Alligatorob
SF VIP
What does it mean? Something other than place of birth?
Should it be Citizenship then origin
- Thread starter Wontactmyage
- Start date
dseag2
Dallas, TX
- Location
- Dallas, TX
My partner is Filipino, which I think almost everyone who is a regular on this forum knows by now. I've never once heard him identify as Asian American because he moved here when he was 5 y/o and is more American than I am. He can run rings around me when it comes to American history and politics. Unless someone specifically wants to highlight their background and culture (and some do) I see no reason for anything other than American.
Something I've learned from him that I will add to this thread. There is nothing more insulting than asking someone who isn't immediately identifiable as White, "Where are you from?" They are from whatever country they are living in!
Something I've learned from him that I will add to this thread. There is nothing more insulting than asking someone who isn't immediately identifiable as White, "Where are you from?" They are from whatever country they are living in!
Parts of this thread remind me of when, long ago, the former SuperModerator of Senior Forums was castigated for using the terms "United States of North America" and/or "USofA" to refer to my country. She, a Canadian I believe, wrote:
"Time to resurrect this thread for a few who persist in their quest to correct A**t M**g, over using a term that doesn't (personally) suit them or agree with them.
So this morning I used the term... United States of North America, and was called on it by a member.
I gather this whole name-game has turned into a sort of poking match for a few here, a few who cannot accept the fact that there is no set term for the United States of North America, and when someone (anyone) uses a term outside that of their liking, it awakens the pettiness in them and the sniveling starts.
For any others wishing to call me on using the term, United States of North America, kindly refrain, as this thread represents the overwhelming support I received in referring to America as either the USofA or the United States of North America."
Ah, good times!
"Time to resurrect this thread for a few who persist in their quest to correct A**t M**g, over using a term that doesn't (personally) suit them or agree with them.
So this morning I used the term... United States of North America, and was called on it by a member.
I gather this whole name-game has turned into a sort of poking match for a few here, a few who cannot accept the fact that there is no set term for the United States of North America, and when someone (anyone) uses a term outside that of their liking, it awakens the pettiness in them and the sniveling starts.
For any others wishing to call me on using the term, United States of North America, kindly refrain, as this thread represents the overwhelming support I received in referring to America as either the USofA or the United States of North America."
Ah, good times!
Well when people found out we had immigrated from the US to Canada the kids came home saying they had been called Yankees. So I explained that was what we are until we become citizens. Then I hear a little voice ask "When do the Yankee go home signs come up". I still have no idea which kid said that.That was 1969.
We became citizens in 1975 mainly because I felt that if we enjoyed the perks we should be citizens. There have been many times over the years we have been so glad that we are citizens, and we are still so so glad!
dseag2
Dallas, TX
- Location
- Dallas, TX
You are very fortunate. Canada is a wonderful country. I've visited many times, and I've found the people gracious and polite. I would consider it, but I'm not sure I could cope with the winters. There is a downside to everything.
Alligatorob
SF VIP
We used to do the same when northerners, Yankees, moved south. I remember hearing that even kids born to Yankees in the south were of questionable origin. "Just because kittens are born in an oven doesn't make them biscuits".
I suppose its pretty common for anyone anywhere to be suspicious of newcomers.
I was born in Los Angeles, My husband was born In a small town in New Mexico. When we first came to Canada we went right to the Yukon. We learned about cold real fast. Now we are in central BC the winters aren't as bad as the Yukon winters. The Yukon was an adventure but we love BC!
Alligatorob
SF VIP
All this talk of country names got me curious about Canada, here is some of what the Canadian government says:
"The name “Canada” likely comes from the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.” In 1535, two Aboriginal youths told French explorer Jacques Cartier about the route to kanata; they were actually referring to the village of Stadacona, the site of the present-day City of Québec."
and,
"Leading up to the proposed confederation, a number of names were suggested for the northern half of the continent of North America, including: Albertsland, Albionora, Borealia, Britannia, Cabotia, Colonia, Efisga, Hochelaga, Norland, Superior, Transatlantia, Tuponia, and Victorialand."
Seems the Canadians chose well. Too bad our forefathers did not do something similar...
"The name “Canada” likely comes from the Huron-Iroquois word “kanata,” meaning “village” or “settlement.” In 1535, two Aboriginal youths told French explorer Jacques Cartier about the route to kanata; they were actually referring to the village of Stadacona, the site of the present-day City of Québec."
and,
"Leading up to the proposed confederation, a number of names were suggested for the northern half of the continent of North America, including: Albertsland, Albionora, Borealia, Britannia, Cabotia, Colonia, Efisga, Hochelaga, Norland, Superior, Transatlantia, Tuponia, and Victorialand."
Seems the Canadians chose well. Too bad our forefathers did not do something similar...
