Monday, July 6, 2009
- i am 'south asian american'
Usually PC terms for ethnicity at least denote a dominant group that might share common interests and goals. ie. 'Arab Americans', 'African Americans' etc.. It is hard to find any similarities between the regional identifications denoted by the term 'south asian.' Religion, language, political leanings, economic success.. none of them encompass 'south asians' in any meaningful way. Most importantly, the actual countries of the region (especially India and Pakistan) have geopolitical interests which are polar Opposites. While we all may be Americans first, if your a 'south asian' with any interest in your country of origin, there is no benefit in merging your political identity with those of other 'south asian' origins. I am Indian American, in the sense that my allegiances are to America and then to India. If that means that they are opposed to Pakistani interests, so be it. If that means I could care less about 'muslim oppression' so be it.
