I am an American
Mary Baker explains why she chooses not to have any qualifiers to her identity: American.
Amen to that.
I have held the same position for about a year now (i.e. as long as I have been a naturalized American citizen). I am an American. Any other adjectives or qualifiers demean my proud United States citizenship. I am an American. There is no other group of people to whom I belong or to whom I owe anything. I am an American and whatever I may come to accomplish reflects on Americans and no one else.
America is the Greatest Melting Pot, not a salad bowl. I do not feel that anyone who wants to retain their distinct cultural identity and flock together among the birds of a feather can honestly call themselves “American”. Sure, each group of immigrants do bring their unique culture and enrich us: but as they enrich us and we assimilate to them, they need to be enriched by us and assimilate to our American culture. As much as I like Mexican food, I don’t want Chicanos deluding themselves that they are Americans. Go back to Mexico if you want to separate yourself from the mainstream America.
I just wish that everyone would stop playing identity politics and focus on this great country and how we can make it better together, as Americans—or not, as “loyal opposition” is one of the greatest American (well, and British) ideas.