Lived ten years in California. Studies, Green Card etc. Could have gone for citizenship, but didn't. I was never seen as an American. Ever. Not even a little bit. I was always 'the German'.
Almost every coffee shop, restaurant, super market, you name it I got asked where I am from or where my accent is from.
No. It is not cute. It reminds you you are NOT one of them.
Your interpretation of these sorts of questions may have been influenced by your German upbringing.
There's a wide variety of accents even by Americans who were born and raised here. Add in the fact that we're all pretty much only a generation or two removed from at least one immigrant, and discussion about where people are from, etc. is typically just a way for people to make conversation and attempt to connect with one another.
There are probably nationalities which would make certain people uncomfortable and treat you differently, but I don't think Germany is one of those.
Yea we have people here from all over the world. Why is that question offensive? You seem to be assuming that that question is being asked to point out that you don't belong here.
I love asking people where are they originally from and try to impress them with trivia about their country that I know , being a world history enthusiast.
Perhaps you were not seen as an American because you yourself didn't feel that way? I would think that someone who feels American would apply for citizenship given the opportunity. American citizenship does not bring many additional advantages compared to the green card, in fact, there are some downsides (jury duty, potentially having to pay US taxes even if you leave the country). So, most immigrants apply for US citizenship only if they feel that they belong.
I agree that people asking where your accent is from is really annoying, however, that question doesn't have the same implications as in, say, Germany.
Edit: I guess people don't like reading descriptions of fact?
People from every where seem to exhibit the behavior; I don't think it is specific to California and I'm not sure that it occurs more in California than any where else.