Drew Wrote:To be fair, Southbiochem, wouldn't you call yourself "Chilean", not "American"? It's true, though, people from the U.S. refer to themselves as "Americans", and it's generally understood (as far as I know?) by folks from around the world that "American" means "being from the United States". He's right, it's vernacular here, and no offense is intended to folks in Central/South America
To be fair Drew. When have I ever discussed the use of the demonym American?
No, I have no big issues with that as American is the official demonym of the citizen of the United States..
my problem is the usage of the name America which belongs to a continent, to refer to a country...THAT is not official nor established, and is a mere customary thing..
Evan88 Wrote:Since USA is the legit owner of the name America
:eek: since when?
on account that you're a nice folk, I will get pass that ignorant statement..
I would ask you to go look for the origin of the name America, and then ask you not make statements like that which only boosts bigotry and ignorance amongst some Americans.
Arkansota Wrote:The Democratic Republic of the Congo is another example- People sometimes call it Zaire. That is perfectly valid and acceptable
Arkansota, please if you don't know stuff, stay quiet..
Zaire was the name of that country bewteen 1971 and 1997 under which it was ruled by a dictator..
I assure you if you go to the D.R of Congo and call it Zaire you'll get shot right there..