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Theresa05
Sofialiciciousssssssssssss
Member since 10/06 4891 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
I don't feel I am Italian.. As I speak Sicilian which is a slang and not recognized language in books also where we are from is considered a lower class region.. The people up North are not even nice to us when we would go up there.. They snubbed their noses as if they are better..
I identity with the culture I learned from my family. We so thing like the old country in regards to traditions, holidays, ect..
I can't say I can identify with "american' since I am not even sure what that is?
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Posted 6/18/07 5:01 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
I am of Italian-Scottish-Hungarian descent. I am of American nationality since I live in the US.
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:02 PM |
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curliegirl
He's here!!!!
Member since 3/06 10128 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by Nicole728
I'm an Italian American...I was born here. however my Grandparents are from Italy and Sicily
THen actually you would be American-Italian.
I always wondered why some Sicilians say they are Italian and Sicilian, is Sicliy not part of Italy?
I am Sicilian and Napoletan and I say I am Italian........well American Italian.
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:02 PM |
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MichelleR
my Becks
Member since 5/05 1772 total posts
Name:
tracyg
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by pmpkn087
Posted by MichelleR
Posted by pmpkn087
Posted by Ophelia
Posted by Beth1210
...what does that say about being "american"
I thought America was suppose to be a melting pot- so if someone says they are American- I would think they were a mix of things-
but a mix of what? when you make soup, do you know what the ingedients are? do you enjoy each piece as much as the whole dish? do they not complement and add flavor....why should they not be acknowleged?
So then what do you propose people whose ancestors have been here for hundreds of years call themselves?
Does this make you happy:
I am a German-Sweedish-Hungarian-Polish-Irish-English-Welsh-Native American-American?
I just don't understand why I people feel that I HAVE to say I am all of those things when I really don't identify with any of them. 
It is not as if I am ashamed, I just think that if I went to Germany right now and said I am German, they would laugh at me. They would be insulted that I am calling myself a German, when in fact, I am not.
To call myself anything but American would be untrue.
But someone asking you the question if you were in Germany is different from someone HERE asking you what your background is.
But people don't ask for your background. They ask for your nationality. They can't accept American as a nationality. And, furthermore, if they ask for my ethnicity, what am I to say? Go through the whole spiel?
Why do people always feel the need to know? why can't people just be. Whey do they need an ethnicity attached to them?
I think many people get the terms ethnicity, background and nationality mixed up. Many people (that I know) think nationality is where your ancestors are from. So when they are asking nationality, they really want to know what your heritage is.
Also, that's where the "I'm a mutt" answer comes in handy. Dh uses that one.
Message edited 6/18/2007 5:05:27 PM.
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:03 PM |
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MichelleR
my Becks
Member since 5/05 1772 total posts
Name:
tracyg
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
..
Message edited 6/18/2007 5:05:05 PM.
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:04 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by pmpkn087
So then what do you propose people whose ancestors have been here for hundreds of years call themselves?
Does this make you happy:
I am a German-Sweedish-Hungarian-Polish-Irish-English-Welsh-Native American-American?
I just don't understand why I people feel that I HAVE to say I am all of those things when I really don't identify with any of them.
It is not as if I am ashamed, I just think that if I went to Germany right now and said I am German, they would laugh at me. They would be insulted that I am calling myself a German, when in fact, I am not.
To call myself anything but American would be untrue.
I don't care what you call yourself.
when people ask me where I am from, I say BROOKLYN. I carry an navy blue passport, so oversees I am from the USA.
but I am a child of the world. my mom is Norwegian..and there are pictures and customs, phrases and recipes that I want to make sure I respect and commemorate. my biological father is Irish/Welsh, so I respect those things as well. I was raised by my stepfather who is Puerto Rican and Italian, so I grew up eating rice and beans and speaking spanish as well as Irish soda bread and swedish meatballs.
it's all a part of who I am. these things are not american...they are Me. unique and special.
