NationStates Jolt Archive

The US should probably just be called "America." Calling it the United States or US is like calling Germany the Federal Republic or FR.

Agree or disagree? >_>

Well, we do tend to be a bit self-centered.

Disagree. America is two continents; the United States has no right to claim it for itself.

Makes sense if you know our history. Plus, America is the continent(s), there are other countries here.

I like the "Untied States of America"

and Keivan, are you male or female?

I like the "Untied States of America"

and Keivan, are you male or female?


He/She/It is all three ;-)



And it does make sense if you knew history. Or Geography, since you'll notice these two continent like thingy's in the western hemisphere, that would be named North America, and South America.

Disagree. America is two continents; the United States has no right to claim it for itself.

No other country did... might as well just be "America"

It's a similar situation to when East and West Germany were both technically called Germany. One was the Federal Republic and one of the Democratic Republic.

And it does make sense if you knew history. Or Geography, since you'll notice these two continent like thingy's in the western hemisphere, that would be named North America, and South America.

It makes sense, but it's a bit... odd.

No other country did... might as well just be "America"
So we should call the PRC "Asia" now?

It's a similar situation to when East and West Germany were both technically called Germany. One was the Federal Republic and one of the Democratic Republic.
Just as there is a Republic of Korea and a Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Your point being?

It makes sense, but it's a bit... odd.



well it came to be because the only thing the 13 colonies had in common was they were in the "America's" and they wanted to be states in a new nation. And since everyone would call themselves, Virginian's first and American's second. No matter how innaccurate it is to call ourselves america, thats just how it happened.

So we should call the PRC "Asia" now?

No, because Asia isn't the PRC's name. Their name is China.

My point is that America is one of the only, if not the only, countries in the world who's common name uses their title.

So we should call the PRC "Asia" now?


Just as there is a Republic of Korea and a Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Your point being?


hey Neu Leonstein, we're agreeing on something? wtf? :-p

I like the "Untied States of America"

and Keivan, are you male or female?

I have come to the conclusion Keivan is neither, nor his Keivan both. Keivan has been turned commie plain and simple. Joke of course

Well yea, The United States of America is a pretty dumb name. It seems to indicate that each states is it's own indipendant nation part of something bigger (like nations are to the United Nations) when in reality they are the same thing as a province or region. Should have called it Freedomland or something.

I like the "Untied States of America"
ahahaha...please please please tell me this was just a freudian slip

I have come to the conclusion Keivan is neither, nor his Keivan both. Keivan has been turned commie plain and simple. Joke of course

Well yea, The United States of America is a pretty dumb name. It seems to indicate that each states is it's own indipendant nation part of something bigger (like nations are to the United Nations) when in reality they are the same thing as a province or region. Should have called it Freedomland or something.


well they did see themselves as soveirgn at the beginning. Read the Articles of Confederacy(predated the Constitution) Very very weak central government and a very strong state government. I mean the government had no power to tax at all. They had to ASK the state governments for money.

well they did see themselves as soveirgn at the beginning. Read the Articles of Confederacy(predated the Constitution) Very very weak central government and a very strong state government. I mean the government had no power to tax at all. They had to ASK the state governments for money.

And that there proves that I have a lack of any significant knowledge for anything south of the border.

And that there proves that I have a lack of any significant knowledge for anything south of the border.


Feelings Mutual ;)



"Canada? isn't that one of the states?"
"hmmm not sure"

Feelings Mutual ;)



"Canada? isn't that one of the states?"
"hmmm not sure"
I, too, know embarrassing little about Canada, and I love Canada and Canadians. They're just cool.

I, too, know embarrassing little about Canada, and I love Canada and Canadians. They're just cool.

Yea, were a pretty mysterious bunch, like the sasquatch. :cool:

I, too, know embarrassing little about Canada, and I love Canada and Canadians. They're just cool.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.

Beware those Canadians.

With their reasonable public discourse, healthcare for the poor, expansive wilderness, peacable foreign policy, and their diabolical, twisted football rules...

There just waiting, watching...don't you see, they've been massing on the border for years, YEARS!

You can laugh, but one day, a cold air will come from the north, and on its biting winds will be bourne the doom of our world, on great white parachutes with that terrifying symbol...

The last thing we will ever see, a nightmarish snowfall of red maple leafs...

My point is that America is one of the only, if not the only, countries in the world who's common name uses their title.
Well, I often call North Korea the DPRK, and no one calls East Germany "East Germany". They call it "DDR".

It just turned out that way, and considering how the people of South America say it, it's pretty clear that the US can't claim exclusivity to the name of the continent.

Yea, were a pretty mysterious bunch, like the sasquatch. :cool:
If you were really Canadian, you would know that we have to call them Samsquanches, as that is what Bubbles calls them.

The US should probably just be called "America." Calling it the United States or US is like calling Germany the Federal Republic or FR.

Agree or disagree? >_>

Just call them Gringos or USAnians like everyone else does when they aren't looking!

...and no one calls East Germany "East Germany". They call it "DDR".
"Dance Dance Revolution"? I like East Germany!

The US should probably just be called "America." Calling it the United States or US is like calling Germany the Federal Republic or FR.

Agree or disagree? >_>Disagree

Simplifying the conventional name "United States of America" to "America" would be like refering to North and South America.

It does make sense to call USA "America" in short form but it also make sense to call USA "the United States".

Why?

- Probably the only country using this forename.
- States are united into one federal republic.

Hard to explain but I say referring USA "United States" does make sense.

I like the "Untied States of America"

and Keivan, are you male or female?
Both

No, because Asia isn't the PRC's name. Their name is China.

My point is that America is one of the only, if not the only, countries in the world who's common name uses their title.Speaking of China, there are actually two Chinas.

One is the "People's Republic of China" and the other is the "Republic of China".

The two Chinas split in 1949.

