A question to the Europeans…

I know it’s a running joke that some U.S. born citizens like to identify with their European roots (even if they go back generations) but are generally not accepted as such in Europe. But how do you feel about the first generation—the children of immigrants here, from your countries ? Do you see them as having the right to claim the European identity of their parents even though they’re personally U.S. born ?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

All I can say is that attitudes vary.

There was once a Conservative politician called Norman Tebbitt who was Thatcher's right hand man. He said that the true nationality of British residents depended on which cricket team they supported. Why cricket? Because is the sport most played by non-white immigrants from the former colonies. The West Indies, Pakistan and India are all serious teams. According to the 'Tebbit Test,' you are not really British if you support Pakistan, even if you are second or third generation.

I disagree with this premise and I personally think that's it's fine to have a dual allegiance. Other disagree, even today.

SW-User

@Burnley123 Norman Tebbit did come out with some crap. His great idea for unemployment was get on your bike and look for it. He did have one of the best Spitting Image puppets though.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@SW-User Some bloke I might have heard of (called Vincent Kompany) once said that he was not 50% Belgian and 50% Congolese but 100% Belgian and 100% Congolese. That puts it perfectly.