I also think that the main reason that many of the threads on travel blogs and other websites automatically assume that a user is American is that for the most part that assumption is correct. The United States created many websites, like reddit, that are used internationally and undeniably have the largest presence on the Internet worldwide. Also many threads that you may be commenting on are in English and for the most part it is safe to assume that someone commenting is a native level English is from an English speaking nation. The largest of these is the United States of America. If you were to be involved in a Portuguese discussion chances are that you would not be automatically labeled an American.

I have just started reading you blog and enjoy it very much! You have created a great environment to share experiences and foster discussion.

I’d have to agree with another commenter above: I’ve said I’m from the “U.S.,” or “the United States,” or that I’m just plain “American,” only to be asked a follow-up of “where, exactly?” So, then I have to explain I live in Los Angeles, only to be asked another follow up of: “Do you see Tom Cruise?” Huh? Talk about stereotype… I rarely see celebrities and that’s fine by me.

Also, I don’t know of any other country in the Northern American continent or South American continent who uses “America” in their name. I know another country that uses “united states.” That country is Mexico. But not many people know that around the world (or maybe they do). But no Mexican I know (myself being one of them) would go around saying: “I’m US Mexican” or “I’m a united states of Mexican.” It simply doesn’t make sense, nor does it roll off the tongue. Therefore, we people of the United States are “American.” If that’s offensive or rude, then there are bigger problems in the world to worry about. To try to give someone another name that they don’t refer to themselves as, is just plain rude…and you’re doing exactly what you hate about Americans.

PS: I have no idea what pancake money is. But those peeps were from Texas…So, take it with a grain of salt. They’re practically their own country. ;-)

We Americans normally say, “I’m from the United States” when addressing fellow travelers from other countries. I’ve yet to hear an American say, “I’m from Texas” or “I’m from Florida” to another traveler. Now, they will tell me their home state because they hear my accent and assume I’m either American or Canadian.

You also need to remember–well, in your case, know because you clearly don’t–that each U.S. state functions more like a country than a territory or province. Here’s a good comparison: You don’t hear French travelers say, “I’m from Europe”, even though the European Union is on the long, difficult path to nationhood. Where are YOU from, anyways?

P.S. Reddit is U.S.-centric because it was created in the U.S. by Americans! Therefore, the majority of its users are English-speaking Americans, who have a very U.S.-centric worldview! What else did you expect?! Nevermind the fact that the internet was collectively invented by a number of those “ignorant” and “stupid” Americans, so without us, you couldn’t post your patronizing, self-serving bullshit for everyone to see.