Text 1940, 57 rader
Skriven 2007-05-23 16:26:06 av Ross Cassell (1:123/456)
   Kommentar till text 1936 av Michiel van der Vlist (2:280/5555)
Ärende: Americaan
=================
Hello Michiel!

23 May 07 21:01, you wrote to me:

 RC>> So is it American Football, well no if you are in the PC crowd,
 RC>> not every nation in the Americas see it that way, it cant be USA
 RC>> Football, Canada plays it too!

 MV> Which should tell you that "America" includes Canada....

But Latin America doesnt see our definition of Football the same, employing
your logic of course.

 RC>> Do we not say we are taking a aspirin for a headache, even though
 RC>> the pill may not be "an aspirin", but a generic term for it?

 MV> Not here. The term "aspirin" - or rather the Dutch equivalent
 MV> "asperine" is hardly ever used since the stuff with the original name
 MV> was taken off the market. The most popular pain killer now is
 MV> paracetamol and it is called just that,

You missed the point I was trying to make.

 RC>> Every Dictionary I have seen so far that defines American, lists
 RC>> a definition to define it as a citizen of the United States.

 MV> Then what is the generic term for an inhabitant of the continent of
 MV> America (North or south)?

There is no generic term, that has taken its place in common vernacular.

If you wish to refer to a resident of Canada, then use Canadian, if Mexico,
then use Mexican, Columbia, use Columbian, Venezuela, use Venezuelan, Brazil,
use Brazilian etc etc.

 RC>> If there is anyone confused, it is not citizens of the Americas.

 MV> It nevertheless is confusing for those in the rest of the world.

Then get over your confusion, if it isnt bothering the people you all assume it
would, then it shouldnt bother you.

Narrowing down the scope to only include Fidonet, you are even being more
foolish by trying to alleviate confusion that does not exist.

As you have pointed out for yourself, it might be ok to refer to you as Dutch,
but not as a Hollander, in either case you are the one standing up and saying
"ahem". Can you say anyone on this side of the pond is objecting to what you
appear to be confused about?

==
Ross
Fidonet Feeds Or Fidonet In Your Newsreader: http://www.easternstar.info
E-mail: ross(at)cassell(dot)us | Blogs/Other Places: http://links.cassell.us
... In fond memory of Ann and Ray Emery, I'll miss you Ann!
--- GoldED+/W32 1.1.5-30413
 * Origin: The Eastern Star - Spartanburg, SC USA (1:123/456)