When a *-American who grew up elsewhere can't read or write English
One, American isn't a race. Two, the US does not have an official language in its constitution. Three, the US citizenship can be claimed through birthright, aka anyone born in the territory of the US is automatically granted US citizenship, or naturalization, aka given by the government through immigration process.
So it's not really up for debate what makes an American: US citizenship makes you an American. Period. There is no "culturally defined" American.
But that's not how it works in other countries. Chinese citizenship, for example, is through inheritance. You must have Chinese parents who are citizens to claim citizenship. There is no "naturalization" process. Of course, during the founding of the PRC, everyone who wanted citizenship was granted one because...well, nation-state concepts and stuff.
BTW, have you heard that rumor that genetics testing showed that Genghis Khan was genetically related to 刘邦?
I mean, I haven't heard, but is entirely possible given the inter-marrying that was happening. But ethnic identity isn't a genetically inherited trait. So from a "what is culturally Chinese" perspective, that's not really meaningful. It doesn't matter if Genghis Khan has 刘邦 genetic material, he's still 100% Mongolian. (Which I think is the point you're making if I'm reading this right.)
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One, American isn't a race. Two, the US does not have an official language in its constitution. Three, the US citizenship can be claimed through birthright, aka anyone born in the territory of the US is automatically granted US citizenship, or naturalization, aka given by the government through immigration process.
So it's not really up for debate what makes an American: US citizenship makes you an American. Period. There is no "culturally defined" American.
But that's not how it works in other countries. Chinese citizenship, for example, is through inheritance. You must have Chinese parents who are citizens to claim citizenship. There is no "naturalization" process. Of course, during the founding of the PRC, everyone who wanted citizenship was granted one because...well, nation-state concepts and stuff.
I mean, I haven't heard, but is entirely possible given the inter-marrying that was happening. But ethnic identity isn't a genetically inherited trait. So from a "what is culturally Chinese" perspective, that's not really meaningful. It doesn't matter if Genghis Khan has 刘邦 genetic material, he's still 100% Mongolian. (Which I think is the point you're making if I'm reading this right.)
:p I tried to keep it as short as I could. XD