I plan to hold on to them, so 500 years from now, my descendents will have taste of where their bloodline descends from....and how it feels to eat arroz con pollo and lingonberries...
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:05 PM |
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MichelleR
my Becks
Member since 5/05 1772 total posts
Name:
tracyg
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by Ophelia
Posted by pmpkn087
So then what do you propose people whose ancestors have been here for hundreds of years call themselves?
Does this make you happy:
I am a German-Sweedish-Hungarian-Polish-Irish-English-Welsh-Native American-American?
I just don't understand why I people feel that I HAVE to say I am all of those things when I really don't identify with any of them.
It is not as if I am ashamed, I just think that if I went to Germany right now and said I am German, they would laugh at me. They would be insulted that I am calling myself a German, when in fact, I am not.
To call myself anything but American would be untrue.
I don't care what you call yourself.
when people ask me where I am from, I say BROOKLYN. I carry an navy blue passport, so oversees I am from the USA.
but I am a child of the world. my mom is Norwegian..and there are pictures and customs, phrases and recipes that I want to make sure I respect and commemorate. my biological father is Irish/Welsh, so I respect those things as well. I was raised by my stepfather who is Puerto Rican and Italian, so I grew up eating rice and beans and speaking spanish as well as Irish soda bread and swedish meatballs.
it's all a part of who I am. these things are not american...they are Me. unique and special.
I plan to hold on to them, so 500 years from now, my descendents will have taste of where their bloodline descends from....and how it feels to eat arroz con pollo and lingonberries...
Exactly... and I'm an honorary Filipino (after my stepmom). My kids will eat Pancit and adobo a lot!
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:06 PM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by curliegirl
Posted by Nicole728
I'm an Italian American...I was born here. however my Grandparents are from Italy and Sicily
THen actually you would be American-Italian.
I always wondered why some Sicilians say they are Italian and Sicilian, is Sicliy not part of Italy?
I am Sicilian and Napoletan and I say I am Italian........well American Italian.
I am not sure why- but the sicilians and the Neapoletans do not get along- so much so people looked at me like I was nuts when I was there- and gave that answer ( I am technically 25% of each- meet in brooklyn)
my sister said she was Sicilian when she spent the summer in florence- and got called the N word
so I think that might have something to do with why people from Sicily don't call themselves italians???????
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:07 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
100% American with all Irish ancestry.
Everyone else just would consider me 100% Irish. 
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:11 PM |
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leighdvm
My golden boys!
Member since 3/06 4419 total posts
Name:
Michele
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
When people ask me what I am, I say, "Mostly German, Russian and Lithuanian" (I am actually more than that, a mutt, really).
I never say "American". I don't know why, really. I guess I figure that the person asking me knows I live in America, so they are really asking me my ethnic background.
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:15 PM |
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oops123
LIF Adult
Member since 8/05 2509 total posts
Name:
michelle
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
i was born in this country, so why Wouldnt I consider myself "American"?
Altho if someone wanted to know what my background is,considering both my parents were born in Italy, I would say Italian-so really I would be considered
"American-Italian". Plain & simple.
I dont get it-just because this is a young country, I shouldnt consider myself American? I am proud to be American!
Message edited 6/18/2007 5:22:43 PM.
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:22 PM |
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cazhley
I ♥ cheesiness.
Member since 1/07 1429 total posts
Name:
Cassie
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Culture includes the values, beliefs, and behaviors of a social group.
For America, some of its core values and beliefs stem from the Constitution. And those values are responsible for developing philosopy in governing, as well as capitalism and the development of businesses (for better or worse), as well as social movements, like civil rights.
I believe that America does have a core culture that involves values and beliefs, in addition to the heritage of the people who live in the country.
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:30 PM |
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johnsae
Sip.
Member since 3/06 18677 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
I'm such a mix it's not even funny. I don't even know how to identify myself.
I'm Welsh, Irish, French, American Indian, and Scottish...
