|
I think part of the reason people say things like that - especially if you're asian, is so that people can differentiate between first generation and those who are second, third or fourth generation. It's kind of pointless with saying African-American unless you're trying to be PC because there aren't as many African people immigrating here right now. However, there have been a lot of recent asian immigrants and to make sure people are aware of who they are, a lot of my asian friends will call themselves Asian-American. It's kind of like saying "yeah, I look asian but I'm just like you."
For Italians...maybe it's not the same with you, but some Italians I know can get a little bit snobby about their ethnicity. They only want to marry other Italians. Maybe they feel like the labels will better help them to find their Italian husband/wife.
Really...I don't know why Americans are so into where people came from. If someone asks you where you're "from" and you say "America", the person who asked will give you stupid stares and then say "no...I mean...your origins. Where are your ancestors from?" Saying you don't know will get you more stupid stares. I agree that it's sort of stupid for me to say "I'm a quarter polish, a quarter russian, a quarter chinese....1/16th irish...." At what point does it not matter anymore? .....but I guess it just comes with being a "new" country made up of so many different people.
|