<p>To the OP, 'America' is a continent. I think you're referring to the U.S.</p>
<p>I don't mean to be anal, but there are many other countries in America, and some people take offense when they are not considered a part of their own continent. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I think it's perfectly all right to call a person from the U.S. an 'American.' This has come to be an accepted usage of the term.</p>