Now, we refer the two Chinas and many ways. We refer PRC as simply China, mainland China, the mainland, Zhong Guo, or Dai Look. For ROC, we simply refer them as Taiwan, that's because the gov't of ROC is on the island since 1949.

Unlike the Koreas, Germany, and Vietnam. We don't or rarely refer the two Chinas as West and East China.

Understand K-P?;)

No other country did... might as well just be "America"

It's a similar situation to when East and West Germany were both technically called Germany. One was the Federal Republic and one of the Democratic Republic.

Not really. It was Germany and the DDR and Germany and the BRD, depending in which you lived...

No, because Asia isn't the PRC's name. Their name is China.

My point is that America is one of the only, if not the only, countries in the world who's common name uses their title.

Appart from the USSR, you mean?

The US should probably just be called "America." Calling it the United States or US is like calling Germany the Federal Republic or FR.

Agree or disagree? >_>
Disagree. I fail to understand why you are so determined to denegrate English as a communication device. :confused:

United States of America is descriptive (ie the nation consists of States within America that are united into a nation), further since the word America is already a proper noun for a different entity (ie the continent of America), your suggestion can only result in less clarity and would be an impoverishment of the language.

So we should call the PRC "Asia" now?
Not the same thing. There is no "America" other than the US. There are the "Americas", there is "North America" and there is "South America." If we were to start calling the PRC "Sia", then that would work as a different name.

Should have called it Freedomland or something.
But that movie sucked, and there are so many better Samuel L Jackson movies we could name the country after. I wouldn't mind being a Loaded Weaponsian, for one, or even a Pulp Fictionian.

Appart from the USSR, you mean?

Nope. The common name for that was the Soviet Union.

Well, I often call North Korea the DPRK, and no one calls East Germany "East Germany". They call it "DDR".

It just turned out that way, and considering how the people of South America say it, it's pretty clear that the US can't claim exclusivity to the name of the continent.Uh... I think your arguement just defeated itself, by intially refering to East Germany AS East Germany.

And I for one would instantly understand which country you meant if you talked about East Germany and West Germany or North Korea and South Korea. DDR, and... I can't even remember the abreviation for the Federal Republic of Germany. DFR? FRD? FRG? FDR?

Anyway, what's in a name? Refer to the US, USA and even America (if it's obvious you're talking about a country) and people will know which country you're on about. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Uh... I think your arguement just defeated itself, by intially refering to East Germany AS East Germany.
I suppose it might be more common in English. If I simply said "Ostdeutschland", people would think I was talking about the same geographical area, but not about the country that was the DDR.

And I for one would instantly understand which country you meant if you talked about East Germany and West Germany or North Korea and South Korea. DDR, and... I can't even remember the abreviation for the Federal Republic of Germany. DFR? FRD? FRG? FDR?
In English it is the Federal Republic of Germany, ie FRG.
In German it is the Bundesrepublik Deutschland, ie the BRD. And since we're also saying "DDR", for the sake of consistency, that's what it is.

The point is that there are many countries which are better known by the abbreviations referring to their full title, not just the US.

Nope. The common name for that was the Soviet Union.

Well, let's compare common names then, shall we?

Common names for USA:
US, States, America, United States

Common names for USSR:
Sovjet Union, Russia, SR, Sovjet Russia

It's all a matter of preference, I guess. I would normallt refer to the USA as "the States", to the former Sovjet Union as "USSR", and to the modern day union as "Russia".

Well, let's compare common names then, shall we?
Indeed, the similarities are striking.

The full title is the United States of America, people usually say US or USA and sometimes "America".

The other is the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, and people say USSR, Soviet Union and sometimes they just said "Russia".

Yet strictly speaking, "Russia" would of course be incorrect to properly describe the USSR, because there was more to the USSR than just Russia.
And similarly (although in inverse), "America" would be incorrect to properly describe the USA, because there is more to America than just the USA.

Well, let's compare common names then, shall we?

Common names for USA:
US, States, America, United States

Common names for USSR:
Sovjet Union, Russia, SR, Sovjet Russia

It's all a matter of preference, I guess. I would normallt refer to the USA as "the States", to the former Sovjet Union as "USSR", and to the modern day union as "Russia".

>_>

Sovjet? If you're gonna do that, might as well go all the way and use Cobet...

Yet strictly speaking, "Russia" would of course be incorrect to properly describe the USSR, because there was more to the USSR than just Russia.
And similarly (although in inverse), "America" would be incorrect to properly describe the USA, because there is more to America than just the USA.

Ahh, but the Soviet Union never called themselves Russia. The USA calls themselves America. Might be incorrect, but it's official.

Calling the United States "America" would be like calling Germany "Europe."

Ahh, but the Soviet Union never called themselves Russia. The USA calls themselves America. Might be incorrect, but it's official.
The Russian SSR called itself Russia. Some Soviet Leaders spoke of Russia.

But in their official documents, the official title was used. Now the onus is on you to find me an official US document in which "America" is used instead of the actual title.

Nevermind. You people don't get it.

Ahh, but the Soviet Union never called themselves Russia. The USA calls themselves America. Might be incorrect, but it's official.

Wrong. Russians living in the Sovjet Union calles themselves Russians. Americans living in the USA call themselves Americans.

The officials call/called their countries USA and USSR.

Wrong. Russians living in the Sovjet Union calles themselves Russians. Americans living in the USA call themselves Americans.

The officials call/called their countries USA and USSR.

You're not getting the concept of "long name" and "short name".

Federal Republic of Germany = Germany

USSR = Soviet Union (See! No Russia!)

USA = America

It's not geographically correct, but it's in there.

You're not getting the concept of "long name" and "short name".

Federal Republic of Germany = Germany

USSR = Soviet Union (See! No Russia!)

USA = America

It's not geographically correct, but it's in there.

It' not politically correct, either. Nor culturally. In fact, it's nothing but colloquialisms :p

It's not geographically correct, but it's in there.
Right.

