http://www.bakersfieldvoice.com/home/Blog/ateam/32563 So often in my life i've been asked what my Nationality is.  I consider this an odd question coming from someone who lives in this country, and even more odd is the puzzling look on their face when I respond with "American".  Usually that is followed up with another question of, where I come from. Obviously the question from the beggining should have been, "What is your ethnic background?".  Still I consider this an odd question, but apparently I am the only one.  For the record, I am an American.  I was born and raised in California.  However, if you speak to a lot of the people I grew up with they would tell you they are "Mexican-American".  I also was friends with "Chinese-Americans" and "African-Americans".  I've wondered where these countries lie that they speak of, because I think it would be neat to visit. Why not get rid of the hyphen? Why is being anything other than an "American" not enough?  My best guess it is about identity, and having a sense of belonging and community...or so i've read.  I think it's an excuse.  It's people using racism and bigotry as a scapegoat for their own shortcomings and mistakes they've made in their life.  I understand about having a "cultural identity", but by default, living in this country automatically assimilates you into the American culture and way of life! A history teacher once put it into perspective. He said that America was in it's infancy compared to the rest of the world.  We are viewed as Americans to the rest of the world, but within there is too much self-segregation going on.  I believe that groups such as the Rainbow Coalition, and Mecha only perpetuate the falsehood that your "Ethincity" or "Race" or "Culture" automatically puts you at a disadvantage. I truly hope that as this country gets older, things will change and an American identity will be born that EVERYONE will embrace. I fly one flag, and I have one label.  Both are American. I speak English (with a southern californian dialect/accent) and "Decline To State" when asked my "Background" on applications.  I believe in my Government and I believe my children have the same advantages and opportunities as yours. I am proud to be an American. So often in my life i've been asked what my Nationality is.  I consider this an odd question coming from someone who lives in this country, and even more odd is the puzzling look on their face when I respond with "American".  Usually that is followed up with another question of, where I come from. Obviously the question from the beggining should have been, "What is your ethnic background?".  Still I consider this an odd question, but apparently I am the only one.  For the record, I am an American.  I was born and raised in California.  However, if you speak to a lot of the people I grew up with they would tell you they are "Mexican-American".  I also was friends with "Chinese-Americans" and "African-Americans".  I've wondered where these countries lie that they speak of, because I think it would be neat to visit. Why not get rid of the hyphen? Why is being anything other than an "American" not enough?  My best guess it is about identity, and having a sense of belonging and community...or so i've read.  I think it's an excuse.  It's people using racism and bigotry as a scapegoat for their own shortcomings and mistakes they've made in their life.  I understand about having a "cultural identity", but by default, living in this country automatically assimilates you into the American culture and way of life! A history teacher once put it into perspective. He said that America was in it's infancy compared to the rest of the world.  We are viewed as Americans to the rest of the world, but within there is too much self-segregation going on.  I believe that groups such as the Rainbow Coalition, and Mecha only perpetuate the falsehood that your "Ethincity" or "Race" or "Culture" automatically puts you at a disadvantage. I truly hope that as this country gets older, things will change and an American identity will be born that EVERYONE will embrace. I fly one flag, and I have one label.  Both are American. I speak English (with a southern californian dialect/accent) and "Decline To State" when asked my "Background" on applications.  I believe in my Government and I believe my children have the same advantages and opportunities as yours. I am proud to be an American. en-us Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:00:12 PDT