What's Un-American?

[The Omega]

If you don't live in America, you're un-American.

 

[Marla_Singer]

Actually, I'm very proud of it Omega.

 

[Arminius]

A·mer·i·can ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-mr-kn)
adj.
1. Of or relating to the United States of America or its people, language, or culture.
2. Of or relating to North or South America, the West Indies, or the Western Hemisphere.
3. Of or relating to any of the Native American peoples.
4. Indigenous to North or South America. Used of plants and animals.

So, logic says un-American is the opposite of one of these...

 

[El Justo]

Kerry-voters are un-american regarding to thinking of some radical Bush-voters, i suppose. That word is probably some kind of insult for not-so-patriotic americans.

not really. the neo-cons may say that but the bottom line is that when all is said and done, we're all americans under the same flag and bearing the same intl responsibilities.

others may use it as a scare tactic w/ terrorism but this is nothing new. the red scares of the 20th century employed similar tactics.

 

[Marla_Singer]

Do we always need a common outside ennemy in order to stand united and prevent citizens to think ??

 

[El Justo]

Do we always need a common outside ennemy in order to stand united and prevent citizens to think ??

well, not really i guess but it stands to heighten awareness i s'pose.

 

[Iggy]

I consider it to be something that is not within the normal range of American culture, politics, economics, whatever. It does not necessarily carry a negative connotation.

When I have heard the term "un-American" used in real life, it usually is said to imply a negative which in truth has absolutely nothing to do with the American States. The implication therefore is that "un-American" is not correct or imperfect and "American" is correct and perfect. This to me sounds like national pride, which is fair enough; however that can grate on the ears of those who are not the keenest fans of the US.

 

[JohnRM]

The last thing I am is a conformist, yet I am definitely pro-American (to put it mildly). So that theory is completely absurd.

What I meant to imply is that everyone has their own opinion of what is in America's best interest. However, most people who use the term "un-American" generally would say that the mere fact that you disagree with them is what makes you un-American.

I guess what I am trying to say is that the term is absurd, because there are too many various opinions of what is in the best interests of America to use it. So, it ends up being a term to bash those you disagree with.