As American As Apple Pie

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If you ask me where I'm from, I'll tell you I'm American.

What is particularly interesting is the response I often get from others, particularly Hispanics.

"No, I mean where are you really from?"

To which I always respond:

"What do you mean where am I really from? My parents were born here, I was born here. I'm American."

Then I've had the non-Hispanics who love to ask me about "my country." Of course, that is when I waste no time in making them very aware of the fact that the U.S. is indeed my country as much as it is theirs, while politely asking them what their background is. Ireland? England? Germany? Scotland? Italy? If we must go there, then none of us are "really" American. The reaction is always an interesting one.

Now, if you want to know where my grandparents are from, well, that's an entirely different question.

Can I really blame them though? There is never an excuse for ignorance. However, Latinos are often the ones to blame for this. We will not be able to overcome the stereotypes until we begin viewing ourselves as the new face of the "all-American" ideal.

We listen to Britney, Madonna, Usher and Bon Jovi. We watch MTV, Vh1, ABC and Fox News. We shop at the GAP, Banana Republic and Bloomingdale's. We breathe in American air and stomp on U.S. grounds. In short, we take part in the American way of life every single day whether we're in New York, Texas, Florida, California or some other state.

Tell me, my fellow Latinos, when do you all intend to claim your American identity? Many of us have families that have been here for generations, so why are many of us still so quick to shun the very country that has been our home for decades now?

Understanding your Latin roots is undoubtedly essential to gaining a firm grasp of who you are as a whole, but embracing your nationality is just as crucial. Go ahead, wave the flag of your grandparents and/or great grandparents with pride but also remember to honor the American flag, for this is the country where you were born and raised. This is where those before us struggled so that their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and so on could have the opportunities available to us today. And remember to keep things in perspective because when you travel outside of the U.S., you are not a Dominican or a Puerto Rican or a Mexican or whatever else, you are an "Americana/o".

So, enough of the self-imposed nonsense. We attract what we project. If you walk and talk as if you don't belong in this country, then every other American will treat you as such. It is up to you to set the record straight. Now go celebrate this holiday with pride!

Happy 4th of July!

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Victoria Q./Terra USA