Do you identify firstly as a Californian or as an American? (live in, prestigious)

[WeakandDizzy]

Originally Posted by Charles

I wonder what they thought about our bombers.

You know, the Germans were very quiet about WWII. One German told me that in Frankfurt where he lives there is a little "Jewish Mafia" and they do pretty much whatever they want to do. Also the Turks " run amok" and do whatever they want to do as well. The Germans authorities are afraid to " crack down" on any illegal or unsavory activities by ethnic minorities for fear of being labeled " nazis or fascists". In general the Germans were the most " pro American Europeans" I met. They wanted to talk to Americans because they wanted to learn " American English" instead of " British English". Of all the Europeans ( and South Africans, Australians, and " Kiwis") I have met, the Germans seemed the most friendly.

[WeakandDizzy]

I find it interesting that some identify as a Californian first, an American second. As a native born Californian, when the airplane touches down and I step on California soil I feel " at home" as California represents the land of my birth and all my memories as a child , young adult and young family man. Some of my great grandparents are buried in California soil. But California as a place of innovation and acceptance is a product of our American heritage. California as we know it exists because of our American Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and our Declaration of Independence giving us the ability to pursue our rights to " life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness". To some it may sound corny but California without the framework our Founding Fathers established would probably not be the place it is, or at least once was as I remembered it growing up. Living in the East, close to the physical places that remind one of the beginning of our Nation gives one a different perspective on what it means to be an American. I know when I lived in California, I rarely thought of " back east", now I can appreciate all of America, North, East, South, Midwest, and Far west and what it means to be an American.

[portlanderinOC]

Generally when people ask me where I live, I can say California because most people outside of America know where that is.
But I'm not really from California (I was born here, but didn't move back until 8 years ago), so I would probably say I'm American first.

[WeakandDizzy]

Originally Posted by portlanderinOC

Generally when people ask me where I live, I can say California because most people outside of America know where that is.
But I'm not really from California (I was born here, but didn't move back until 8 years ago), so I would probably say I'm American first.

PortlanderinOC,
You were born on California soil. You are a Californian in my book no matter where fate took you.

[WeakandDizzy]

Originally Posted by WeakandDizzy

PortlanderinOC,
You were born on California soil. You are a Californian in my book no matter where fate took you.

Being labeled a Californian is not an exclusive label in my opinion. You are foremost an American, Californian by birth, and an Oregonian as well I presume based on your moniker.

[MovingAloha]

WeakandDizzy, I like your posts.

I'm a native Californian and during the early part of my life, I'd say up to age of 25 I would have answered the question, Californian first; American second. After joining the Navy and working and living in many parts of the world since my Navy time; I consider myself American first and Californian a slight second over Hawaii, which comes in at a very close third.

[portlanderinOC]

Originally Posted by WeakandDizzy

Being labeled a Californian is not an exclusive label in my opinion. You are foremost an American, Californian by birth, and an Oregonian as well I presume based on your moniker.

Regardless, I don't feel at home in California (at least not Southern, I identify with Norcal more as I was born there and they share more in common with Oregon). If you are born somewhere but have no real memories growing up there, you are not from really there. Though if your parents are from there it may be different. If I were born in California but still living in Oregon, then I would definitely feel more Oregonian than Californian. However I did spend my teenage years here (I'm now 20), but even then I just can't feel home here.

[StandingLenticular]

After moving around so much I suppose my loyalty is to this pale blue dot. Once I settle down, I'd like to focus my allegiance and pride into my local community as opposed to a state or nation. Civic pride goes a long way at building a nice community.

[scrantiX]

Californian

[CAVA1990]

I have a lot more tee shirts and hats that have "California" than "America" on them so I identify sartorially more with CA. I guess if I'm in Arizona I'll need to be sure to identify myself as an American first so I don't get detained and deported.