I believe the term 'America' is from the Mayan name Amerrique and 'American' refers to people of the land of strong winds (or great power). However, to Americans of different countries, yes. That is correct. You are absolutely correct and every child learns that in school. However, right or wrong, to Americans of the United States of America, 'American' refers to citizens of this country. When I traveled overseas, 'American' simply meant citizens of the U.S. and not any other country and it is now usually used in a derogatory manner. Many of our patriotic songs, such as "God Bless America," and "America the Beautiful" refer to the United States of America and not to North America, Central or South America. Could you imagine a Canadian's reaction if I were to refer to him/her as 'my fellow American?' It is an acceptable term to use for citizens of the United States:

Main Entry: 1 Amer·i·ca
Pronunciation: \ə-ˈmer-ə-kə, -ˈme-rə-\
Function: geographical name
1 either continent (North America or South America) of the western hemisphere
2 or the Amer·i·cas \-kəz\ the lands of the western hemisphere including North, Central, & South America & the West Indies
3 united states of america

Main Entry: 1 Amer·i·can
Pronunciation: \ə-ˈmer-ə-kən, -ˈmər-, -ˈme-rə-\
Function: noun
Date: 1568
1 : an American Indian of North America or South America
2 : a native or inhabitant of North America or South America
3 : a citizen of the United States
4 : american english

Right or wrong:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_(word)

The term 'L'Américain arrogant' doesn't refer to citizens of any country other than the United States. Nor does 'The American President' refer to anyone other than the President of the United States. 'Americanism' is anything related to citizens of the United States, not the Americas. Americanization refers to immigrants changing their customs and values in to accept the dominant view of the citizens of the United States. Although the World's superpower, historically, Great Britain lost to the Americans, not the citizens of the United States. 'American Dream' doesn't refer to living in any country other than the United States of America. 'Un-American' doesn't refer to someone who doesn't share the views/goals/interests of Mexico. 'American' doesn't refer to someone living in Sierra Amerrique, Nicaragua.

It might be technically wrong, but it is historically correct.

But most importantly, you must remember that the term 'American' has been 'bastardized' by none other than a country which has practiced stealing and disregarding the interests of anyone else and creating their own identity since it's inception.


This was the object of the Declaration of Independence. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before, but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take. Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, not yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion. All it's [sic] authority rests on the harmonizing sentiments of the day, whether expressed in conversation, letters, printed essays, or in the elementary books of public right, as Aristotle, Cicero, Locke, Sidney, & c.

—Jefferson to Henry Lee, May 8, 1825


>The point is, America is a Continent. Not a country. It just a incorrect use of this name. It's sounds Shocking if I visit you and you say "Welcome to America" (I've been always in America)
>
>>>There's no American Nationality. Europa, Asia Africa, Oceania and America are the five continents.
>>>
>>>America was named as such in 1507. The United States didn't come along for another few hundred years.
>>>
>>
>>Several thousand years ago there wasn't a 'europe', 'Oceana', 'Africa' or any other nationality.
>>
>>What's your point?