Originally Posted by dga

I would think not, since their first generation of immigrants came here in 1777. Yet, I would be amazed if the original immigrants would have referred to themselves as American. Their children I am sure would have had some issues with the country that was theirs, but that treated their parents so poorly, and with the fact (had this been today) that their parents were not, and could not, be American.

I agree that you are either American or you are not. But I can also understand where it would be hard to completely embrace a country that does not embrace you. Do you ever wonder why African Americans refer to themselves as such? I don't see anyone bothered that they don't consider themselves only American. I have heard the term Mexican American thrown around everywhere, not only by Mexicans who are American, but by people who clearly wish to underline that they are not "fully American". So it's fine to stress the difference, as long as it is done against you and not by you.