So what is your problem with that again?

The US should probably just be called "America."
America is nothing without the unitedness and the states, unless you actually think the federal government could keep on rolling from DC, Puerto Rico, and various Pacific possesions.
American citizens outside of the USA are called Americans by thier hosts and identify themselves as Americans while trying to avoid and/or overcome certain difficulties.
Corrected.
Differentiation between states and immigrant background are far more common.

Right.

So what is your problem with that again?

People use the title "United States" as the short term. When they should use "America." The same way Germany doesn't use "Federal Republic," Russia doesn't use "Federation" and China doesn't use "People's Republic."

People use the title "United States" as the short term. When they should use "America." The same way Germany doesn't use "Federal Republic," Russia doesn't use "Federation" and China doesn't use "People's Republic."Oh, that's what you mean. But you're wrong. We do use "Federal Republic" and so on to refer to Germany.

People use the title "United States" as the short term. When they should use "America." The same way Germany doesn't use "Federal Republic," Russia doesn't use "Federation" and China doesn't use "People's Republic."
Germans use "Bundesrepublik" all the time. Especially the media.

I don't know how the Russians and the Chinese speak of themselves, but at least in the PRC's case you'll acknowledge that there are political connotations in making a distinct effort to only refer to the PRC, rather than "China", which would have to incorporate Taiwan.

Corrected.
Differentiation between states and immigrant background are far more common.

So, if you were referring to your nationality, what would you call yourself?

Oh, that's what you mean. But you're wrong. We do use "Federal Republic" and so on to refer to Germany.

Well, that's stupid.

People use the title "United States" as the short term. When they should use "America." The same way Germany doesn't use "Federal Republic," Russia doesn't use "Federation" and China doesn't use "People's Republic."

Actually, people do use the term Bundesrepublik in Germany a lot, too, when refering to the political entity.

Well, that's stupid.

Let me get this straight... you are trying to tell the entire rest of the world that you are the person who should tell them what they should call themselves?
You do reach new levels of arrogance today, my friend.

Let me get this straight... you are trying to tell the entire rest of the world that you are the person who should tell them what they should call themselves?
You do reach new levels of arrogance today, my friend.

Yep. We don't go around calling ourselves the Commonwealth.

Yep. We don't go around calling ourselves the Commonwealth.

Good for you.
We do go round calling our country Bundesrepublik and the USA United States. I suggest you just put up with it...

Well, that's stupid.Why? Because other countries do it too?
The French have terms like l'Hexagonne or Fifth Republic to refer to their country.
Great Britain: The UK.

Yep. We don't go around calling ourselves the Commonwealth.At least you quit trying to convince everyone you weren't Australian...

At least you quit trying to convince everyone you weren't Australian...

*roflmao

:D

So, if you were referring to your nationality, what would you call yourself?
Nationality would have to be American, that's what the pappers say. However, for Americans within the borders of the US to be calling themselves American is totally unneccsary. Virtually anyone can be American. We don't mention our nationality until we're out of the country, like I mentioned in the post. If an American is present in the States they refer to their state, city, town, immigrant background, and whatnot as their "identity". The national identiy is comprised of all of these other identities. Its also rather annoying, as foreigners expect us to know everything about the entire country. The country is really big. You certainly know more about California than I do, especially on a personal and cultural basis.

At least you quit trying to convince everyone you weren't Australian...

On paper. And nationality is worthless.

Nationality would have to be American, that's what the pappers say. However, for Americans within the borders of the US to be calling themselves American is totally unneccsary. Virtually anyone can be American. We don't mention our nationality until we're out of the country, like I mentioned in the post. If an American is present in the States they refer to their state, city, town, immigrant background, and whatnot as their "identity". The national identiy is comprised of all of these other identities. Its also rather annoying, as foreigners expect us to know everything about the entire country. The country is really big. You certainly know more about California than I do, especially on a personal and cultural basis.

Thank god somebody finally GETS IT.

Nationality would have to be American, that's what the pappers say. However, for Americans within the borders of the US to be calling themselves American is totally unneccsary. Virtually anyone can be American. We don't mention our nationality until we're out of the country, like I mentioned in the post. If an American is present in the States they refer to their state, city, town, immigrant background, and whatnot as their "identity". The national identiy is comprised of all of these other identities. Its also rather annoying, as foreigners expect us to know everything about the entire country. The country is really big. You certainly know more about California than I do, especially on a personal and cultural basis.

Actually, that's not much different to any other country. When talking to your fellow-countrymen, mentioning your nationality is pointless, if anything you'd talk about what region or town you're from.

Actually, that's not much different to any other country. When talking to your fellow-countrymen, mentioning your nationality is pointless, if anything you'd talk about what region or town you're from.
We seem to have reached an agreement then.
Nationality means nothing when residing within owns own nation. We gotta keep stripping relationships down to the naked family ties.

Thank god somebody finally GETS IT.
And yet, American is what they are. American is what they learn, what they grow up as, what their values are.

Although that might not be uniform, there still is that commonality which makes them all Americans. And it's the same in Oz.

I wouldn't believe an American (where is Mr. Prussian Jew by the way?) that they are German any more than I would believe you.

And while we're at it - this is an international forum, so I'll acknowledge that someone is from California and someone else is from Texas, but ultimately I still see them as American, just as they see me as German, rather than some Fischkopp.

Actually, that's not much different to any other country. When talking to your fellow-countrymen, mentioning your nationality is pointless, if anything you'd talk about what region or town you're from.

Seconded.

Actually, that's not much different to any other country. When talking to your fellow-countrymen, mentioning your nationality is pointless, if anything you'd talk about what region or town you're from.Which had me think about those silly "Freistaatler" or "Hanseaten"... :D

And yet, American is what they are. American is what they learn, what they grow up as, what their values are.

Although that might not be uniform, there still is that commonality which makes them all Americans. And it's the same in Oz.

