[coloradan]

I am a Native American, because I was born here. I am also an African American, because my ancestors came from Africa. (After being waylaid in Europe for a few tens of thousands of years, perhaps, but they still came from Africa.) I am also European-American, because I can trace ancestry from there, and I am also American-American, because my parents were both US citizens by birth. In fact, I am simply “American,” but, those who seek to claim Hyphenated-American status are merely attempting to divide and conquer the melting pot which this place was supposed to be.

[GregoTX]

"I am a Native American, because I was born here.

I know what you mean. I was born and raised in Texas, so I am a Native Texan. I am denied by many the opportunity to call myself a Native American even though I was born and raised in the USA.

[Pox]

I agree. I’m a “Native American” due to the fact that I was born in Ohio. I also have an ancestor who was Cherokee. Other ancestors of mine came from Europe. More or less, I am now basically considered “Caucasian”, but that is not precisely accurate.

You know what? I don’t really care one way or another. I’m an “American”, plain, pure and simple, regardless of my genetic background.

I tend to basically look upon any other person who was born in this country and insist upon being defined by their genetic lineage prior to their birth in this country as “ASSHOLES”.

But, that’s just me.