[BaronStanley]

It depends on the situation.
I say "Las Vegas" if I want to spark fun conversation and build attraction early in the interaction... it is the last place I lived in America
Or I say "Texas" if I'm in comfort because that is where I was born and raised and is a more authentic answer
Or my personal favorite "Texas, the home of George Bush" which I say just to fuck around with ppl, usually guys.

[InternationPlayboy]

(01-02-2011 12:50 AM)Lumiere Wrote:  

(01-01-2011 09:35 PM)InternationPlayboy Wrote:  

+2

I've never once heard anyone from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Canada, or anyone from LATIN America call themselves American. If they did, people would think they are from the US, including other Argentines, Brazilians, etc... However, I hear Americans (What else would you call someone from the US, a US citizens? I think not. Even everyone from what you are considering the Americas calls us "Americanos" or Americans) say they are form America all the time. If anyone ever gets mad at me for calling myself American, I'm gonna give them a mushroom tattoo.

-1

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/USA-AME...3910144703

Being European, I have no real interest in the debate but I spent enough time in S.America to notice that it pisses some people off down there.

You're backing up your claim by with a facebook page? I'm sure there are facebook pages for men that like little boys too. That doesn't mean liking little boys is legit. And yeah, some people think that it's arrogant for us to call ourselves americans, but guarantee if you ask one of them our nationality they would reply "Americano." And by the way, I hear more about the Falkland Islands than the American thing from ArgentINES (not Argentinians). But either way, it's retarded. I never once, ever, in Brazil heard about anyone getting mad if you call yourself American. I even asked about that, my friends said no one cares. The ONLY people I've heard it from are people from Argentina, and it's probably because they (not all, but it seems many) have a little bit of an inferiority complex.

[Lumiere]

They definitely have an inferiority complex

[Walderschmidt]

I used to say Washington D.C. because everyone knows where D.C. is.

Nowadays, I say London, and when they ask me about why I don't have an English accent, I talk about how I move around and travel a lot. DHV anyone?

[DH-Godzilla]

Quote:

You're backing up your claim by with a facebook page? I'm sure there are facebook pages for men that like little boys too. That doesn't mean liking little boys is legit. And yeah, some people think that it's arrogant for us to call ourselves americans, but guarantee if you ask one of them our nationality they would reply "Americano." And by the way, I hear more about the Falkland Islands than the American thing from ArgentINES (not Argentinians). But either way, it's retarded. I never once, ever, in Brazil heard about anyone getting mad if you call yourself American. I even asked about that, my friends said no one cares. The ONLY people I've heard it from are people from Argentina, and it's probably because they (not all, but it seems many) have a little bit of an inferiority complex.

Co-sign, I've encountered this view from certain south americans. That being said I always say I'm from California. If I say I'm an American in spanish I simply use estado-unidense.

I don't know if they understand that there's no translation for estado-unidense in a lot of languages lol. Were known as Americans, deal with it.

[Ami5]

India!

Indi-yeah!

And some great Americans confuse it with 'Red Indians' sometimes ! I am like, WTF?!

[nomadicdude]

I always say I'm from California. I'm sorta ashamed to say I'm from America.

[Screwston]

I've heard most people overseas knows about Texas because that old show Dallas. I said Houstone when I went to Mexico and they knew what's up

[No Eh eyes]

(04-29-2011 07:24 AM)nomadicdude Wrote:  

I always say I'm from California. I'm sorta ashamed to say I'm from America.

I am not ashamed of being american but let's face facts, it ain't the coolest trend right now. It's much better with Obama as president but during the bush years it was brutal, who would have thought 1 man could kill so many pussy opps.

As a whole the US has done much more good then bad in the world but as a leader you take heat either way. I can't wait until China becomes the world's superpower and has to deal with every little fucking problem that exists... When your at the top of the flag pole everyone is looking at your ass. Also, I don't buy into this new age foreign policy bull shit of invading and asking questions later. We also have alot of special interests in controll of the state and foreignors see through this.

Being from the usa is definatly a double edge sword....yeah they know your movies and culture but to much of that can remove the exoticness. I wouldnt let it get ya to down though, nationality only plays about 15% stake if your cool.

[Screwston]

I have a question. Do some people overseas think every American is either white or black?

[oldnemesis]

(04-29-2011 11:28 PM)houston Wrote:  

I've heard most people overseas knows about Texas because that old show Dallas.

