Klarinet Archive - Posting 000743.txt from 2004/11

From: Elgenubi@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Re: Thanksgiving
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2004 00:08:31 -0500

Jo asks,
".....I'm concerned that our neighbors to the north and south on the American
continents may be offended when officials and others use the terms "America"
and "American" as though the United States is the only America and United
States citizens are the only Americans. Would it not be more accurate to use the
terms "United States" or "USA" when referring to our country? ........."

It's a good question. If it's arrogance, it's deeply imbedded in American
English. There's no adjective that means "United Statesian". However, there
are separate adjectives for other regions and countries of North and South
America, i.e., Canadian, Brazilian, Central American, and so on. So when one says
'American', I presume most would understand 'pertaining to the United States'.

As for the main thread, I feel, as a United Statesian (what else can I say?),
that the world is entering a new complex history, and we (residents of the
world) are feeling our way with it. We've come out of 50 years of 'cold war',
which however dangerous, seemed stable compared to today. I hate many of the
recent actions of my country, but I can't see clearly what better actions might
have been. All I'm sure of is that we ALL need to read a lot of history and
current analysis, and talk with each other. This may or may not be the place,
but I'm thankful for every thoughtful person I hear. Please everyone, try to
write and speak clearly.

Wayne

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