“It becomes a little tacky; however, when there is also an implied sense of being “more American” by someone whose ancestors emigrated say, in the 1780’s as opposed to the 1880’s.”
What you perceive to be implied might be nothing more than your own interpretation of facts. The more of American history one’s ancestors have been a part of, the more tradition they have as Americans, and the less they have as any other nationality. Just facts.
I’m a little miffed by this remark.
My great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents came here from Ireland, Sweden, and Germany in the late 1800’s. While I respect and celebrate my European heritage, I’ve never been to any of these countries and I consider myself 100% AMERICAN. Everyone in my family is AMERICAN, and we recognize no other allegience.
Now if I’m 100% American and you’re more American than I am (by virtue of having had family here longer), then how can you be more than 100% American?
This is baffling to me. Please explain.