I wouldn't believe an American (where is Mr. Prussian Jew by the way?) that they are German any more than I would believe you.

And while we're at it - this is an international forum, so I'll acknowledge that someone is from California and someone else is from Texas, but ultimately I still see them as American, just as they see me as German, rather than some Fischkopp.

Actually I like Fischköppe...

These threads by K-P always make interesting reads...in between something real or objective...like reading pulp fiction between two scientific journals

It's too bad Amerigo Vespucci wasn't from France. If that had been the case, maybe we'd seen some sort of movement in the US to call their country "Libertyland".

Though that might cause a bit of confusion when the Libertarian party held rallies.

It's too bad Amerigo Vespucci wasn't from France. If that had been the case, maybe we'd seen some sort of movement in the US to call their country "Libertyland".
Finally, some Nordic humor instead of Germans speaking German! :p

No other country did... might as well just be "America"

It's a similar situation to when East and West Germany were both technically called Germany. One was the Federal Republic and one of the Democratic Republic.


No, it's more akin to Germany just calling itself "Europe".

Oh wait, they tried that 60 years ago, didn't they? ;)

Finally, some Nordic humor instead of Germans speaking German! :p

Mich dünkt Du gehabest Dich nicht recht wohle mit dem Gebrauch der größten zentraleuropäischen Sprache...try this :p

Do you prefer germans speaking english...would be strange, no one does that ;)

Do you prefer germans speaking english...would be strange, no one does that.
Presently, Germans that speak English, Spanish, or Swedish are much better than Germans that speak German. :)

Mich dünkt Du gehabest Dich nicht recht wohle mit dem Gebrauch der größten zentraleuropäischen Sprache
My thought you should your night reich whole with them Gorbachov the biggest, best Centeral European language.

Mmm ... shooting in the dark. :D

Nevermind. You people don't get it.
On the contrary -- you are the one who is not seeing it.

I assure you that the culture of the state of New York is completely different from the culture of the state of Wisconsin. They each also have their own state governments, with differing laws, tax rates, etc.

Perhaps we should dispense with calling Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania by their proper names and just call them all Oceania?

Considering that Canada also shares North America with the US, do you think they should be enveloped into "America"? I don't, and I share a border with them in my state and I LIKE Canadians. Should we tell them they can no longer claim to be from the Americas because now it's our name? It's more than a little ridiculous.

Should Central and South America also be absorbed into this entity because of sheer laziness on the part of others?

Funny, last time I looked, the member nations in the European Union still had their own national and cultural identities..... try calling a Frenchman an Englishman or vice versa and see how they feel. ;)

When referring to both continents, most will say 'the Americas'. When referring to one continent, one will say 'North America / South America'. I see no problem with the nation of the United States of America being called America for short. However, the term American may be trickier to explain away.

Disagree

Simplifying the conventional name "United States of America" to "America" would be like refering to North and South America.

It does make sense to call USA "America" in short form but it also make sense to call USA "the United States".

Why?

- Probably the only country using this forename.
- States are united into one federal republic.

Hard to explain but I say referring USA "United States" does make sense.

Actually I Believe Mexico has the official name of "The United States Of Mexico", correct?

Appart from the USSR, you mean?

United Soviet Socialist Republic dumbass

Actually I Believe Mexico has the official name of "The United States Of Mexico", correct?
Nope. "United Mexican States".
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/mx.html

"Estados Unidos" also refers to the United States of America, even in Mexico.

No, because Asia isn't the PRC's name. Their name is China.

My point is that America is one of the only, if not the only, countries in the world who's common name uses their title.


Sure...If you forgot Central, and South America.


Or the United Arab Emirates.

Or....

United Soviet Socialist Republic dumbass

Flaming, and warned.

Sure...If you forgot Central, and South America.


Or the United Arab Emirates.

Or....

The only legit one there is the UAE... and you can just call that the Arab Emirates.

And while we're at it - this is an international forum, so I'll acknowledge that someone is from California and someone else is from Texas, but ultimately I still see them as American, just as they see me as German, rather than some Fischkopp.

I see you as a fishhead. Northerner.

The only legit one there is the UAE... and you can just call that the Arab Emirates.


Why call it something the people who live there don't?

The only legit one there is the UAE... and you can just call that the Arab Emirates.


No....thats not thier name.

The name, is offically, "The United Arab Emirates".

the UAE.

At any rate, your original post still makes very little sense.

No....thats not thier name.

The name, is offically, "The United Arab Emirates".

the UAE.

At any rate, your original post still makes very little sense.

Yeah, you can call them the Arab Emirates. It's short.

Why call it something the people who live there don't?

Because the people who live there are tending dirt farms.

Why call it something the people who live there don't?
To the locals its: Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah.

Because the people who live there are tending dirt farms.


Wich pretty much sums up all I need to know about you.

Presently, Germans that speak English, Spanish, or Swedish are much better than Germans that speak German. :)

Mich dünkt Du gehabest Dich nicht recht wohle mit dem Gebrauch der größten zentraleuropäischen Sprache
My thought you should your night reich whole with them Gorbachov the biggest, best Centeral European language.

Mmm ... shooting in the dark. :D

And hitting...the blue. No cookie. Actually I like germans willing to speak other languages also better than the monolinguists...

And it was some kind of old-fashioned, stylish german...so don´t worry

Because the people who live there are tending dirt farms.
Agriculture makes up only four percent of the economy in Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah.

I see you as a fishhead. Northerner....says the person with "Prussia" in his name... :D :D :D

...says the person with "Prussia" in his name... :D :D :D

It's a really old username.

ahahaha...please please please tell me this was just a freudian slip

Well, the USA is letting loose at the moment!

Agriculture makes up only four percent of the economy in Al Imarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah.

Hence, dirt farms.

