It has been suggested that people who use a hyphen to describe themselves (example: Asian-American or Mexican-American) create a divided America AND split loyalties.
Please say if you agree or disagree AND tell why.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I have never thought about this before. I don't really agree that it would be a cause of conflict. When I hear someone say they are Mexican-American, to me that means one of their parents was Mexican and the other was American. I may have a naive point of view but I am not really understanding why that would be offensive to others.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how this would be offensive, either. I think that America was intended to be a nation for all nations.. I've always heard the words "Mexican-American" and so forth. I've just always thought of as being you're culture is Mexican but you live in America.. i.e. your parents are natives from Mexico, but you are not. Hmm.. Good question!
ReplyDeleteKennie west online
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with both (Samanthe & C_mich_king) I dont understand the offense of being called mexican-american and so on it just shows you are proud of your heritiage in your native country I feel that if you get right down to it though we really have no need for the last American part of the name because i see that if you live here and are a citizen then it goes with out saying that you are American no matter what natinality your heritiage is because if you get right to the point we all are some kind of
hyphenated American the only true Americans are the Indians that had ancestors here before all other countries intermengeled so no we do not cause a divided America with a hyphen
T Lewis
ReplyDeleteI am not certain if i agree or not;however i do undestand it. Looks like it goes along the line of a society idenity standard. i,e, some married woman hyphenate their names, maybe to hold on to something of importance (History) that is related with it.
I definitely disagree with this. Every American, other than Native Americans, comes from a different background. It is simply a way to alert people of where your roots are.
ReplyDeleteTo T Lewis,
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what it is about...just holding on to your background.
Peter Nganga (Online)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Karen. This land belonged to Native Americans,but the rest came from different background, and i disagree that they create division among Americans. This is to show pride of their origin/roots because this nation was made up by immigrant.
Laura Mills(online)
ReplyDeleteIf you are from some where else before you came to america you are that decent then american. I think it does mean split loyalties. You feel obligated to your home country but reep the rewards from living in america. I read an artical and it was titled "person of color" State verses Newson.(n.c.1844) This is an agrument that has been going on for years. Same discussion NAACP can't conclude an agreement on. I choose NAEAL Pro-choice America.Hope everyone has a great night.
Laura Mills(online)
ReplyDeleteError. Not NAEAL but NARAL Pro-choice America.
No,I do not think it creates a divided America or splits loyalties. I think the individual is displaying a part of their heritage and their association with America. Of course, there will be some customs the individual will hold on to but that does not mean there are split loyalties, it means they value their native country and attaching American to their nationality also values the American way.
ReplyDeleteTo Samantha Morris,
ReplyDeleteI don't think it would cause conflict either. It is a matter of identity and should not be offensive to anyone. People should be proud of their heritage.
I think America is divided and split loyalties. I am from a mixed background. My dad is from Italy and my mom is from America. If anyone asks, then I will tell them that I have different background and I am Italian-American. I have a eight year old son whose daddy is 100% Mexican. My son will tell you that he is half Mexican and 25% Italian and 25% American. He calls himself AmerItMex. I don't really know the Italian heritage. The only thing I know is to eat is pasta, pizza, and lasagne. To me it does not matter because everyone has different backgrounds. I think we should be called Heinz 57 Americans because we all have different backgrounds and are mixed other races.
ReplyDeleteMy last sentence should have been that we should be called Heinz 57 Americans because we all have different varieties of races and backgrounds in America.
ReplyDeleteJudith Miller (online)
ReplyDeleteI do not believe it "splits" loyalties at all. If anything, I think it is giving an equal sense of pride to that person that they have different backgrounds and they are able to share both with the world. A person Saying that he or she is from two different backgrounds resembles pride in both heritages, and the feeling of freedom to be able to share their heritage with others.
Judith Miller (online) in response to Samanthe Morris...
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about not understanding why someone would be offended. I don't see why someone would be offended with someone sharing their heritage, and if they are offended then they are an ignorant selfish person to believe there is only one race per person in this world!
