"Who gets to call themselves 'American'?

The concept of what it means to be "American" is a topic that often leads to passionate debates and, sometimes, humorous misunderstandings. As someone who has navigated the complexities of identity both on and off the stage, I've had my fair share of encounters that make you ponder this very question.

One such encounter took place while I was working as a bartender. We had a regular who was always up for a good conversation, whether it was about sports, politics, or the latest Netflix series. One day, our Ecuadorian chef, a man full of pride for his heritage and an exceptional culinary artist, mentioned that he was American. The regular, with a puzzled look, insisted that our chef was Ecuadorian, not American.

The chef, with a twinkle in his eye and a hint of mischief, clarified, "I’m South American." Technically, he was right. South America is part of the Americas, and thus, he could call himself American. But our regular wasn’t having it. To him, "American" meant one thing and one thing only: being from the United States.

Now, here’s where it got interesting. I couldn’t resist chiming in. I pointed at our regular and said, "By your logic, you’re not American either. You’re an Ansonian from Connecticut!" The chef laughed, and for a moment, I thought we had made a breakthrough. But our regular just shook his head, unable to accept our angle.

This little exchange got me thinking about the broader implications of who gets to call themselves "American." The Americas consist of two continents—North and South America—each filled with diverse cultures, languages, and histories. From Canada to Argentina, we are all technically "Americans." Yet, in the United States, the term has been co-opted to mean something exclusive, creating invisible borders within the very concept of identity.

As an American of Puerto Rican descent, I’ve often encountered similar situations. People sometimes forget that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. When I proudly say I’m American, I’m sometimes met with surprise or skepticism, as if my heritage somehow disqualifies me from the label. One such moment of realization happened when I was a teenager working at a pizzeria. A co-worker bluntly told me I wasn’t a "real American" after I stated my American identity. That comment struck me deeply and became a pivotal moment in my journey of self-discovery.

The chef’s assertion that he was American didn’t diminish his Ecuadorian identity; it enriched it. It highlighted the interconnectedness of our identities in this vast mosaic called the Americas. And yet, our regular’s reaction is a microcosm of a larger issue: the reluctance to embrace the full spectrum of what it means to be American.

It’s important to note that American culture itself is a blend of many different cultures. There isn't a single, "true" American culture. Instead, it’s a beautiful mix of traditions, languages, and customs from all around the world. People from Texas might have a very different view of what it means to be American compared to someone from San Francisco. Both are valid, and both add to the richness of the national tapestry.

This cultural diversity is what makes America unique. It’s a land of immigrants, where each wave of newcomers has contributed to the evolving definition of what it means to be American. And yet, this diversity also brings with it challenges and misunderstandings, as we try to navigate the complex landscape of identity.

In my upcoming memoir, "Flipping My Script," I delve into these complexities of identity. I explore what it means to be Latino, Puerto Rican, and American all at once. It’s a journey of self-discovery, filled with moments that challenge perceptions and celebrate the multifaceted nature of who we are.

So, who gets to call themselves American? The answer is simple: anyone from the Americas. But more importantly, it’s time we broaden our understanding and embrace the diversity that this label encompasses. Whether you’re from North America, South America, or anywhere in between, you have a rightful claim to the term "American."

In the end, being American is not about fitting into a narrow definition. It’s about celebrating the rich diversity and shared humanity that bind us all. So next time you hear someone say they’re American, whether they’re from Ecuador, Puerto Rico, or Connecticut, remember: we’re all part of the same incredible mosaic. And that’s something worth celebrating. 

Adrian Alvarado