"In this country American means white. Everybody else has to hyphenate"

This quote hits right at the heart of identity and belonging in the U.S. It’s saying that in America, the default image of an American is someone who’s white. If you’re not white, you’re often seen as something else first, and American second—like African-American, Asian-American, or Latino-American.

This idea isn't new. It’s taken root over centuries. Historically, the founding of America by European settlers has set a certain image of what it means to be American. The country's laws and societal norms were built around this concept, often excluding non-whites from the full privileges of being “American.” Think about the Chinese Exclusion Act or the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. These are just a couple of stark examples where not being white meant you weren’t seen as fully American.

Imagine you’re at a job interview. You walk in, and your resume is solid. You’ve got the experience, the skills, and the education. But as you talk, you notice the interviewer is more interested in your “background.” They ask where you’re really from or compliment your English. It’s a microaggression, sure, but it’s rooted in the idea that you don’t quite fit the mold of what they picture when they think “American.”

So, how do you navigate this? It’s all about embracing and owning your identity. Don’t shy away from the hyphen. Wear it proudly. It’s part of what makes you, you. When faced with situations where you feel “othered,” use it as a chance to educate—gently, if you can. Share your experiences, your culture, your story. It’s those personal connections that slowly chip away at these ingrained perceptions.

Let’s put this in a scenario. Picture a high school classroom. There’s a new student, Ravi, who just moved from India. During a discussion about American history, a classmate asks him something that implies he wouldn’t know much about American culture. Now, Ravi has two choices: he can feel alienated, or he can turn the moment into a bridge for understanding. Ravi decides to share how he actually grew up watching American movies and celebrating July 4th with his family in India. Suddenly, he’s not just “the Indian kid”—he’s Ravi, who knows a surprising amount about American pop culture and can make killer samosas.

From this, let’s take some advice. When you encounter someone different, don’t assume they’re less American. Ask questions, but frame them positively and with genuine curiosity. Instead of “Where are you really from?” try “Tell me about your cultural background.” It’s subtle, but it shows respect and openness.

In the end, it’s about broadening our view of what it means to be American. It’s not about dropping the hyphen—it’s about recognizing that being American can look like anyone. We’re all part of this rich, diverse tapestry. The more we embrace that, the more the idea of “American” will truly represent all of us. So, next time you meet someone, think beyond the hyphen. Imagine their full story and realize it’s just as American as yours.