"I am an American" Television advertisements -- Vanity

[Jim Scott]

Have you seen this ad?

Yes.

What's your take on it?

Mixed reaction. I like the fact that there are no hyphens associated with the 'American' label and the message is reasonable; no matter your ancestors, we're all in this together and we're all Americans.
It can cut both ways; for those who consider themselves a 'hyphenated-American' it's a good reminder that when you (choose to) live in America, you're an American. Get with it.
For those who view anyone who is not Anglo-Saxon (white) as not 'really' American, it sends the message that, yes, 'those people' are also Americans. Get with it.

What I don't care for is the fact that my government feels the necessity of running such an ad.
We're not all white bigots and just because we're not white doesn't mean we're anti-American, either.
The ad can be seen as equally insulting or equally instructive. Take your pick.

[F16Fighter]

I too resent this ad.

The main thrust absurdly seems to be: "Don't hate me just because I'm not Caucasian."

[maestro]

1. "I am an American" (Illegal)
2. "I am an American" (Citizen)
3. "I am an American" (INS $$$)
4. "I am an American" (Citizen)
5. "I am an American" (Illegal)
6. "I am an American" (INS $$$)
7..............................

[Skywalk]

LOL no, but sadly I probably possess a vast mass of knowledge about certain "geeky" subjects similar to one Comic Book Guy.

However, I'm in good shape, good-looking and I'm not really into comic books:)

[XGMan]

OUTSTANDING! Looks a little like beanLaden...hehehehehe

[Katie_Colic]

The main thrust absurdly seems to be: "Don't hate me just because I'm not Caucasian."

Well put.

[Skywalk]

Has anyone seen the New York Stock Exchange commercial?? I think it's vastly superior in production and has a good music score, and basically underscores our unity all without getting into the racial games.

NASDAQ's lively commercial is also vastly superior. I think one of my other problems with the ad is it seems like something some film school hack would make. The same sentiment could have been transmitted by simply showing people of all backgrounds at or near Ground Zero, victims, heros, survivors...and showing "We are all Americans" in text at the end.

[Katie_Colic]

I agree with everything you said AGAIN. Are you married? Oh, wait. I am ;)

[Peter Libra]

I have seen the advertisement often. I think that the situation even in Canada is worth mentioning. The clue is the voting pattern in the last American election. The red counties and the blue counties. We have a huge city-Toronto and those faces could justifiably fit- as Canadian. I live in a small city and it has predominantly European faces- new emigrants just dont settle in it,(no big paying jobs left).

It seems to me, and I travelled extensively in the Great Lakes Midwest area, there are two Americas. Happily for all, it is still a matter of choice if one wishes to live in one or the other. Many small cities simply reflect old turn of the century America. Big ones do not. Ad is not typical of what I know,but the one portrayed does indeed exist ie Detroit,Chicago, etc,not in the smaller ones.

[BlessedByLiberty]

Absolutely correct about saying "...caucasion."

On another aspect of this: what bothers me most is that when applying the hyphenation, the word "American" is not before the hypenation designating country of origin. Ex: American-Italian.

Perhaps it is time now to begin putting America(n) first when speaking of ourselves, our family origins and others...just a thought.

[B Knotts]

I find the public service announcement (that's what it is; it's not really an advertisement) insulting and condescending.

But I feel that way about most public service announcements.

[operation clinton cleanup]

Oh enlightened ones, I bow before your infinite compassion and tolerance. You are right, we are not being manipulated into giving up our cautious suspicion. A thousand apologies O beacons of hope! There's no possible way that any of us knew what being Americans was about, nor that this glorious message is by implication stating we previously assumed all Americans were white men. </end obsequious sarcasm>

Sorry, I just couldnt get comic book guys voice out of my head after reading that paragraph!

[Skywalk]

You are? too bad.

If we define Jihad to mean "holy struggle," I'm on my own jihad to find a good non-pinko woman! lol

[Skywalk]

Gotta love the Simpsons. It's responsible for the growth of my humor gland.

[Texas Mom]

Oh my goodness, It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Isn't that what it's supposed to do? </sarcasm off>

[TerryInRiverside]

"I strongly suggest that freepers do some world travelling, go to a country where you are the only person that looks like you do, and rely on the kindness of strangers, it will make you a better person."

I don't have to go to another country to find myself in a situation that nobody looks like me. Funny I don't feel like a better person.

Actually, I see your point but this kindness thing is getting out of control. May I remind you of the Twin Towers incident.

[reformjoy]

"If these anthrax letters are being sent by terrorist, they must be the dumbest terrorist in the world. Total damage so far: 1 dead, 1 assistant to Tom Brokaw with a bad rash. It's not exactly as shocking as the press make it out to be.

Let's get back to the war" - jerod

Sanity restored! Thanks!

[operation clinton cleanup]

A massive bombarment of VCRs and Simpsons rerun video tapes could make all Muslim nations understand us. Even though Apu is Hindi, he may be the key!