I was thinking today that we call ourselves Americans. 

Do Mexicans call themselves Americans? Do Canadians? Because technically, they are also Americans — they live in North America.

And so we in the United States should not be laying sole claim to the name American. 

If people in Mexico are Mexicans, should we be Statesans?

If people in Canada are Canadians, should we be Statesians?

If people in Great Britain are British, should we be Statish?

If people in France are French, should we be Stench? (Oh, that took a wrong turn.)

My point is are we calling ourselves what we truly are? 

Or do we pick a category with which to define ourself?

Nationally: American, Russian, Korean, …?

Economically: rich or poor?

Politically: Democrat or Republican or other?

Occupationally: Doctor, teacher, lawyer, cook, …?

Personality: Extrovert or introvert?

Racially: Black, white, brown, …?

Religiously: Christian, Muslim, Jew, Agnostic…?

Socially: Shy, gregarious, ….?

When we define ourself by a category we place ourself within a group that is in contrast to another group. 

What if we all just chose the group “human” and then became the best human we could be?

Human: One capable of great thinking and creativity. One who can push themselves physically to accomplish more than they have ever done before. One made up of body, soul, and spirit. One capable of amazing good and yet often makes many mistakes. One who can reach great heights but sometimes falls to extreme lows. A creature who can “be” and “do.” One with a huge capacity for grace, love, and forgiveness. 

Yep, that’s my new answer. Who are you? 

I’m human.