I'm an American everywhere else...

[Sister Fracas 5]

It doesn't end with race, Americans are commonly discerned by 'class' - Lower Class American, Working Class American, Middle-Class American, Upper-Middle...etc.

Aren't we all just Americans?

That's not unique to America. People everywhere do that and it's worse in some countries.

[HAL 9000 96]

When I am headed to the bathroom I am a Russian

When I am in the bathromm I am a European

Just don't get accused of leaving Bolsheviks in the toilet.

[Otto 83]

It doesn't end with race, Americans are commonly discerned by 'class' - Lower Class American, Working Class American, Middle-Class American, Upper-Middle...etc.

Aren't we all just Americans?

That's not unique to America. People everywhere do that and it's worse in some countries.

Oh.. so it's ok if it's not unique to America...

[Sister Fracas 5]

It doesn't end with race, Americans are commonly discerned by 'class' - Lower Class American, Working Class American, Middle-Class American, Upper-Middle...etc.

Aren't we all just Americans?

That's not unique to America. People everywhere do that and it's worse in some countries.

Oh.. so it's ok if it's not unique to America...

Did I say that?

[almaty 19]

sister fracas..youa re my favorite american or is that brit..canadian...dutch???

[mawilson 2,133]

It doesn't end with race, Americans are commonly discerned by 'class' - Lower Class American, Working Class American, Middle-Class American, Upper-Middle...etc.

Aren't we all just Americans?

That's not unique to America. People everywhere do that and it's worse in some countries.

Oh.. so it's ok if it's not unique to America...

Did I say that?

[Sprailenes 47]

I'm native American, its pretty boring.

Which tribe?

Ojibway and cree soo....Ojicree.

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

I understand that the OP is frustrated that the term is used as a shorthand for stereotypical assumptions about people, but I really don't think that the word is the thing at fault. Is it possible not to have a word for having darker skin? I just don't think so. It's like trying to ban the word fat.

[Ling Ling 22]

I understand that the OP is frustrated that the term is used as a shorthand for stereotypical assumptions about people, but I really don't think that the word is the thing at fault. Is it possible not to have a word for having darker skin? I just don't think so. It's like trying to ban the word fat.

Hey there...somebody ring for OP?

Nope...there's no need for "a word for having darker skin".

There are very pale Brazilians, and very dark Brazilians. Very pale Italians, and very dark Italians. Very pale Spaniards, and very dark Spaniards.

Very pale Arabs, and very dark Arabs. Very pale Americans, and very dark Americans.

It's just an American thing to insist on telling the world that she is the most tolerant and blind to discrimination, while she is not.

I'm not saying America is the absolute worst in terms of discrimination, I mean...we've just got a history of slavery and that attempted genocide thing with the people

who were here first..but at least we're not continuing slavery and genocide. I mean, I am very happy about that. Believe me, I'm REALLY happy about that.

Edited October 10, 2008 by Ling Ling

[Ling Ling 22]

It's like trying to ban the word fat.

For the record...SOME people have a CHOICE not to be called a fat-American.

There's a huge difference here...kind of difficult for some people to understand...until they think about it.

[pedroh 21]

I hope they update govt forms so next time me and my brother mawi put our info.. the races 'magyar' and 'vandal' are incluided

[Ling Ling 22]

Hey Pedroh...I know you're part of the choir, but pipe down.

Govt forms should not have a need for asking a citizen their race. All citizens "should" have equal access, treatment, and service to their govt.

Yes...I understand there is a feeling for a need at this time, and it is not completely without mert...but that feeling for the need is part of the problem, not the solution.

There is only one true race, Human.

When we are able to find beings that have different internal organs than we do, then I will CONSIDER that there is a need for a new descriptor.

Until then, the idea of any other "race" has and will only lead to a RACE to the destruction of Humans.

[Sister Fracas 5]

I'm just curious Ling Ling... with regards to the use of the term African American, if someone, who is the same race as you, uses the term, does it bother you as much and do you let them know that you don't like the term?

I keep going back to this because I think this comes much more from within the race than it does from the outside. What keeps getting lost here and no one seems to want to really respond to it is that there are people that want to be referred to and are proud to be African American. How are people suppose to know when it's expected and when it's taboo and offensive (like with you).

[HAL 9000 96]

Hey Pedro... good idea.

[Sprailenes 47]

Hey Pedroh...I know you're part of the choir, but pipe down.

Govt forms should not have a need for asking a citizen their race. All citizens "should" have equal access, treatment, and service to their govt.

Yes...I understand there is a feeling for a need at this time, and it is not completely without mert...but that feeling for the need is part of the problem, not the solution.

There is only one true race, Human.

When we are able to find beings that have different internal organs than we do, then I will CONSIDER that there is a need for a new descriptor.

Until then, the idea of any other "race" has and will only lead to a RACE to the destruction of Humans.

Wow what an ideal world. You know what else I believe?

I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier; Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be.

Edited October 10, 2008 by Sprailenes