STEPHANIE L. (ONLINE)
ReplyDeletei agree with Daisy McMickens i dont think it creates a divided America. i think the people are showing a part of their heritage with their association to america. i think the hyphen shows they value their native area and the same for the american part.
I dont agree because I feel that This country was based on different cultures not every one is the same isnt that what North America was founded to be something different so I think that the hyphen is just a way of saying where you are and the things that help build the person you are
ReplyDeleteI do not think that this would cause a divided America nor would it be defensive. It is merely a form of individuals showing pride in their heritage, ethnic background, ancestrial roots as well as the country in wich they were born or reside in. Like stated above America is considered the nation of all nations.
ReplyDeleteHello fellow bloggers! I don't think that using hyphens would cause a conflict. There are Native-Americans, Mexican-Americans, etc. To me it doesn't matter if you describe yourself as a Mexican-American. If this is the culture that you have always lived by, the for heavensakes, you should be able to use this as a way to define your culture. You should also be able to show your culture in anyway that you want. People that use for example Mexican-American, shows that they are proud of their heritage. There is nothing wrong with being proud of who you are and who you represent. I am American-Cherokee Indian, and I am very proud of my culture and what it stands for.
ReplyDeleteI have to be so real about this, America has never been based upon american people and loyalty to anything, (i.e a unit; everyone being treated as one).For as long as I can remember and have read in history books, America split it's own people up with it's prejudices and second class mentality. So never mind to my race, which only signifies that I identify myself to both (Italian- American)I feel that a hypenated name has nothing to do with the un-loyalities and division of the american people!
ReplyDeleteAshley Logan (online)
ReplyDeleteI thought that it showed that one of your parents are mexican and the other was american. I don't think that it would be offensive. Im a Native American. I think that it is telling everyone what roots you are and background.
I understand if Americans call themselves Mexican American or whatever if their parents, grandparents, or they are from another country and are citizens now. That's understandable but, I have to be honest. I don't think people whose ancestors were here 100 years ago be called anything but American. In that case it does cause division because "the title" divides segmented population based on race. We are all Americans no matter the color of our skin. We may have some cultural differences but all in all we are Americans.
ReplyDeleteNanci Lamborn -- online -- I am in agreement with Jamie's comment that America has never been based upon only American people. Otherwise we would not have had the nickname of the melting pot. I do believe however, that the division is perhaps a backlash within certain circles against increasing immigration, large numbers of which are illegal. I think we have all experienced extremists on both sides of this issue; one extreme is the recent immigrant, in some situations, who demands that their way of life in America (such as the language in which they communicate or learn or work) be accommodated according to their native language and who do not believe that they should be required learn English or be subject to an official language. The extreme opposite of this position are those who unfortunately believe that immigrants should conform to their often shallow perception of what it means to be American, and perhaps this group is reacting to what they perceive to be a threat to their way of life or the country as they know it. I do believe that these are the radical extremes of both positions of this issue, but that for the majority of us, reality is actually in the middle.
ReplyDeleteI do think it is interesting that the hyphenated titles of ethnicity seemed to be most represented with only a few ethnic groups. For example, my heritage is German and English, however I do not identify myself as a German-American and I suppose it is because of the generational distances between myself and my own immigrant ancestors.
motunrayo akerejola(online)
ReplyDeleteI don't think this should be an issue at all, America is such a blessed nation that the whole world want to be part of but still be able to identify with thier roots.
I believe that there's a sense of knowledge, or belonging to some extent when people use hyphen, some people have dual citizenships, and feel very blessed, and proud that they want to identify with both countries.
This nation is multi-racial, we all do not look alike or sound the same therefore, some peolpe are very inquisitve, and will always ask where the other person comes from originally.This question makes some people uncomfortable,and just want to prove that they know where they come from, it has nothing to do with loyalty.
I know a few african-american who wish they know what part of Africa their ancestors are from, The T.V show "who do you think you are" is a great example to show how badly people search for their roots. This should not cause any conflict at all, it is just a thing of identity, and belonging.
