Nothing irritates me more than people from other countries or even here at home in the good ole US of A that belittle those of us who actually know who our ancestors are.
I imagine everyone here who lives in the US has heard someone say, "Oh, I'm Russian and Polish" or "I'm Chinese and French". Of course, if you take this literally, that's your own fault, since what these people MEAN is that's where their ancestors came from. They aren't trying to imply they're not American, and you shouldn't get your panties in a wad over the vagueness of our English. Obviously, it's YOU who isn't understanding...
For those in other countries that don't have a clue about American culture, other than what you read or see on TV and in movies, part of being an American is being from other nationalities. All of us born here have ancestors from all corners of the world and we find it interesting. Some more than others...Like my mother, who can tell you our family tree clear back to the the 1500's or something like that...But that's another story...Why do so many people have a problem with this? I don't get it...As I read on a forum today, one person, who spoke very poor English said "Americans just love to be from other places." That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard...and if I use that logic, I suppose I can assume everyone else in the world is as ignorant as that fool...
Though I don't feel the need to explain myself to people who obviously don't try to think beyond their own noses, I'll say that firstly, I am an American. I was born here and I'm proud of it. I wouldn't want to live or be anywhere else. I'll also say that my family tree is primarily French (which would explain my obviously french last name) as well as British. There's some Polish and German as well, though most of our "bloodlines" are with the former mentioned. So, when the topic arises about ancestorial histories, I might just say, "Oh, I'm French and British," but what I mean is that's where my ancestory lies. I'm not confused, you are. I know I'm an American who doesn't want to be anything but an American...but it's nice to know where my family came from.
Is that so hard to grasp?
I think people are constantly looking for ways to make Americans look bad. We can do that on our own just fine. I've heard pleanty of "ugly American" stories about travelers overseas and it's enough to make you cringe. On the other hand, I've heard a lot of "ugly French" and "Ugly Japanese" stories as well. Apparently, those three nationalities have the worst reputations for behaving properly while travleing.
Still, I don't understand why some people feel the need to reach for stereotypes and assumptions to put down a certain group of people. It's rediculous.
Posted by Zoso at September 15, 2004 09:21 AM