Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Why do immigrants say 'American' when they mean 'white'?

My parents were born here and their parents were born here as well. i consider us to be American with Chinese/Filipino descent. What bothers me though, is that whenever they talk about other minority groups they say "spanish" or "asian", however when speaking about whites they use Americans. When will we be able to call this country our own? Since when do you have to have blonde hair and blue eyes to be considered American? After all, this country is known for its diversity. i hope for a day when my grandmother can say proudly in her accented english-" Yes, this is what American english sounds like too."- because this country has evolved into something greater and has turned into the community of us. now all we need is for others to embrace this new community



Why do immigrants say 'American' when they mean 'white'?

I think it has a lot to do with our media coverage. Mostly white based programs. Most of our important politicians are white, as are the Oscar and Grammy winning actors, actresses, and singers. (Unfortunate, but true) When riots over immigration occur the media focuses in on the various races thereby dividing and confusing the issue. To me America has many accents, color and attitudes. You have made a good point. L.A is a melting pot and some days, I am amazed at the crassness and other days I'm equally astounded by the sensitivity. We're workin' on it. We have to.



Why do immigrants say 'American' when they mean 'white'?

because your family immigrate to america. immigrants in italia say italiano when they say white.



Why do immigrants say 'American' when they mean 'white'?

You are right on point,as you can see race is still a very significant part of the way people think it will take some time but you have to understand that there will always be people and demagogues who will take advantage of people's ignorance and fear to advance in the society all you can hope for is that the majority of people will one day decide to embrace their differences and celebrate their similarities



Why do immigrants say 'American' when they mean 'white'?

its just habit. we mean no harm when saying it. i do it and don't really think about it. sorry



Why do immigrants say 'American' when they mean 'white'?

I think one is beacuse in asian countries, they show mostly white people on tv than any other race besides asian.



Why do immigrants say 'American' when they mean 'white'?

GuRL, it's simple. Because race, in social terms is a concept created just like how religion is. It's just a particular mindset. See here: http://www.pbs.org/race/001_WhatIsRace/0...



Why do immigrants say 'American' when they mean 'white'?

Oh my goshhhh my family is the EXACT same way! Well I guess it's because none of us are actually American...and I think when my parents refer to American they mean more like the culture than the people...but when they mean white they usually say something more like..."westerners". But you know how Chinese/Philippino people are...they like sticking to their own culture and they never really see themselves as part of American culture(at least none of the ones I know of do).



Why do immigrants say 'American' when they mean 'white'?

Not so much an answer as a confirmation. When I visit the U.S., I pass as American. Which is to say, I am "white" and I speak English without any particularly noticeable accent. I've met Latin Americans who live in the U.S. who assume that I'm American but about themselves say, "What? Do I look like an American?" To which I answer in puzzlement, "Well, yes, of course. Why not?"



Could part of it be that "white" Americans often assume that Hispanics are not legal citizens? Is it just a reaction to that attitude?



I've also noticed that English-speaking Americans seem to be afraid of other languages. It's as if someone speaking something other than English is a threat to them.

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