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Major Strasser: "What is your nationality?"
Rick: "I'm a drunkard." Casablanca - Rick (Humphrey Bogart)
In the United States, there seems to be a new debate over the political correctness of the term, “American.” I'm not on the politically correct/or not bandwagon. However, this is a dilemma for international travelers who hail from the good ole U.S.A. - There is no exact term to describe our nationality to others, such as Canada – Canadian; Germany – German; Chile – Chilean.
For example, while in Uruguay, if asked my nationality and I respond, "American," the questioner may be puzzled. Rightfully so. Technically someone from Uruguay (or any other North American, Central American, or South American country) could be considered “American” too. The term, "American," can actually be used for 55 different countries in North, Central, and South America.
Usually, because of my English, the Uruguyan will continue with, "Oh, North America? What country?"
I must say, “I'm from the United States." I don't have another term to point out my exact nationality. Over time, I've found it's much easier to answer with, "I'm from Texas." Everyone nods and smiles, thinking of the familiar cowboys, horses, and cattle that made Texas famous.
United States - United Statesian?? U.S.ian?? Those two just don’t sound right. Any ideas?
Rick: "I'm a drunkard." Casablanca - Rick (Humphrey Bogart)
In the United States, there seems to be a new debate over the political correctness of the term, “American.” I'm not on the politically correct/or not bandwagon. However, this is a dilemma for international travelers who hail from the good ole U.S.A. - There is no exact term to describe our nationality to others, such as Canada – Canadian; Germany – German; Chile – Chilean.
For example, while in Uruguay, if asked my nationality and I respond, "American," the questioner may be puzzled. Rightfully so. Technically someone from Uruguay (or any other North American, Central American, or South American country) could be considered “American” too. The term, "American," can actually be used for 55 different countries in North, Central, and South America.
Usually, because of my English, the Uruguyan will continue with, "Oh, North America? What country?"
I must say, “I'm from the United States." I don't have another term to point out my exact nationality. Over time, I've found it's much easier to answer with, "I'm from Texas." Everyone nods and smiles, thinking of the familiar cowboys, horses, and cattle that made Texas famous.
United States - United Statesian?? U.S.ian?? Those two just don’t sound right. Any ideas?
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