It's a really old username.I do recall you metaphorically waving the colors of the Hanse with pride not too long ago though. Where do you think the red in the Prussian flag comes from?

Actually I like germans willing to speak other languages also better than the monolinguists...
I'm not officially bilingual, or monolingual for that matter, but whatever. :p
Hence, dirt farms.
Man kan ta det i det där tokiga sättet.

...says the person with "Prussia" in his name... :D :D :D

And even better a fishhead than a [insert vile comment] head

I'm not officially bilingual, or monolingual for that matter, but whatever. :p


Sorry, I meant the german monolinguists...and you are in the positive position to speak the generally recognized language, aka english :p

The US should probably just be called "America." Calling it the United States or US is like calling Germany the Federal Republic or FR.

Agree or disagree? >_>
"FRians?" Heh! "FaRoutians?" :D

"French" and "Canadians" = Frenadians? LOL!

"FRians?" Heh! "FaRoutians?" :D

"French" and "Canadians" = Frenadians? LOL!

Don´t you step on my proud faroutian heritage :D

The USA should really come up with a new, catchier name. The last time it was decided by committee and it shows.

Hence, dirt farms.
You need to get out more.

I do recall you metaphorically waving the colors of the Hanse with pride not too long ago though. Where do you think the red in the Prussian flag comes from?
*Waves colours stupidly*

http://www.ferienwohnung-finkenwerder.de/images/hamburg.jpg

[/Lokalpatriotismus]

You're not getting the concept of "long name" and "short name".

Federal Republic of Germany = Germany

USSR = Soviet Union (See! No Russia!)

USA = America

It's not geographically correct, but it's in there.

The long name is United States of America. The short name is United States. See United States Navy, United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, etc.

I do recall you metaphorically waving the colors of the Hanse with pride not too long ago though. Where do you think the red in the Prussian flag comes from?

I don't think that was me. I never learned about Hanse or the League.

You need to get out more.


*Waves colours stupidly*

http://www.ferienwohnung-finkenwerder.de/images/hamburg.jpg

[/Lokalpatriotismus]

Joins in waving...look!!! (http://www.tagx.info/wappen/deutsche/hamburg.jpg)

Ferienwohnung Finkenwerder hat schon wieder was...

Because the people who live there are tending dirt farms.

And buying our ports and selling us our oil.

I don't think that was me. I never learned about Hanse or the League.

ahh...the benefit of selective memory...this belongs not typically to Asperger´s syndrom, you know...

The long name is United States of America. The short name is United States. See United States Navy, United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, etc.
All this bullshit about "USians" or worse yet, "USAians" is just that, bullshit. The only people who use those idiotic terms are those who wish to subtly mock America. I seriously question their motivation.

I don't think that was me. I never learned about Hanse or the League.Maybe you should. When Prussia incorporated the Hanse into its Kingdom, it added a red stripe to the otherwise black and white flag to symbolize the North German heritage. If you jabber on about Prussia, you invariably include the Hanse.

Why call it something the people who live there don't?
Good question, and one I have asked repeatedly on here, without ever recieving an answer. :(

All this bullshit about "USians" or worse yet, "USAians" is just that, bullshit. The only people who use those idiotic terms are those who wish to subtly mock America. I seriously question their motivation.

I agree with you inasmuch as I find those terms ridiculous as well. I would refer to them as "people/citizens of the Unites States". I've no intention to mock anybody, I just want to make clear who it is I'm talking about...

And buying our ports and selling us our oil.

The port deal fell through. And that was a government owned company anyway.

ZOMFG!!!1! I found something teh kewl:
A reconstruction of Klaus Störtebeker's face, based on a skull that is said to be his.

http://www.stern.de/wissenschaft/natur/532771.html?q=störtebeker

For those who don't know, he was a pirate who stole stuff from the Hanseatic Fleets who kept some for himself and gave the rest away to the poor. A Robin Hood of the seas, if you will.
When they defeated him in a big battle and captured him and many of his men, his last wish was this:
Once they decapitated him, they were supposed to let everyone go he could walk past before he fell over. They agreed, and chopped his head off. Then he got back up and walked past 11 of his dudes.

They executed them anyways...;)

Maybe you should. When Prussia incorporated the Hanse into its Kingdom, it added a red stripe to the otherwise black and white flag to symbolize the North German heritage. If you jabber on about Prussia, you invariably include the Hanse.

I know about the flag thing. Just nothing else. It was a trade union or something.

ZOMFG!!!1! I found something teh kewl:I remember watching a special on that MONTHS ago :p

All this bullshit about "USians" or worse yet, "USAians" is just that, bullshit. The only people who use those idiotic terms are those who wish to subtly mock America. I seriously question their motivation.

I agree. But the short name for our nation IS the United States, not America.

I know about the flag thing. Just nothing else. It was a trade union or something.If it was just "a trade union or something", do you think they would have incorporated it into the flag?

I know about the flag thing. Just nothing else. It was a trade union or something.
More than that. Think of it like the Trade Federation in Star Wars.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanseatic_League

The port deal fell through. And that was a government owned company anyway.

Yet, shockingly, the world's biggest shipping company, DP World, still owns other ports in nations such as Australia. And you may be shocked to learn that there are people involved in the management of DP World. Those people are from the UAE.

ZOMFG!!!1! I found something teh kewl:
A reconstruction of Klaus Störtebeker's face, based on a skull that is said to be his.


A whole congress of the german forensic scientists was devoted to that in hamburg in 2001 and it has been shown that for a human being it is not possible to move after decapitation...other then twitching muscles...not even Chuck Norris :D

A whole congress of the german forensic scientists was devoted to that in hamburg in 2001 and it has been shown that for a human being it is not possible to move after decapitation...other then twitching muscles...not even Chuck Norris :D
Pfft. Scientists. :rolleyes:

Yet, shockingly, the world's biggest shipping company, DP World, still owns other ports in nations such as Australia. And you may be shocked to learn that there are people involved in the management of DP World. Those people are from the UAE.