Most people overseas know about Texas because it was associated with George W Bush.

And considering that GWB is often referred overseas as the dumbest president ever elected in the whole human history, this is a kind of association you'd want to avoid.

[Screwston]

(04-30-2011 02:13 AM)oldnemesis Wrote:  

(04-29-2011 11:28 PM)houston Wrote:  

I've heard most people overseas knows about Texas because that old show Dallas.

Most people overseas know about Texas because it was associated with George W Bush.

And considering that GWB is often referred overseas as the dumbest president ever elected in the whole human history, this is a kind of association you'd want to avoid.

Bush isn't even from Texas. Wonder what they would say when I told them that? Probably think I was lying or some shit

[sheesh]

(04-30-2011 01:14 AM)houston Wrote:  

I have a question. Do some people overseas think every American is either white or black?

Yes. The US is still largely represented by whites in the media and in politics, to a lesser extent by blacks. Being an Asian American or Hispanic might confuse a lot of people abroad.


Regarding the original question:
Americans are US citizens, not Canadians or Mexicans etc. Language is never exact so I see no reason for Canadians or Mexicans to whine. Abroad, children and the simple folks usually speak of "America" while those with a higher education prefer to use the term United States in their own language ("Vereinigte Staaten" in German or "L'États-Unis" in French e.g.).

[nomadicdude]

As an Indian-American it's been pretty interesting seeing what people view the typical "American" to be. It really varies by country. Generally I'd say because of the crap in movies and TV most people think everyone in America is white. Some people who follow American rap music or sports also knows that there are black people in America and now because of Obama I think this is more prevalent.

Surprisingly though when I say I'm from the US or California most people don't question me. I'd expect to get more "but where were you born or where are your parents from" but lots of times I get no follow questions. People either accept that anyone can be American or they just have no knowledge and accept what I tell them. It's funny though, a couple times I've meet Americans while traveling and they have questioned me about what my racial background is (lots of American whites grow up in a bubble and have no idea how diverse the US is)

The whole thing is funny because some states like CA are only 40 percent white nowadays and within the next 50 to 100 years the USA as a whole is going to become a Latin nation. Yes, the USA will be part of Latin America eventually and one day when people think of common names for Americans they will think of Latino last names. It just shows you that while people think race and ethnicity is a solid thing that doesn't change it in fact evolves over time. You see this all over the world with ethnic groups arising, melting into others, and sometimes disappearing.

[hydrogonian]

There are an amazing amount of stereotypes about "America" and Americans. What's even more surprising is the number of people that subscribe to them, including our close neighbors the Canadians. However, its usually Canadians that have spent either zero or very little time here. Most of the stereotypes tend to center around work, money, selfishness, and narcissistic behavior. Sometimes they hold true, but most of the time they do not. However, realize that most people suck and so in any sample of Americans, or even Canadians, you will have a large amount of stupid people. Being a retard is not just an American phenomenon. Therefore, don't be ashamed of where your from, and don't apologize. Own it. Have some balls and some pride, for the love of god. What do you care if some fat British female backpacker finds out if your American? Fuck her if she pre-judges you for being such. And if she's attractive, then your double fucked because no woman will like a man who isn't confident enough to tell her what country he is from. That lack of confidence will carry over into other parts of your personality.

As far as the "everyone who lives on the Americas is American" argument goes, its a nonsense argument born out of a dead end in semantics. Both sides are right. The only people that I have an issue with are the morons who try to make logical points using this semantic clusterfuck.

My favorite argument is the one self entitled aspiring immigrants use. "You are American, and so are we, so we have a right to come to "America".

Not to be confused with the "You were once an immigrant too, 300 years ago." They are both nonsense "we're the same" entitlement arguments. But I digress.

[Screwston]

(04-30-2011 08:28 AM)nomadicdude Wrote:  

As an Indian-American it's been pretty interesting seeing what people view the typical "American" to be. It really varies by country. Generally I'd say because of the crap in movies and TV most people think everyone in America is white. Some people who follow American rap music or sports also knows that there are black people in America and now because of Obama I think this is more prevalent.

