Americans and the "whole" of Britain..........

[Greenbhoy]

Why do most Americans refer to the whole of the island of Britain as "England" when there are two other countries (Wales and Scotland) that make up the whole island?

Even in films this happens, Johnny English (with Rowan Atkinson) is a prime example. 

[landie]

Because we do the same with americans who may come from South American countries, Mid American or North american. I guess you're referring to people from the United States of America, not Canada or anywhere else?

[Greenbhoy]

Do we?

In my book an American comes from the bit between Niagra falls and the mexican border (and technically Hawaii and Alaska). I know that Canadians detest being called american nearly as much as Scots hate being called English......and I am sure the Latin American countries are the same.

[landie]

They are, however, all Americans.

[Greenbhoy]

They are, but they have the problem the other way around. They are from the Americas but they are not know as American, they are Canadian, Brazilian, Mexican, etc.

In the UK, we are all refered to as english despite the fact that england only takes up about half the land mass of the british isles. This would be like calling everyone from the west side of the atlantic ocean Canadian.....everyone being refered to one small part as opposed to the whole country.

[paddy_36]

I think the media are the biggest culprits, and they perpetuate the notion of Britain just being England, hence the perception. It's not just the USA that's guilty of this either; I think it's a worldwide thing, and have even heard it in Europe. It may be exacerbated by the fact we all speak English (although I'm sure those who speak Welsh and Gaelic would have something to say about that!).

Agree with you, Greenbhoy, on the point about Americans. Canadians, Mexicans, Brazilians, Argentinians, etc. would never describe themselves as American. Canadians hate being lumped in with the USA.

[Loosehead]

Same thing happens with the EU being known as "Europe" when there is a a lot of Europe outside the EU.

England takes up half the land but 80% of the population, give or take!

[landie]

I am not suggesting that they all choose to be called Americans, I merely point out that they are all from the Continent of America.

[Greenbhoy]

The same we as we are all European?

[landie]

Are we?

[Greenbhoy]

I bet you're a hit down the pub with your wit and sassy sense of humour. 

[landie]

Mais oui mon ami, pomme de terre petit pour moi ici. 

[THECORBYLOON]

I'm sure if English folk were asked to describe the flag of England, a large percentage would be describing the Union Flag. To-day,  there was discussion about Camilla Parker-Bowles' title when Prince Charles becomes King of England (not the UK?) If the English can't get it right, is there any wonder foreigners get confused? 

[magicdice]

(petit comes before the noun, and you need an article)

i'm done being pedantic for now

[landie]

Thankyou magicdice, it's 40 years since I learned any French. I bow to your knowledge and didn't think that you were pedantic at all.

[Newt]

Being from the US and having spent several months in a couple of South American countries last year, I can tell you that many South Americans resent those of us from the US being referred to as the 'only' Americans.  They feel they are Americans too, as well they are. I even would ask, "so what should we be called, United Statesians?"  Their answer was, "North Americans".

Newt

[Greenbhoy]

Then, if you call the "United Statesians" North Americans then, the Canadians may take offence.........perhaps we should just call every "Brother (or Sister)" then it would negate the problem of what to call who.