The Ami Debate
So...when I came up with the title for my blog, I had no idea that the word "Ami" was so controversial for some Americans.
I was pointed to several blogs of Americans living in Germany where they had discussed this topic. Is Ami just an abbreviation? Or is it derogatory and racist?
American im Odenwald is of the opinion that it is a derogatory word.
AmiExpat (obviously) does not think so.
Papa Scott doesn't either.
Lisa's Blogalso thinks it is a derogatory term.
So, what do I think? Well, obviously I am not very offended by it, since I used it in my title. I must admit that when I have been called an Ami, it was in a critical manner, usually when I was "behaving strangely" or like an American. It was a bit annoying at first, but I informed the person, and since then I have not been called it to my face. It wasn't the word that bothered me, but the fact that I was being ridiculed for the way I behaved.
I think, with the world opinion of the US these days, if all a person does is call me an Ami, I am lucky! There are a lot worse things a person could be called.
Most of the Germans I know have told me it is an abbreviation, and they mean no harm by it. It is only their use of it that makes me question this. I even heard from someone that it was borrowed from the French word for friend, and that during the occupation of Germany everyone started calling the Americans "Ami" as in friend. I have my doubts, but I guess it doesn't really matter...
Anyways, if you have an opinion, I invite you to share it. But I am pretty sure I will keep my title.
schwarzfahren: schwarz black, fahren to go, to drive, to ride
Riding the tram, train, or bus without a ticket or pass, like I did yesterday when I forgot my wallet