discovered" America. Dont forget that us "white boys" virtually wiped out the American Natives.