Surprisingly though when I say I'm from the US or California most people don't question me. I'd expect to get more "but where were you born or where are your parents from" but lots of times I get no follow questions. People either accept that anyone can be American or they just have no knowledge and accept what I tell them. It's funny though, a couple times I've meet Americans while traveling and they have questioned me about what my racial background is (lots of American whites grow up in a bubble and have no idea how diverse the US is)

The whole thing is funny because some states like CA are only 40 percent white nowadays and within the next 50 to 100 years the USA as a whole is going to become a Latin nation. Yes, the USA will be part of Latin America eventually and one day when people think of common names for Americans they will think of Latino last names. It just shows you that while people think race and ethnicity is a solid thing that doesn't change it in fact evolves over time. You see this all over the world with ethnic groups arising, melting into others, and sometimes disappearing.

Lol I can't imagine any American with common sense thinking that whites are the only people in the country. I guess if they're from some white state and never get out.

[Gmac]

If you say you're from "the states" it is usually understood that you're an international traveler, since most domesticated Americans who haven't traveled much usually say USA, The US, or America.

"The states" is pretty popular within the military too, which is why I grew up using it.

[oldnemesis]

(04-30-2011 02:30 AM)houston Wrote:  

(04-30-2011 02:13 AM)oldnemesis Wrote:  

Most people overseas know about Texas because it was associated with George W Bush.

Bush isn't even from Texas. Wonder what they would say when I told them that? Probably think I was lying or some shit

That's why I said "associated". AFAIR he was raised in Houston and spent a significant part of his life in Texas, so this is a valid association. Nobody cares where his was born. He might have been born in Stanford University Hospital and he would still be a moron.

[Screwston]

Ok. I still love my state

[nomadicdude]

(04-30-2011 02:19 PM)houston Wrote:  

(04-30-2011 08:28 AM)nomadicdude Wrote:  

As an Indian-American it's been pretty interesting seeing what people view the typical "American" to be. It really varies by country. Generally I'd say because of the crap in movies and TV most people think everyone in America is white. Some people who follow American rap music or sports also knows that there are black people in America and now because of Obama I think this is more prevalent.

Surprisingly though when I say I'm from the US or California most people don't question me. I'd expect to get more "but where were you born or where are your parents from" but lots of times I get no follow questions. People either accept that anyone can be American or they just have no knowledge and accept what I tell them. It's funny though, a couple times I've meet Americans while traveling and they have questioned me about what my racial background is (lots of American whites grow up in a bubble and have no idea how diverse the US is)

The whole thing is funny because some states like CA are only 40 percent white nowadays and within the next 50 to 100 years the USA as a whole is going to become a Latin nation. Yes, the USA will be part of Latin America eventually and one day when people think of common names for Americans they will think of Latino last names. It just shows you that while people think race and ethnicity is a solid thing that doesn't change it in fact evolves over time. You see this all over the world with ethnic groups arising, melting into others, and sometimes disappearing.

Lol I can't imagine any American with common sense thinking that whites are the only people in the country. I guess if they're from some white state and never get out.

It's not so much that some white Americans think whites are the only people in the US, it's that they grow up in such a bubble they don't understand that a lot of non-whites are actually born and raised in the US. For instance, I met some blond bitch in Africa from CA. You'd think she would know that a lot of Asians and Latinos in CA are actually born and raised there, but this bitch grew up in Santa Barbara. Went to all white schools, then went to some white private college. She had no fucking clue and was asking me where I am really from after I told her I'm from CA. I think that is pretty typical. America is a very segregated place and even in diverse places like LA or SF a lot of white people go to white schools, live in white suburbs, and have no real idea what goes outside their own little bubble aside from the BS they learn about in the "news" and from Hollywood.

This has nothing to do with this forum but IMO this is one of the major reasons the GOP can use immigration to frighten a lot of white voters. A lot of these whites are clueless about Latinos and they buy into the claim that they don't assimilate just like retards at the turn of the 19th century said that Italians and Irish won't assimilate. The truth is that if you actually knew 10 fucking random Latinos, I'd guarantee you that at least 8 of them are so fucking Americanized they can't even speak Spanish well anymore and they know more about America than their country of origin. But no one fucking wants to understand this in America. Everyone wants to live in a fucking box and be afraid of shadows. So fuck it...

[Screwston]

Ahh nomadicdude I feel you now. Being hispanic and a 4th generation Texan, I definetly know what you're talking about. I think some people are just scared of change and buy into the stereotypes. I could care less what someone thinks about me because of my last name. My partna always says they love our food and girls but hate us.