Mabel Ibuoffor (online)
ReplyDeletewhether you are from some other country and now you are in America; and you are here legally, I dont really think it will create any division in America or any splts loyalities. peopel from a different background should be proud of their heritage; because a lot of people are now sarching for the root of their ancestors and those of them who know where they are from should be given the chance to share it with other people.
Jason Mccleary(online)
ReplyDeleteI think it really doesnt matter if you have a hyphen or not between if you are a CITIZEN of America than your an AMERICAN I do not believe that there is one person alive without some mixture of heritage somewhere in your family tree. So no i dont think it is offensive as long as you dont think your gonna get special treatment for that little space between your name.
Terri, I disagree with the hypen. and it matters to me about the hyphen for every application thatI have to complete I see the box African-American. I'm not. I always cross out African and put black the hypen is only to single out the ones that were not born here in the united states.
ReplyDeleteNovella noble "Onlie" writes........
ReplyDeleteAs I read the views of my fellow bloggers I found the comments fascinating. As an immigrant American who has earned my status “legally” I think each of us from different parts of the world or with multiple heritages should be able to embrace and celebrate it collectively. I don’t think anyone is being disloyal for using or hyphenating their identify such as Mexican-American. As the majority of us agreed it is not the notion that we are creating separate Americas. It is your preference if you want to recognize the other aspects of your heritage without someone questioning your loyalty. I live and work in the United States where I don’t send my money overseas, I spend it on businesses in the US and within my community, I pay taxes to the American Gov’t, I vote, I volunteer in my community. I don’t do any of those things in Birmingham, England or the Caribbean where my heritage originates which means my loyalty is to my county “AMERICA”. Even the Indians whose land and country does America belong identifies as Indian-American I take issue on some comments from one of my fellow bloggers………
Laura Mills “Online” I emphatically DISAGREE with you and your prospective and I quote “if you are not from “America” you have split loyalties. Laura are you a direct decent of American Indian. If not, then you are not from here either and your loyalty is split also. You perhaps are a decent of some type of migration as a result of your fore-parents. Only the Indians can give claim that they are ORIGINALLY from American. We are all as a result of migration, slave trades, emigration and the transatlantic movement within different parts of the world. What about some of us that were born in America to immigrant parents where we grew up learning from them about Hyphened titles. Are we to be blamed for their teachings? I don’t think so…..Upon speaking about individuals who reap the rewards from America but have no loyalties to America. What about Americans who goes into other foreign county and reap the benefits of their labor force, financial gains through business ventures, etc. Do those countries question their loyalties? NO They Don’t. Americans are free to identify themselves as Americans and be loyal to their county in every part of the world. I am reading State Vs. Newson and will give you my sentiments once I done. I think this society represents what our founding fathers wrote about and the diversity and multi-ethnic and cultural uniqueness should be embraced even if it is Hyphenated. Ms. Mills love your passion for your argument but respectfully disagree.
I don't think any offence should be taken when someone is referred to by their cultural background. Everyone should be proud of their culture. The fact that you are referred to as Mexican-American or Asian-American does not change your identity and because America is a nation of many nations with diverse cultures, this is just a way to identify you. It may however create a divided America when such a reference is to dicredit or make the person feel inferior.
ReplyDeleteAlonzoJordan(Online)said...
ReplyDeletePeople who use a hyphen to describe themselves do create a divided America AND split loyalties. This is why. For those of us who were born here in America, we are Americans. Not black-Americans,white-Americans, asian-Americans ect; just Americans. When people choose to hyphenate because of their mother,father or whomever. They are perpetuating the cycle of division. Now, it may not seem like a big deal just looking at the situation from this point of view. Therefore look at it like this, your hyphenated status or ethnicity could be use by the powers of the elite or government, to pitt groups against one another, causing anger and distrust among the groups( i.e blacks and latinos or mexicans and southern whites) taking the focus off of whom that anger and distrust should really be directed towards;them. Please understand, I'm not saying not to acknowledge your origin or anything like that. I'm just saying doing so in this way causes division.