Working for the government.

And yet, American is what they are. American is what they learn, what they grow up as, what their values are.

Although that might not be uniform, there still is that commonality which makes them all Americans. And it's the same in Oz.

I wouldn't believe an American (where is Mr. Prussian Jew by the way?) that they are German any more than I would believe you.

And while we're at it - this is an international forum, so I'll acknowledge that someone is from California and someone else is from Texas, but ultimately I still see them as American, just as they see me as German, rather than some Fischkopp.

Mr. Prussian Jew is right here and I never claimed to be German, however, I ALWAYS claimed to be an American.

I simply said that German (Prussian) was my background, while American is my nationality. I identify with America more so than any other country in the world, but embracing your background and where your ancesters came from is sort of an American thing to do. Its not uncommon for Americans to know and be proud of where they came from, however, they will almost always be more proud of where they stand now, in American.

United Soviet Socialist Republic dumbass

Actually, I'm fairly sure it's Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Working for the government.

I fail to see your point. My intention was to point out that the people of the UAE had other forms of employment besides "dirt farmers". Whether or not those people are working for the government or for a private company seems irrelevant.

I fail to see your point. My intention was to point out that the people of the UAE had other forms of employment besides "dirt farmers". Whether or not those people are working for the government or for a private company seems irrelevant.

The government can do whatever they want. The people are what's important, and those who aren't swimming in oil are probably farming dirt.

Working for the government.Fine then: Define "dirt farmer". What do you mean with that? Do they grow and harvest dirt?

Fine then: Define "dirt farmer". What do you mean with that? Do they grow and harvest dirt?

Well, they TRY to harvest other stuff... but, you know... no rain. >_>

Pfft. Scientists. :rolleyes:

One reason for leaving...;)

The government can do whatever they want. The people are what's important, and those who aren't swimming in oil are probably farming dirt.You're assuming this, or you "probably" wouldn't be using the word "probably". Have you been to the UAE to see for yourself?

As far as I can remember, the UAE has one of the most popular non-democratic governments because the rich oil-swimming government actually uses its wealth to provide certain services for it's people. And you don't need to farm dirt to provide some kind of service to a rich person (like driving their car, mowing their lawn, checking their finances, running their hotel).

The government can do whatever they want. The people are what's important, and those who aren't swimming in oil are probably farming dirt.

So, in reality, you haven't the slightest idea what you're actually talking about.

Maybe we could just call the country Bushnam.

The US should probably just be called "America." Calling it the United States or US is like calling Germany the Federal Republic or FR.

Agree or disagree? >_>
It used to make a lot more sense to use the name "United States."

Back before the American Civil War, people would say, "The United States are..." After the Civil War, it came to be said that, "The United States is..."

I think this grammatical change reflects a serious shift in the perception of the US as a nation. Instead of being a tenuous alliance of individual states, the US moved toward being a fully unified nation. However, not everybody thinks that is such a great idea.

Personally, there are a great many American states that I would love to see "de-Unified" from the US. I don't want to start refering to this country by a single name (eg "America") until I feel that ALL the states in this union belong here, and until I feel that the states are prepared to share a common standard of civil and human rights.

Mich dünkt Du gehabest Dich nicht recht wohle mit dem Gebrauch der größten zentraleuropäischen Sprache...try this :p

Pfff. Hvem vil til sentraleuropa, der folk bor så tett at de må parkere bilene sine på høykant?

EDIT: Hey, I got a title! When did this happen?

Then you can just as well call "South Africa" just "Africa" or as some people mentioned before you can refer to the "Peoples Republic of China" as "Asia".

This thread is just silly...

Pfff. Hvem vil til sentraleuropa, der folk bor så tett at de må parkere bilene sine på høykant?
Har du några källor på det?

This debate is pointless. Anybody who's watched the Simpsons knows that the country is called Bonerland.

Actually, I'm fairly sure it's Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Союз Советских Социалистических Республик

Or, in English:

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Mr. Prussian Jew is right here and I never claimed to be German, however, I ALWAYS claimed to be an American.

I simply said that German (Prussian) was my background, while American is my nationality. I identify with America more so than any other country in the world, but embracing your background and where your ancesters came from is sort of an American thing to do. Its not uncommon for Americans to know and be proud of where they came from, however, they will almost always be more proud of where they stand now, in American.


Hell yeah I agree, I Identify with my Scottish Heritage(my last name is after all Wallace). I Identify with the german Heritage, my Great-Grandfather's last name was Schwindling(there are probably umlouts(sp?) in there somewhere, but my german is terrible and i've never actually seen the name spelled out, just pronounced. And my Grandmother's Maiden Name was Beasel. I've got lots of Scottish and German Ancestry, with a hint of Irish in there(Mom's Maiden name was McCoy). And supposedely my grandfather on my mom's side is Was Native American(Iriquois nation, Mohawk Tribe)

I'm a classic American Mutt.

The US should probably just be called "America." Calling it the United States or US is like calling Germany the Federal Republic or FR.

Agree or disagree? >_>
Disagree. We are a nation of united states. We have 50 of them. That is why we are call the United States of America. Simple. :D hope that helped...

Vespucci Land??

Well, we do tend to be a bit self-centered.
It is a privilege that derives from being the first sovereign nation on a continent.

Disagree. We are a nation of united states. We have 50 of them. That is why we are call the United States of America. Simple. :D hope that helped...
It may seem like the states are becoming less and less relevent, and they are in some sense, but it still requires ratification by teh states to amend the constitution, for example. Most criminal matters are handled by the states unless the involve violations of the Constitution or are matter of interstate crimes - transporting controlled substances across state lines for example. Also, our congress in made up of representatives that represent the states they are elected in. Each state gets two representatives to the senate and a number of representatives to the House based on the population of the state they are from. The US is a group of states with a strong central government. The EU is a group of states with a weak central government. EU member states follow their own laws first and then th EUs laws. In eth US, the Constitution is the supreme law and the states handle their own affairs but our bound to act within the guide lines set by the Constitution and the Federal government. Thus: United States of America.

