Over the years of traveling outside the US I have adopted the habit of refering to America as "The US." As most of us know, America is a continent comprised of many countries (35 or so). So naturally, referring to it as "The US" seems to be more politically correct although Mexico is also comprised of "United States"
Lately though, it has felt more like a nuisance in conversation to say "people from the US" instead of just "Americans" when referring to its people. It's awkward, lengthy, and stripped of character. I'm also starting to think that maybe the majority of people from outside don't even mind.
For example, let's take a look at Colombia, a country in Latin America. From my limited perspective, Colombians seem to be prideful of their nationality and identify more with being "Colombiano(a)" instead of "Latinoamericano(a)."
Being Americano/a is a very broad and removed part of their identity that only holds relevancy to some Italian dude five centuries ago who "discovered" the land which consequentially helped his European brothers wreak havoc on innocent lives. So if anything, shouldn't Americano(a) be an identity left behind due to its shameful ties? And yes, I do see the irony that the name Colombia originates from a more violent dude, but what else would we call the country? Which brings me to my next point..
The United States of America is the only country I can think of that has no name secondary to America. The Dominion of Canada can simply be called Canada, the Republic of Cuba can simply be called Cuba, etc. What real name can we call ourselves but Americans?
Also, I think its quite fitting if the USA carries the name America and its colonialist origins considering that no other country in the region dominates over and exploits other land quite like we do.
What do you think?