[Moma]

(04-30-2011 01:10 PM)hydrogonian Wrote:  

There are an amazing amount of stereotypes about "America" and Americans. What's even more surprising is the number of people that subscribe to them, including our close neighbors the Canadians. However, its usually Canadians that have spent either zero or very little time here. Most of the stereotypes tend to center around work, money, selfishness, and narcissistic behavior. Sometimes they hold true, but most of the time they do not. However, realize that most people suck and so in any sample of Americans, or even Canadians, you will have a large amount of stupid people. Being a retard is not just an American phenomenon. Therefore, don't be ashamed of where your from, and don't apologize. Own it. Have some balls and some pride, for the love of god. What do you care if some fat British female backpacker finds out if your American? Fuck her if she pre-judges you for being such. And if she's attractive, then your double fucked because no woman will like a man who isn't confident enough to tell her what country he is from. That lack of confidence will carry over into other parts of your personality.

As far as the "everyone who lives on the Americas is American" argument goes, its a nonsense argument born out of a dead end in semantics. Both sides are right. The only people that I have an issue with are the morons who try to make logical points using this semantic clusterfuck.

My favorite argument is the one self entitled aspiring immigrants use. "You are American, and so are we, so we have a right to come to "America".

Not to be confused with the "You were once an immigrant too, 300 years ago." They are both nonsense "we're the same" entitlement arguments. But I digress.

I agree with you to some degree, Hydro to the point that one should never internalise the shame of whatever country they are from. However, on an external level, I personally leverage whatever country I can convincingly associate myself with in order to increase the chances of me accomplishing what I want to. I dislike being stereotyped according to what country I am supposed to be from instead of being given a chance to be judged from my character. I will leverage whatever countries that don't cause drama. It's easy to be huffy and proud of being America when you are in America but I've been in countries where they are anxious to beat an American to the ground.

I have fam in the U.S and I always defend the U.S against Europeans and Canadians who even though they live next door, have not even travelled as extensively across the U.S as I have.

They have also not taken the time to really observe the American culture honestly WITHOUT being influenced by media and the crap that people say.

One hispanic cat I know from Mia went to France with his brother and they got into a fight with some French cats who trying to punk them out just because they are American. I believe some knuckledusters came out and the hispanic dude got his jaw broke (but he fcuked those French cats up nice).

When I was in Paris, I got no love because they thought I was an American. I was ignored regularly.


You gotta be smart, Hydro, sometimes you have to swallow your pride and use your brain.

I am very proud of where I am from and I like Americans because they stand up for who they are and are also proud of where they are from.

However, outside of America, it's a different beast and that 'I'm American buddy so deal with it' attitude can get you stunned in a Euro ditch or Asia, South America wherever they don't like Americans. Whenever you become a minority, unless there is no way to hide it, lie about where you are from.

My advice to my travelling American compadres is, if asked, say that you are Canadian. Canada has a non existent foreign reputation and most non North Americans can't even differentiate between a Canadian and American accent so it's the easiest one to fake for a true American.

Most people have zero opinion about Canadians. Americans are either loved or hated, there is no middle ground with that type of personality.

This is concluded from my global experience.

[Jack Frost]

(12-31-2010 03:34 PM)Roosh Wrote:  

Just curious. I usually say "States" or "U.S." but sometimes they get looks of confusion. I've started using "U.S.A." I tried "America" but it sounds a little weird.

When in a foreign english speaking country I say "The States" as it seems like thats what they all refer to us as. In non english speaking countries I say USA.

[Danski]

(01-02-2011 04:25 AM)Qtip Wrote:  

"California"

I use this too... if you are from New York or California it makes sense to skip the America business.

[DH-Godzilla]

(05-04-2011 09:27 AM)Moma Wrote:  

One hispanic cat I know from Mia went to France with his brother and they got into a fight with some French cats who trying to punk them out just because they are American. I believe some knuckledusters came out and the hispanic dude got his jaw broke (but he fcuked those French cats up nice).

When I was in Paris, I got no love because they thought I was an American. I was ignored regularly.

I wonder why some people claim Americans will have such a bad experience in France. I'm an American of hispanic descent, everyone I met in France was impeccably nice to me and eager to talk me up, shit I had a bartender slice my gargantuan bar tab in half.

Granted I initiated my conversations in my broken french skills (I was told this was important) before they bailed me out in English. I guess the effort counts.