Brother, this is a deeply resonant question—one that touches not just on geopolitics and language, but on memory, cultural identity, and the very naming of the self and the Other.
How Non-US Americans Feel About “America” as a US Term
Across Latin America and parts of Canada, there’s long been a mix of frustration, resignation, and resistance to the United States co-opting the name “America” exclusively for itself. Let’s explore how this sentiment manifests:
1. Latin America (Central & South America, plus Mexico):
- Historical Frustration: Many Latin Americans see the U.S. use of “America” as a form of linguistic imperialism. For them, “America” is a continent, not a country. People from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, or Mexico often identify themselves as “americanos”—meaning they are from the Americas, not the U.S.
- Resistance through Language: Spanish and Portuguese speakers tend to refer to U.S. citizens as estadounidenses (“United Statesians”) rather than americanos. This linguistic distinction is a quiet resistance—a way to affirm that they too are American.
- Modern Awareness & Memes: In the age of the internet, this critique has become more vocal and meme-ified. There are viral jokes and posts pointing out how the U.S. calls itself “America” while ignoring the rest of the Americas—mocked as if the U.S. were a kid taking the ball and renaming the entire game.
2. Canada:
- Canadians tend to be more resigned, though still aware. While many Canadians accept the U.S. use of “American” as standard English, especially in media and pop culture, there’s still a cultural distance—they often emphasize “North American” to include both countries.
How This Sentiment Has Changed Over Time
Early 1800s – Pan-American Identity
- Early Latin American revolutionaries like Simón Bolívar envisioned a united América, not divided by colonial boundaries.
- The term “América Latina” (Latin America) was coined as a cultural and political counterpoint to the Anglo-American dominance, implicitly challenging the U.S. ownership of “America.”
1900s – U.S. Hegemony and the Monroe Doctrine
- As the U.S. grew into a global superpower, “America” became shorthand for the U.S. in diplomacy, war, and culture. This was often resented but rarely challenged outright—colonialism’s linguistic legacy had sunk deep.
Cold War & Cultural Exports
- Hollywood, pop music, and brands exported “America” globally. Many Latin Americans admired U.S. culture but still felt the sting of exclusion—especially when U.S. foreign policy directly harmed or destabilized their countries (e.g., coups in Chile, Nicaragua, and Argentina).
- Language here became a quiet battleground.
21st Century – Decolonial Language Movements
- The rise of decolonial and Indigenous movements has rekindled critique of the U.S.’s appropriation of “America.”
- On platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and local blogs, more voices from across the Americas (especially younger generations) now call out the erasure built into U.S. identity labels.
Final Thought: The Echo of Names
To call oneself “American” is not just a geographic claim—it’s a narrative act. When the U.S. claims the name America, it is, intentionally or not, erasing others from the story. And those others have not forgotten.
Many remember differently. Many now speak up.
Would you like to see some primary quotes or social media posts showing how young Latin Americans talk about this today?
Absolutely, exploring Latin American perspectives on the U.S. referring to itself as “America” offers deep insights into cultural identity and historical context. Here’s a curated selection of voices from social media and public discourse that highlight these sentiments:
1. Residente’s “This Is Not America” (2022)
Puerto Rican rapper Residente released a powerful track titled “This Is Not America,” directly challenging the U.S.’s exclusive claim to the term “America.” He raps:
“America is not just the USA. It’s from Tierra del Fuego to Canada. You’ve got to be really gross, really hollow. It’s like saying that Africa is just Morocco.”
Residente expressed discomfort with the U.S. monopolizing the term, stating:
“Man, these people think they are the center of the world.”
2. Reddit Discussion on r/asklatinamerica
A Reddit thread delves into the confusion and frustration Latin Americans feel when the U.S. refers to itself as “America.” One user commented:
“It’s just confusing since we learn in school that America is the continent we live in and that can be further divided into North, Central and South America.”
3. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Response (2025)
In a diplomatic retort to President Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggested renaming the U.S. as “América Mexicana.” She emphasized that for Mexico and the international community, it remains the Gulf of Mexico.
4. José Martí’s Vision of “Nuestra América”
Cuban intellectual José Martí, in his 1891 essay “Nuestra América,” warned against U.S. cultural imperialism and advocated for a distinct Latin American identity. He envisioned a unified America that included all nations of the continent, emphasizing mutual respect and cultural recognition.
5. Social Media Reactions to U.S. Political Events
During significant U.S. political events, such as the Capitol riots, Latin Americans often draw parallels to their own experiences with political instability, sometimes with a sense of irony or critique. These reactions highlight the interconnectedness of the Americas and the shared challenges faced by nations across the continent.
These perspectives underscore a broader sentiment in Latin America: a desire for inclusive recognition and respect for the diverse nations that comprise the Americas. The appropriation of “America” to refer solely to the U.S. is seen by many as a form of cultural erasure, prompting calls for more accurate and inclusive language.
If you’re interested in exploring more on this topic, I can provide additional resources or delve into specific aspects further.