It is interesting how the racially sensitive hate having differences pointed out while preferring to have the hyphen pointing out the same difference.

If racial boundaries are to be dropped, losing hyphens is a start.

I couldn't agree more. The hyphens simply create sub-cultures and do not promote unity.

I agree. We spend far too much time these days focusing on the differences we all have, rather than the common bond of appreciating and treasuring our unity. I'm not saying differences are a bad thing, on the contrary, it's what makes this country what it is, but I think being overly forceful about those differences only causes conflict.

if you come to this country usually it is because you want a better life and the freedom that america stands for so when you decide to hypenate you are wanting the life and amentities here in the u.s. but you want to make a point that you are still of another culture or race...if we focused more on being one and fighting for these freedoms together and not classifying ourselves in all these other cultures and just say we are americans then i believe we would be more apt to not racially divide but unite as one AMERICANS i think most of our ancestors came from somewhere else in the world but i don't say i'm german french canadian scotch ect-american we have always just been americans..keep your culture and race sacred to yourself but don't hypenate...i wonder how many of these hypenators would come to the defense of this country over their own or any other country that stands against us...

In response to sharbear:I agree, by hyphenating they are clinging onto their ancestors culture. I have no problem with people having pride in their heritage, but you can be an American and still have pride and teach your children and children's children their ancestory.

And...you must be one of a kind if you are a "scotch american". How does one get this lineage because I have been trying my whole life to become one. :)

In response to Tigriz:Here are words from a great American, John Wayne:





It gets cut out at the end but he says:
"So you be wise in your decision,
And that little line won't cause division.
Let's join hands with one another...
For in this land, each man's your brother.
United we stand...divided we fall.
WE'RE AMERICANS...and that says it all. "

In response to Veto: EXACTLY. But it seems as if American's have just decided to start sub-dividing back into culturally independent groups. Treasuring ones heritage is one thing. Trying to force that culture on everyone else is something else entirely.

Why should we tell others what to do? If someone feel connected to two nationalities/races/whatever - why should we be threatened, annoyed or have any opinon on their wish to do that! I am just happy people feel passionate aobut their identities!

In response to Black Widow: I disagree I tihkn they show a strong sense of identity..

My grandparents were Polish and Croatian and never did they consider themselves anything other than Americans. That was not a term used. I agree with Black Widow, we are creating sub-cultures and they do not promte unity. We need that unity more now than any other time. Promote your culture in the home, not down everyones throats. Be proud to be an American and a part of this country. I am!

I think we should leave it to the people. It may be a respect for their forefathers who came here from a particular region or country.

In response to teammate:I do not think that my relatives were all hell bent on respecting their roots with hypenated names. I also do not think it is respect for the forefathers that came to this country. This is making a point and everyone has jumped on the band wagon. Who is the first to complain and use all this crap to their advantage when things don't go their way? I see many hypenated Americans. I must ask , how American are they really. My grandparents were proud to be AMERICANS and lived by the laws of this country. They worked hard and made their way and no one owed them anything. It was such a different time. Am I Polish American or Croatian American? Neither one, Iam An AMERICAN and proud to be one and living in this country.

I completely understand why first generation and second generation Americans go with hyphenation. They are very proud of their heritage and it's an integral part of who they are. It's their first country, first language and their tie to many traditions. My grandparents described themselves as Norwegian American until the day they died. My father does so, but to a lesser extent. My brother and I do not. By the time you get to generation number three, it seems to start make less sense to me. (We are only half Norwegian. I've never been to Norway. I don't speak any Norwegian, etc.)

That said, I suspect that this is a thinly disguised "I hate Mexican's" debate. Let's be honest guys -- does the St. Patty's Day parade (which is teeming with self-described Irish-Americans bother you?) What about the German-Americans at Oktoberfest? The Polish-American polka club? Or are you more upset by Mexican-Americans and their Cinco de Mayo celebrations?

In response to southboca:I think you hit the nail on the head. Let the fireworks begin.

Call me old-fashioned, but I think that everyone would be better off if people just started to think of themselves as Americans. I don't like hyphenated last names either. Let's keep things simple.