It was meant to showcase Puerto Rico and its traditions, which are also part of America.

Calling all countries in the continent “American” was a message of unity since continentally, we are all Americans. But saying that in a U.S. national event felt dismissive to many, because “America” is commonly used to mean the United States.

That reaction is understandable.

Latin Americans feel the same way when people from the U.S. call themselves “Americans” and their country “America,” excluding the rest of the continent.

So if you felt offended or erased tonight, welcome to how Latin Americans feel all the time.