It may seem like the states are becoming less and less relevent, and they are in some sense, but it still requires ratification by teh states to amend the constitution, for example. Most criminal matters are handled by the states unless the involve violations of the Constitution or are matter of interstate crimes - transporting controlled substances across state lines for example. Also, our congress in made up of representatives that represent the states they are elected in. Each state gets two representatives to the senate and a number of representatives to the House based on the population of the state they are from. The US is a group of states with a strong central government. The EU is a group of states with a weak central government. EU member states follow their own laws first and then th EUs laws. In eth US, the Constitution is the supreme law and the states handle their own affairs but our bound to act within the guide lines set by the Constitution and the Federal government. Thus: United States of America.
Finally. Yet another person who gets it.

Hmmm... the United States of Chuck Norris...

Well, I often call North Korea the DPRK, and no one calls East Germany "East Germany". They call it "DDR".You just did and I very rarely ever hear it called anything other than east germany.

It just turned out that way, and considering how the people of South America say it, it's pretty clear that the US can't claim exclusivity to the name of the continent.People from SA ofetne call people from the USA "Americans." In fact, people from all over the world call people here Americans.

no.

we are literally dozens of states united in a federated government. or atleast we used to be.

Finally. Yet another person who gets it.
Wow. After reading your comment to me I went back and read this whole thread and you're right. Very few people, even people from here, fail to really understand what the name "United States of America" means.

People from SA often call people from the USA "Americans." In fact, people from all over the world call people here Americans.
Precisely, but these demented little twits insist on saying things like "USian" just in an attempt to irritate Americans. They are best when ignored.

America is a continent, not a country. The USA is a country located on the american continent. Simple.

Precisely, but these demented little twits insist on saying things like "USian" just in an attempt to irritate Americans. They are best when ignored. I've used the distinction USian before, and that wasn't in an attempt to irritate said US citizens. It was to make clear I referred to the country of origin, and not the continent.

Also, on the whole difference between Canadians and Americans, our countries are so closely tied that its almost impossible to tell the difference between us. I know Canadians rant about politics in the US and vice-versa, but we have far more in common that a lot of people wish to admit and this even shows up on the subconscious level. For exemple, I work for Canadians and have for the last four years. My job is to get large media files into and out of Canada for major motion pictures and TV shows. My bosses in Canada come out once or twice a year to discuss the operation, etc... When we first went to war in Iraq me and a Sheri, a Canadian, were discussing it. She said something that struck me almost immediately, "Last time we went to war it seemed that there was more of a reason." What struck me is the use of the word "we." She was born and raised in Vancouver but when the US went to war in Iraq she used the term "we" when discussing it. It was obviously subconscious, but it spoke pretty loudly. We share the longest demilitarized border in the world and even though the US could turn Canada into a smoking hole in a few hours the Canadians have no problem telling the US to go smoke a pole. That's because the idea of an actual military conflict between the two countries is so far fetched that no one even considers it. Also, Canada is obviously a soveirgn country that handles its own affairs, but what do you think would happen to a country that tried to attack it?

It is a privilege that derives from being the first sovereign nation on a continent.

Better not let Sinuhue read that comment.

That's because the idea of an actual military conflict between the two countries is so far fetched that no one even considers it.
Too bad we can't bottle that and force it down the throats of a few hundred other nations. :(

Better not let Sinuhue read that comment.
Sinuhue suffers from a deficit of vision.

Precisely, but these demented little twits insist on saying things like "USian" just in an attempt to irritate Americans. They are best when ignored.

Actually, the reason I use the term USian has nothing to do with you, or any other USian. It stems from what I believe is America, and who is an American.

I was born in one American country, grew up in another, and now live in a third. I can speak 3 of the 4 major languages of the Americas, and can understand the third. I have travelled through many of the countries in the Americas,including the USA. Rather than calling myself a North-South American, I call myself an American. To distinguish me from that group of people who also call themselves Americans, I call them USians, which is more correct, in my mind.

*snip* but what do you think would happen to a country that tried to attack it?
It would undoubtedly feel the wrath of the international community :p

Of course, we know we could count on the US to back us, but the US knows we're there if they're ever in trouble. And by in trouble, I mean actually attacked by someone; there's a limit to our cooperation, and that limit is so-called pre-emptive strikes.

But there are cultural differences between the US and Canada. For example, our view of foreign policy differs greatly. So does our views on economics; Canada, despite electing a minority conservative governement, has a culture of social democracy that is at odds with the US ultraliberalisation of the market. Our notions of freedom of speech are also different, and there are issues like gun control, or the role of police and law enforcement, or the judiciary systems... I could go on and on.

We do share a lot of common stuff, but I wouldn't go as far as say we're the same. More like close friends, but not really family, you know? ;)

Too bad we can't bottle that and force it down the throats of a few hundred other nations. :(
Yes, it would make the world a better place, now would it?

It would undoubtedly feel the wrath of the international community :p

Of course, we know we could count on the US to back us, but the US knows we're there if they're ever in trouble. And by in trouble, I mean actually attacked by someone; there's a limit to our cooperation, and that limit is so-called pre-emptive strikes.

But there are cultural differences between the US and Canada. For example, our view of foreign policy differs greatly. So does our views on economics; Canada, despite electing a minority conservative governement, has a culture of social democracy that is at odds with the US ultraliberalisation of the market. Our notions of freedom of speech are also different, and there are issues like gun control, or the role of police and law enforcement, or the judiciary systems... I could go on and on.