I have to agree with the majority of the people that commented on this blog and say that by stating you are a Mexican-American etc. is in no way having split loyalties or dividing America. America is known for being the "melting pot". The reason for this is because we all come from a mix of different backgrounds and ethnicities. Just like Novella Noble stated above, unless you are an actual Native American that has descended from the first ones here, then you are all probably a mix of something. That is what makes us so unique here in America, and what keeps us united.
ReplyDeleteI don't think using hyphen divides America. This country has always been a melting pot of different cultures, and even though we all live in one country now and call ourselves Americans, we should not forget where we came from. The ideal way for any multinational country is multiculturalism - when people of the country maintain their unique identities and also live together as one nation.
ReplyDeleteIn response to T Lewis:
ReplyDeleteThat's such an interesting point, about women hyphenating their name after marriage. I totally agree, that's the same way how it works with hyphenating your identity, to show that you are proud of where you came from an you want people to recognize that.
I find this very interesting. It seems that every ethnic group uses the hyphen except for whites. Asian-American, African-American, Native-American... It's interesting that you never hear anyone describe themselves as a white-American. I have always found that to be funny.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I don't feel that using a hyphen to describe yourself creates a divided America. People have the right to identify themselves however they please. I wonder though, was this "suggestion" made by a conservative candidate running in the upcoming election?
First if we define loyalty to america as the patriotism rampant in the 50s, then I don't believe there is much loyalty left; therefore, I disagree because there is already such a great decrease in loyalty. Maybe this means that I agree... I say I disagree because I don't believe that the hyphenated nationalities are the cause to this division we are already experiencing.
ReplyDeleteNathanial Hornsby (Online)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with most everyone else that i do not think hyphenated names split loyalties or divide America. I don't believe that Mexican-Americans or Asian-Americas find themselves any less American and more Asian or Mexican. These terms are simply used to identify ourselves with our heritage. A way to remember our ancestral past,a and when these terms are used by others it is generally just to draw information about the person. I feel like i know someone slightly better if i know where they are from, it is a way to be more descriptive and i think it is a compliment not an insult to be called insert culture here-American.People should be proud to be a free American where they can both honor their previous or ancestors culture and their own American culture.
I also don't think that if someone uses hypens in their names, that makes a divided America or split loyalties. My Grandfather was half Cherokee Indian and I am proud of that heritage. I have a little bit of Cherokee in me and I think it is something to be proud of, if everyone can trace their heritage back to where they came from.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is offensive to use the hyphen in Native-American or any other hyphenated form to show your heritage.
I dont think that presenting yourself as a Mexican-American, Asian-America etc, would be an issue of conflict. Like many others, I just feel that they want to represent where they are from. As we've learned throughout this course, culture helps to make you who you are, and if your consider yourself Mexican-American and so forth, I think you are proud of your heritage and are not afraid to be who you are. If you really want to get technical on the hyphen situation, we should all have one, because unless we are all Native American, we can trace our lineage back to another country. I really liked the parallel that T Lewis made using the hyphen in a married woman's name: she wants to hold onto who she is (maiden name), and also represent her future (married name.) This was a great question since I've never thought about its significance before. I dont think it creates an issue of loyalty or conflict, since we all share the common bond of having a heritage.
ReplyDeleteI believe when some poeple use the hypen in between their names they are relating to both heritages. In the world today some many individuals are coming from different backgrounds and races that they are unable to relate to just one . I feel that it should be respected by others because we are seeing that more often. I think those individuals have an advantage over others because they get to know each background or ethnicity and relate to both cultures and get alot of knowledge where both families come from
ReplyDeleteAlonzo Jordan(Online)response to the class...
ReplyDeleteI really like the fact that most everyone kind of just goes with the flow of things(Not!!!). I believe here in America we all have gotten a little to relaxed. Here in America(the greatest country on earth), we have people from all over the world come in, make large sums of money then take the monies back to their home countries and live like kings and queens; strenghtning their homeland while ours goes to pieces. Its mainly because we are always bending to please others. I bet if we were to go to another country and began voicing our opinions about what they ought to do and how they ought to live, we would not be received as openly. Why is that? God Bless America!!!
