Is AUTHOR wrong in the post ? POST : I was born in the United States. For the past two years I've been living in France. When people me ask where I'm from, I usually say, 'I'm American.' I've met a bunch of people from South/Central American countries these past two years, and several of them have gotten upset when I have called myself 'American.' They have claimed that they are 'Americans' as well, and that people from the United States should not have ownership over the word. 

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Usually I apologize and move on. But the last time I was called out, I started defending my use of the word (in a completely respective, calm manner). I argued that the United States is the only country in the Americas that doesn't have a unique name for their nationality (Example: Argentina = Argentinian). Not only that, but most countries can give their nationality first, and then say that they are 'South/Central/North American.' The United States seems to be the only country that doesn't have a unique name for their nationality. To me, it seems fair that we have adopted 'American,' and it appears that most of the world recognizes the distinction. 

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I completely understand their line of thinking. Technically, they are 'American' as well, since they come from one of the American continents. But it's extremely difficult to deny calling myself an 'American' when I've been taught my entire life to call myself one. That's why I started defending myself. I'm such a progressive person and open to new ideas, but I can't help but fight back whenever I'm called out now. AITA for fighting back? 