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:37 PM |
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sfp0701
Liam's Mommy!
Member since 1/07 9764 total posts
Name:
Tricia
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
I think the problem is in the semantics. People are asking where are you from rather than what is your ethnicity. This would be where you would list Irish, Italian, Russian etc. But if you went abroad to Europe and someone said where are you from? You would say "America". They should be asking you what your nationality is. If you are an american citizen then you are "from" america. That is your legal nationality. Your ethnicity refers to all the "blood" and cultural history you have. Lets face it certain cultures have certain traditions and they carry through in America.
Webster Dictionary
Main Entry: na·tion·al·i·ty
1 : national character
2 : NATIONALISM 1
3 a : national status; specifically : a legal relationship involving allegiance on the part of an individual and usually protection on the part of the state b : membership in a particular nation
4 : political independence or existence as a separate nation
5 a : a people having a common origin, tradition, and language and capable of forming or actually constituting a nation-state b : an ethnic group constituting one element of a larger unit (as a nation )
Ethnicity
1 : ethnic quality or affiliation <aspects of ethnicity>
2 : a particular ethnic affiliation or group <students of diverse ethnicities>
Ethnic
1. of or relating to large groups of people classed according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin or background <ethnic minorities> <ethnic enclaves> b : being a member of a specified ethnic group <an ethnic German> c : of, relating to, or characteristic of ethnics <ethnic neighborhoods> <ethnic foods>
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:40 PM |
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ladybug8
LIF Adult
Member since 3/07 2660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by lilacwine
I always described myself as Irish...until I went to Ireland and saw, first-hand, just how American I am.
My face, my name, my pale skin all scream Irish, but it's just a shell for my American being.
My parents are from Ireland. When I am asked what my nationality is I say Irish. It's like when I'm here I'm Irish but when I'm in Ireland I'm American.
I used to go to Irish bars in Woodside and if someone with an Irish accent asked me if I was Irish, I would say, "No, but my parents are." It sounds silly but if I said yes, the next question would be, "What part?"
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:48 PM |
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charon54
My two boys!
Member since 5/05 7279 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
I say I am a mutt. I am first generation American on my dad's side, he was born in Austria. My mom's family literally came on the Mayflower. I am the twelvth great-granddaughter of John Alden and Priscilla Mullens.
My dad's side is eastern European, my mom's side is from England and Germany.
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| Posted 6/18/07 5:58 PM |
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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
Name:
Chrissy
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
I'm also first generation, so when asked my nationality, I state that I'm an American Middle-Easterner.
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| Posted 6/18/07 6:02 PM |
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J9-13
We're gonna be big sisters!
Member since 6/06 14887 total posts
Name:
J9
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by MichelleR
The thing is, if you answer "American" the other person usually says "No, I mean what is your background?". Then unless you are Native American, your answer can't be American. People want to know where your ancestors are from... they don't care where you were born.
My family has been here in America for over 400 years, but I would still tell them by background is German and English.
I agree. If someone asks I say half Italian and half Irish but I was born here and don't speak Italian (thats usually the next question).
I never say that I am just "American"
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| Posted 6/18/07 6:04 PM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
I always identify myself as American in regard to nationality. 3 out of 4 of my grandparents were not born in this country. When they came here, they adopted a new nationality and assimilated. They learned the language, started multiple businesses, paid taxes and raised families. They were proud to be American. So am I. There are absolutely ZERO ties to the nationalities they left in Europe and Russia and there is no guilt about it. Culturally, I am Jewish. Yes Judaism is a religion but it is a big part of how I identify myself culturally.
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| Posted 6/18/07 6:05 PM |
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Booklady1017
Information Goddess
Member since 5/05 4149 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by Goldi0218
I always identify myself as American in regard to nationality. 3 out of 4 of my grandparents were not born in this country. When they came here, they adopted a new nationality and assimilated. They learned the language, started multiple businesses, paid taxes and raised families. They were proud to be American. So am I. There are absolutely ZERO ties to the nationalities they left in Europe and Russia and there is no guilt about it. Culturally, I am Jewish. Yes Judaism is a religion but it is a big part of how I identify myself culturally.
