UNITED STATES of America

[Moondancer]

Is it just me, or am I seeing / hearing more and more people who call our nation "America" as opposed to "The United States of America" or "The United States"?

This is a pet peeve of mine. I know, no big deal, really, but it just bugs me.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought I was living in the State of Indiana, part of The United States of America which is located on the North American Continent. I'm not living in America, I'm sharing NA with both Canada and Mexico, among others.

Okay, rant off.

 

[10-Ring]

I think it is just generally accepted that America is used for the informal name since it is the top of the food chain. Sure North America does refer to both Canada & Mexico as well, but they are secondary countries lumped into a technical geographic area. The formal name United States of America is used in more official applications.

 

[Fly320s]

There is only one country that "America" refers to.

When someone says, "I live in America" he is refering to the country, not the continent.

The reference also applies when used in African-American, but that's mixing continent and country.

Mexican-American is correct and not redundant. Neither is Canadian-American.

As for me, I'm a Euro-American mutt. Or is that Euro mutt-American?

 

[Art Eatman]

Dunno 'bout Canada, but our usage of "American" for ourselves does bother Mexicans. They think of themselves as Americans, since Mexico is part of the continent. Of course, to them, we and Canadians are "norteamericanos"...

Common usage is of course easier when the basic label is "Canada" or the "United States of Mexico".

Art

 

[Dave R]

I heard the same as Art. From a European.

Mexicans, South American, and Europeans think we are bing ego-centric by saying we're from "America". I was told to say "USA".

OTOH, when they referred to us, they called us Americans...

 

[cheygriz]

It's just one of those things that happens to language as it evolves. 50 years ago, telephone company employees could be suspended without pay if they were caught referring to "telephones" as "phones."

Even today, some pholks will really get anal retentive if you call your detachable magazine a "clip" even though the general public has called them clips for 50 years.

I guess that my attitude is to go with the flow when you can't change it.

 

[Blackhawk]

This is a pet peeve of mine.

Open its cage and let it go! Wild things should not be kept as pets! There are plenty of domesticated peeves in need of a home after all....

 

[Art Eatman]

No, no, Blackhawk. It's his pet peeve. You're confusing it with his wild hair! (Wild hare?)

Art

 

[BamBam]

When crossing the border into Canada, customs agents ask what country I am a Citizen of. The first time I replied "America" and the agent said that America isn't a country (she was very polite). I then said "United States of America" and was on my way.

 

[bad_dad_brad]

Well, the Civil War was fought to obtain hegemony of the federal government over state government. That is the bottom line. The Feds are in power. States rights are either a legal contrivance (especially out west) or a convenient illusion.

It is sweet and nostalgic to think of "The United States of America", and I do so sympathize with this wistfull feeling, but we are simply America! Just the way it is folks, so get used to it.

 

[King]

"America"....it just sounds a bit sweeter........

Ain't no mistakin' about it........

 

[JohnBT]

"America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea! "

Poem written 1893.
Published July 4, 1895.

John
American by birth,
Virginian by the Grace of God.

(So somebody is saying I'm really a United Statesian?)

 

[blades67]

I wonder what would happen if my pet peeve and my wild hair got together...

 

[ed dixon]

I've heard about the hurt feelings regarding Americans calling themselves Americans. United States of Americans? Too bad. Keep resenting it. Everybody knows what an American is.

 

[444]

America

My country 'tis of thee
Sweet land of liberty;
Of thee I sing,
Land where my fathers died
Land of the pilgrims' pride
From every mountain side
Let freedom ring.


My native country, - thee,
Land of the noble free
Thy name I love;
I love thy - rocks & rills
Thy woods and templed hills
My heart with rapture thrills
Like that above.

No more shall tyrants here
With haughty steps appear
And soldier bands
No more shall tyrants dread
Above the patriot dead
No more our blood be shed
By alien hands.

Let music swell the breeze
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom's song
Let all that breathes partake
Let mortal tongues awake
Let rocks their silence break
The sound prolong

Our fathers' God to Thee
Author of liberty
To Thee we sing
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light
Protect us by Thy might
Our God our King

 

[jmbg29]

I'm not living in America, I'm sharing NA with both Canada and Mexico, among others.

Good for you. I'm not sharing anything with any third worlders or 2 1/2 ers in the case of Kanada.

Dominion of Kanada >no "America"<

Republic of Mexico >no "America"<

Sorry losers, I guess that makes "United States of America" America.

 

[Autolite]

So...

Canada is a second rate country that doesn't even qualify as a "third world" ehh!. That's it. Your cut off. No more maple syrup for you buddy ...