Basically just something people say that indicates a position indirectly, like how seperatists from a given region might always say they’re from [region] and not [country] or how trump supporters call AI “SI” now.
Basically just something people say that indicates a position indirectly, like how seperatists from a given region might always say they’re from [region] and not [country] or how trump supporters call AI “SI” now.
Seconding this. Its not racist at all, but a deep cry for some kind of uniqueness and being special because of the hyperindividualism of USA-culture. Europe is seen (and often treated) by US-americans as a theme park, an attraction.
To build on your example: inside germany, when you ask where one is from, you’ll get the culture/region. Saxony, bavarian, swabian, baden, franconian, hamburger, holsteiner, frisian. Or often even just the city lol No german, unless outside of germany and speaking to someone not german, will say they are from germany or german. And even then, though that is mostly bavarians, they might just say their region/culture.
US america doesnt have this past and sense of identity and belonging that even just your city in europe has. Except maybe NYC.
Portsmouth UK, proud harbor city and its identity is tied to everything seafairing. Has been since its inceptions by the romans. Same with Kiel, Hamburg, Lübeck (there ofc without the romans lol)
What identity does Portsmouth USA have? As faar as i know, none.
Even when i, a german, were to move to france or ireland, i still will be german/swabian at heart. No matter how long i lived somewhere else. Or where my long ago ancestors came from.
To touch on the Portsmouth VA USA (more associated with the larger Norfolk area) thing, I’ve lived near there. It actually also has a strong connection with the navy too. The largest navy base in the world is in nearby Norfolk, there’s a massive shipyard, and a ton of military. The history is obviously not nearly as old though.
The military thing actually removes some of its culture though, because it means a lot of people aren’t from there. They’re just there for a few years while stationed there and then they’re gone. I’ve never really thought about this, but could this be a deliberate attempt by the US military to destroy a sense of culture for military personnel, to ensure their only loyalty is to the government?