Unique Summerour(ONLINE)
ReplyDeleteI would say both because i do not understand how it would be offensive, then again i do not know the history behind it. I feel when we say for example Mexin-American we as society put our selves in catagoreys. If we are all citizens why must we remind one another every chance we get.
An incident happened at my husband’s office where he said someone described him as an African-American. He told me he did not like it and told the person to refer to him as an American. As far as he is concerned, he was formerly an African, before he naturalized as an American citizen, now he refers to himself as an America. I honestly agree with him. These classifications will only help to separate us. It’s funny how Americans abroad when routing for the nation team will always shout American! But when they are at home, they resolve to all these senseless classification that will only help to separate us the more.
ReplyDeleteMollian,according to me its not offensive ,its normal and o.k. to be proud of who you are and where your roots are from.If you are Asian-American i understand one the parents is an Asian and the other American so its important to respect it and not create a divided American.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Morris Online
ReplyDeleteto Titilola Adeboye
That instance you gave about your husband has helped me better understand the question. I have always referred to myself as an American without question. The only time I make reference to my past relatives is when I am specifically asked. Then and only then should be the time it is brought up. Not on a general form and certainly not as a generalization for others to judge.
I believe that if you legally work or live here you are an AMERICAN. That is it. Not an african american, or a mexican american and so forth. If i moved to another country i would still say i am american. If you have never lived in another country or have lived here most your life and concider this home your AMERICAN. Plain and simple, I can not stand to hear others state that they are african or mexican or asian american or whatever else. If you have never traveled to these countries in the first place then your just giving yourslelf a name someone made up. I believe if you live in america and you love it here through good and bad then you are american and no matter what you look like on the outside if this is your home then be proud to be an american!!!
ReplyDeleteIN response to Jamie:
ReplyDeleteThe only reason that american has been split in itself is because people accept it. If you keep going around calling yourself (Italian- American) then your calling yourself an Italian first and an american second. If this is your home then you are american. If you want to be Italian then go live where your from. Unless you were infact born here then your AMERICAN.
AlonzoJordan(Online)...
ReplyDeleteAgrees with our last bloggers, Ms.wardrop,Mrs. Adeboye,Ms.Morris. There are a few specific times when you can address that that fact you are multiracial but when doing so make sure it's for the purpose of acknowlegement and not division amongst Americans. God Bless!!!!
GEEZ...I just "Posted" my comment and got a message (again!) that the webpage had expired! OK...here I go again!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many great and though-provoking comments here! I feel the use of hypens is more to get a sense of "belonging", much like joining a small study group from a large class or a small bible group from a huge church.
I have also heard it used in a racist or derogatory way, to make the speaker seem or feel superior.
Personally, I have no issue or concern with my first observation, but definitely oppose any mean-spirited use!
Michael Nunoo..Online said
ReplyDeleteI think America is divided ove.rall. America has a problem with respecting diversity. I believe that there is a lot of hate, racism, and prejudice to many people. Not until American start respecting other peoples culture, we will always be divided
lamond
ReplyDeleteI would say i think that it is a division to let people know that you are from another country and now live in the other,now my question is if i move to china would i be concidered a american-chinese
Brad Henderson
ReplyDeleteI kinda agree I think that USA gives a lot of freedom to foreigners that we would not get if we went to their home towns. I feel that if you become an American then you are an American and if you are Asian then your Asian theirs not really a joint country its contradictory
Melanie Jenkins (online)
ReplyDeleteI don’t think it causes America to divide. Using a hyphened name shows that the person puts themselves into more than one ethnicity. It shows where you came from and where you are now.
Taneshia C -Online
ReplyDeleteI dont think that using a hyphen such as Mexican-American shows split loyality. It just mean that you are a born native of the first country and a naturalized citizen of the other. Nothing is wrong with that. Funny to say that Americans feel offended about the hyphen yet they classify the Mexicans as minority and illegals, not just an American. where is the double standard here?