We're All Just Americans!

Muslim-American; African-American; Korean-American, etc....We're all just Americans!

But wait...according to the pc police, that isn't true. Nope. If you are of African descent, you are an African-American. If you came from Japan, you are a Japanese-American; If you are from Italy, you are Italian-American.

Ok, I'll stop. You get the point.

My issue here is that all the enthicities, religions, etc. make up who we are as a country. However, groups that are 'out there' want to constantly remind us that we are individuals to the point of ludicrousy.

Pop Quiz: If you are a citizen of the United States of America, are you American...Yes, or No?

Why qualify the answer? You either are an American, or you are not.

The pc labels so blithely tossed about these days teach us more about segregation than integration. Why should we distinguish our heritage (no matter how far back you go to "the old country") above our citizenship? Our histories (as people) teach us where we came from, and the road traveled to where we are today. They are wonderful for learning, growing, and appreciating the trials, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before.

But when we place our [past] cultural heritage above our current citizenship, and isolate ourselves behind labels and pride, we are only isolating ourselves from learning about each other, and helping one another to excel, and to move forward.

I am of Swedish descent...a mere 4 generations removed from the land of my great-grandparents' birth. Am I a Swedish American? No way. I am red, white and blue--through and through. I grew up seeing the racial divide of the late 60's and early 70's. My best friend at the time was of African descent. I didn't care. He was my friend.

But when I see group after group of whatever special interest (or ethnic background) to which they belong single themselves out by saying "We're (this or that) American," I just cringe. At the same time, I am saddened that we, as a country, have allowed ourselves to be labeled demographically apart from each other.

Yes, we should all be proud of where we come from. Aside from the Native population, we are ALL immigrants (most by choice...others not). Our differences constitute what makes this nation great.

But above being proud of where we came from, we should be far more proud to be an American; to be a citizen of THE greatest country on the earth. I hope that one day, the pc police will go the way of the dinosaur, and instead of being reminded of our differences, we are all able to hold our heads high and be proud to be an American. No qualifiers, no addendums. Just American.