We do share a lot of common stuff, but I wouldn't go as far as say we're the same. More like close friends, but not really family, you know? ;)
Sure, but can you name two other countries in the world that fi they got really, REALLY pissed at each other would probably end up getting so mad they'd solve with a hockey game! :mad:

Pfff. Hvem vil til sentraleuropa, der folk bor så tett at de må parkere bilene sine på høykant?
Centeraleuropea suger. Så mycket folk som kan inte rymas. :p

It would undoubtedly feel the wrath of the international community :p

Of course, we know we could count on the US to back us,
Oh, and if by backing you you mean that the offending country would feel the full wrath of the US's military might, you're right. If someone invaded Canada within a few minutes Canadians could look up and watch as hundreds of US military planes flew over their cities to wherev the problem was. The point is, we're not just talking about a little aid. Americans constantly bitch about Canada, but I'm pretty sure if something liek that happened you'd find Americans standing in line at the recruiters office to join the fight to liberate Canada. Its our culture. Its the way we see things here. Only we're allowed to bitch about Canada. No one else can.

@PsychoticDan: Please refrain from talking for all Americans. Allowing only Americans to complain about Canada is discriminating. Canada does so many cooky things that are great comcial fodder, and even its citizens sometimes get labeled as Americans overseas if they haven't been patriotically brandishing the maple leaf. Despite the fact that milk does come in bags there, Canada is great. Besides, they'd give us a martial wedgie so to say if it snowed on "D-Day". ;)

Actually, the reason I use the term USian has nothing to do with you, or any other USian. It stems from what I believe is America, and who is an American.

I was born in one American country, grew up in another, and now live in a third. I can speak 3 of the 4 major languages of the Americas, and can understand the third. I have travelled through many of the countries in the Americas,including the USA. Rather than calling myself a North-South American, I call myself an American. To distinguish me from that group of people who also call themselves Americans, I call them USians, which is more correct, in my mind.
Precisely. I totally agree with you. I'm American, too. :D

Disagree. America is two continents; the United States has no right to claim it for itself.

we cant help it if the rest of the continent named the continent after us:p


just kidding please remember that before you go off on a rant

@PsychoticDan: Please refrain from talking for all Americans. Allowing only Americans to complain about Canada is discriminating. Canada does so many cooky things that are great comcial fodder, and even its citizens sometimes get labeled as Americans overseas if they haven't been patriotically brandishing the maple leaf. Despite the fact that milk does come in bags there, Canada is great. Besides, they'd give us a martial wedgie so to say if it snowed on "D-Day". ;)
Fine. :(

To answer the OP:

The "United States" is stupid? The country is made up of, guess what, states united for the common interest. It's like being angry a cat is called a quadraped.

-The Adolescent Male of Luporum

Actually, the reason I use the term USian has nothing to do with you, or any other USian. It stems from what I believe is America, and who is an American.

I was born in one American country, grew up in another, and now live in a third. I can speak 3 of the 4 major languages of the Americas, and can understand the third. I have travelled through many of the countries in the Americas,including the USA. Rather than calling myself a North-South American, I call myself an American. To distinguish me from that group of people who also call themselves Americans, I call them USians, which is more correct, in my mind.
Please excuse the rest of us for cluttering up your world. :rolleyes:

@PsychoticDan: Please refrain from talking for all Americans. Allowing only Americans to complain about Canada is discriminating. Canada does so many cooky things that are great comcial fodder, and even its citizens sometimes get labeled as Americans overseas if they haven't been patriotically brandishing the maple leaf. Despite the fact that milk does come in bags there, Canada is great. Besides, they'd give us a martial wedgie so to say if it snowed on "D-Day". ;)
Milk in Canada comes in bags? :eek:

WTF, over? They run outta jugs or somethin??

Yes, it would make the world a better place, now would it?
Well, most of the things we've tried so far don't seem to have much of an impact. :(

Wow. After reading your comment to me I went back and read this whole thread and you're right. Very few people, even people from here, fail to really understand what the name "United States of America" means.

Makes you sad doesn't it? It disturbs me when I talk to kids and they think that states = provinces or "regions" and they don't really know what a "state" really is.

I'll solve this problem right now. The United States of America no longer gets a name out of fear of offending everybody else. We shall, from this day forward, be reffered to as That Country In Between Canada And Mexico, and our people shall be reffered to as Assholes.

Makes you sad doesn't it? It disturbs me when I talk to kids and they think that states = provinces or "regions" and they don't really know what a "state" really is.

Isn't that something that defines your mental condition?

Nevermind. You people don't get it.

You are suggesting it is us who are thick? Priceless.

We could change the name of the UAE to Arabia, ignoring that it only takes up a corner of Arabia.

We could change the name of the Central African Republic to Africa, wouldn't that be clear.

Thank god somebody finally GETS IT.

It is really not that difficult.

It is just nonsense.

It'd be cool if the USA was called by the name of the current President's home state. In 1992-2000, "Arkansas". In 2000-, "Texas".

Milk in Canada comes in bags?
In some locales in Ontario at least. It has something to do with, um, something.

Isn't that something that defines your mental condition?

No, the word for that is "drunk", or at least it was when I posted last night.

Milk in Canada comes in bags?

Yeah, I remember seeing that in Walmart in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario.

The US should probably just be called "America." Calling it the United States or US is like calling Germany the Federal Republic or FR.

Agree or disagree? >_>

America is a contintent, not a country. ;)

I think the name United States of America is a very accurate description. State Government is probably more important in the US than it is in most other countries. Most State governments don’t have direct access to a National Guard equivalent for instance.

In the US when the divvied up responsibilities between State and Federal, the Federal government said it would take “N” responsibilities and the State would take care of the rest. It’s the opposite of what happened in Canada where the Provincial (State equivalent) was given “N” responsibilities and the Federal Government took everything else. Whoever got everything else generally also got control of each new thing that needed governing as a result. It’s a huge difference. Besides calling it the USA is way better than Bob. Nobody wants to live in a place called Bob.