How Many Europeans Identify as Europeans Rather Than Nationals?

Have you ever had a conversation with a Texan or a Californian and they referred to themselves as Americans? This essentially means they identify primarily with their country, rather than with the broader continent of North America. Similarly, many Europeans often identify as nationals of their respective countries rather than as Europeans as a whole. This phenomenon is particularly evident within the context of the European Union, where cultural and national identities sometimes overshadow a broader sense of pan-European identity.

For example, the residents of Texas and California may consider themselves Americans but do not use that term in its full continental sense. To them, an American is often synonymous with the United States of America, symbolized by the flag and the White House. Being called one of the two Americas when discussing jetlag in Europe could be a cultural shock. The term 'American' to them refers to the country, not the continent home to various wildlife like cougars and jaguars.

When people in Texas or California use the term 'American', they generally mean they are citizens of the United States. This is distinct from the broader pan-American identity that includes all of North and South America. Similarly, when we look within Europe, the more appropriate comparison would be how many people from Germany identify primarily as Germans rather than as Bavarians or Nordrhein-Westfalians. In most cases, most people from these regions would identify themselves as Germans.

Identifying as German vs. Bavarian or Nordrhein-Westfalen

A German living in Bulgaria might encounter a situation where a local taxi driver asks, 'Ot kuda ste?' (Where are you from?). It wouldn't make sense to be identified as 'European' in this context, as the driver is likely asking for the specific country of origin. In such a local setting, one might choose to say, 'I am from the Lion’s bridge' or, more appropriately, 'I am German.' This choice reflects the cultural context and the expectations of the interlocutor.

When interacting with people from America or Asia, many Europeans might identify themselves first as 'Europeans.' This is not just a geographical identification but also a cultural one, conveying a worldview and a common outlook shared by many who consider themselves 'Europeans.' It also makes sense when discussing places where a broader European identity might be more relevant, such as interactions with people in Indonesia who might know about Germany only through a few stereotypes like the Autobahn, Angela Merkel, Franz Beckenbauer, or even Tennessee, which, ironically, many Germans might not know much about.

Contextual Identity

Whether people in Europe perceive themselves primarily as Europeans or nationals of their specific countries depends on the context and the person asking the question. It is a complex interplay of cultural, political, and social factors. In certain contexts, like a local Bulgarian taxi driver, a precise national identity might be preferred. In other settings, like international conversations, a broader European identity might be more relevant and universally understood.

In conclusion, the way Europeans perceive themselves can vary widely depending on the situation and the lens through which they view their identity. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication in a diverse and interconnected world.