[WikiEN-l] Re: Lists which are sheer nonsense

[Sheldon Rampton]

Zoe wrote:

>Nonsense.  Americans are the citizens or residents of the United 
>States.  DESIGNED to provoke controversy?  Only if you're looking 
>for something to make controversial.

I've been wanting to avoid wading into this discussion, but the term 
"Americans" does have a double meaning, and its usage as a reference 
solely to U.S. citizens  rankles with some people from Canada, Mexico 
and other parts of North and South America who also consider 
themselves "American" as well. The term is commonly used in reference 
U.S. citizens, and it doesn't particularly offend me personally, but 
I know people who object to it.

Using "Americans" in reference to U.S. citizens is a bit like using 
"Indians" in reference to Native Americans or "cripples" in reference 
to the physically disabled. I know there are people who find it silly 
and irritating that they should be asked to use more "politically 
correct" language, but whenever possible I think it's best to be 
sensitive about these things. I don't see a downside to saying 
"United States citizens." It's precise, unambiguous and offends no 
one. That would be my preferred usage.
-- 
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|  Sheldon Rampton
|  Editor, PR Watch (www.prwatch.org)
|  Author of books including:
|     Friends In Deed: The Story of US-Nicaragua Sister Cities
|     Toxic Sludge Is Good For You
|     Mad Cow USA
|     Trust Us, We're Experts
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