ITA, that is why I said I am a Jewish American.
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| Posted 6/18/07 6:43 PM |
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SupportACop
Momma's Boy & Lovin' it!!
Member since 5/06 2579 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by Tany
I'm 100 % Colombian.
although I have lived in this country for so long, that's where I was born.
Me too! I was born in Bogota but raised in an Italian family. Grandparents are from Italy. I had always said I was Italian but as I got older I realized I had my Spanish heritage that I can identfy with. I am Colombian-Italian. 
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| Posted 6/18/07 8:31 PM |
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Tany
Becoming a different woman
Member since 5/05 24460 total posts
Name:
Tania
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by SupportACop
Posted by Tany
I'm 100 % Colombian.
although I have lived in this country for so long, that's where I was born.
Me too! I was born in Bogota but raised in an Italian family. Grandparents are from Italy. I had always said I was Italian but as I got older I realized I had my Spanish heritage that I can identfy with. I am Colombian-Italian.
Yeah !!!
what a great combination.
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| Posted 6/18/07 8:33 PM |
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Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name:
Jackie
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
I identify myself as an American Jew. As Goldi said, my grandparents/ancestors came from countries where they were persecuted, and as such, have no ties to the cultures of those Eastern European countries. I don't remotely consider myself Polish, Romanian, Russian, etc...
Ethnically, culturally and religiously, I identify as a Jew. I know it's a religion and it can be difficult to understand how it's also my ethnicity, but if you take Jews from a variety of different countries, we all share a common culture.
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| Posted 6/18/07 8:40 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
If someone asks where I am from... I say New York or Long Island.
If someone asks my ethnicity I say that I will usually say I am an American mutt. Or I will tell them that I got some Irish and Danish in my blood.. and that I am German by injection.
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| Posted 6/18/07 8:43 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: Spin off to the Jessica Alba topic on the celeb board
Posted by Beth1210
Posted by curliegirl
Posted by Nicole728
I'm an Italian American...I was born here. however my Grandparents are from Italy and Sicily
THen actually you would be American-Italian.
I always wondered why some Sicilians say they are Italian and Sicilian, is Sicliy not part of Italy?
I am Sicilian and Napoletan and I say I am Italian........well American Italian.
I am not sure why- but the sicilians and the Neapoletans do not get along- so much so people looked at me like I was nuts when I was there- and gave that answer ( I am technically 25% of each- meet in brooklyn)
my sister said she was Sicilian when she spent the summer in florence- and got called the N word
so I think that might have something to do with why people from Sicily don't call themselves italians???????
The history of "mainland" Italy and Sicily is very diverse - Sicily is a much more Arab influenced region where "Italy" was more influenced by other European nations. Remember Italy only became "Italy" in the 40s! Before then each region spoke its own dialect and there was almost no sense of a nationallanguage
Sicilian ( what I speak) is NOTHING like Italian. . . I learned this the hard way in 7th grade italian class
Sicilians have always been ( and still are ) treated as second class citizens. . .we are the peasants, the farm workers, the day laborers. . . which obviously is just a stereotype today - but if you ask someone from the North what they would do if their child married a Sicilian. . . .most would be horrified ( I mean no disrespect by this. . .my grandmother was from Naples and had to run away to marry my Sicilian grandfather lol and she was from the South!)
So, I think that Sicilians today and especially Sicilian - Americans make an effort to "reclaim" their nationality and identity. . . instead of being ashamed of speaking Sicilian - I am trying to learn how to read and write it etc.
And as for the original question - If I am in America I say I am Sicilian ( first generation American ) if I am in Italy I say I am American ( although they usually guess that I am Sicilian first )
Message edited 6/18/2007 9:05:27 PM.
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| Posted 6/18/07 9:00 PM |
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