Well I already linked the CIA factbook and UN geoscheme, let’s also add the world bank to the set of organizations that disagree with you.
What would you need to see to convince you that your intuition about what is South Asia is incorrect?
There was a time I assumed Mexico would be considered part of Central America. If you’re going to have a “Central America”, surely it would include all the countries that together form the narrow “bridge” connecting the two huge landmasses?
But then I discovered I was wrong; I took account of what the actual classification is and went on with my life (and yes I’m aware that Central America is variously considered a separate region, part of North America, or sometimes part of South America. But regardless, Mexico is never considered part of Central America).
Actually, I *prefer * “Indian,” but in point of fact the need for the term doesn’t come up much these days. I almost always feel compelled to use “American Indian” whenever the context calls for that ethnicity, my preference notwithstanding. “Native American” still doesn’t pass muster.
Nah, I just thought it was funny that for both of us, this came up in everyday conversation. I wasn’t trying to be snide or attack you.
But both our posts suggest that people who use the term “Oriental” stand a good chance of either being 84 years old or an ultra right-wing nutjob. Or just a stubborn asshole.
That is absolutely wrong. Factually incorrect. Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, and yes, the Philippines too, are firmly ensconced in Southeast Asia. No one – and I mean no one – in those countries would consider themselves to be in South Asia or in anywhere else but Southeast Asia. They are all members of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). All four of the countries you mentioned were among the founding members back in 1967. Note that they are not members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, the dominant body for countries in that region. Here is the generally accepted view of what constitutes Southeast Asia. I have spent time in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, and they are part of Southeast Asia. Note in that last link, there is a division between island Southeast Asia and mainland Southeast Asia.
Whoever said everyone in a continent must look alike?
Anyway, all the facts are against you, all the international agencies and regional organizations, and all you’ve got is your unwillingness to admit you’re wrong.
Also, Thailand was never part of French Indochina. And I can pretty much guarantee anyone who tries to tell a Thai that it was will get a sock in the nose by said Thai.
OK. Here it is, rephrased:
The (American) Indian went to the drugstore for the third time in a week to buy a case of cough syrup–24 bottles.
The druggist asked, Joe, is there anyone sick at your place?"
“No, nobody’s sick.”
“Then why do you buy so much cough syrup?”
“I like it on pancakes.”
Referring to (American) Indians as such is not offensive. They find the term “Native American” offensive, saying it’s the white man telling them not to use the term they currently use. Others object just to being called “American,” hence “Native.” There seems to be a divide between the West Coast Indians and the East Coast Native Americans. Which makes sense, since they aren’t the nationality at all.
That is actually an example of being “overly PC,” to the point that you don’t check and see if people actually find it offensive. The same goes for insisting on African American, or for people who think Speedy Gonzales is offensive.
You’ve got to pay attention to what the actual minority wants, and not fall into the trap of assuming you know better than them.
Asians in America do not like the term “Oriental.” So don’t use that. Depending on who you are talking to, you may want to use “Indian” to refer to the indigenous people of pre-colombian America.
Yes I’d tend to agree. But notice how the link begins:
So it starts by conceding some people dislike being called “Indian”, while referring to such people as Indian. Oh and as a bonus the site is called “NativeTimes” / “Native Sun News”. :smack:
Regardless, taking the link at face value, it doesn’t seem so black and white either way. Which I, like you, find interesting.