In college I had, at one time or another, roommates from Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, China, and Russia. The Canadian roommate told me something about which I had never given much thought: "I'm an American too!" Subsequent conversations led me to realize that even though I had done so ignorantly, it had been presumptuous of me to presume that an American is necessarily a citizen of the United States.
So, a citizen of France can say: "I am French;" a citizen of Germany can say: "I am German;" a citizen of China can say: "I am Chinese."
I can say, "I am an American," or "I am American;" but how do I emphasize the fact that I am citizen of the United States, without having to say the long and full-of-verbiage "I am a citizen of the United States?"
Of course, there does enter the issue of ethnicity. A citizen of China need not be Oriental; would he then still be Chinese?
On this Fourth of July day, may I send a "shout out" to those around the world who are not citizens of the United States. May I say that I wish all of you the same freedoms that we (up until now, at least) have enjoyed.
Reply With Quote
As you know, John was born in England, but lived and worked in Germany, France and Denmark from he was 21 (in that order) until he died. In all these years, he kept his British citizenship and he was proud of it. He would always say to people who asked: "I'm British". In Denmark he got a lifelong permit of residence. However, he was not allowed to vote, neither here nor in England. He could vote at the Municipal elections, though.
Bookmarks