The southern subcontinent of Asia has had many names — Jambudvipa, Hind, Bharathavarsh. The terms listed reflect the richness and complexity of geographical etymology. The multitude of names shows the long, diverse, and arduous history of the subregion. Today, most people refer to the area as simply “South Asia” or the “Indian subcontinent.” Especially in a Western context, the two terms are often applied interchangeably without understanding the full diversity of the subregion.
Some might see “South Asia,” and thus “South Asian,” as inadequate terms to represent an area of nearly two billion people. As someone from the subcontinent, I wish to differ. The term “South Asian” is a demonym — a word that identifies where people come from. The demonym can act as a method to unite the people of the subregion and, although it seems initially counterintuitive, to resist against the Western world.
We must acknowledge the term “South Asian” as a colonial relic born from willful ignorance of the diversity in our subcontinent. Nevertheless, the word “South Asia” also ironically challenges one of the main architects of colonialism: the policy to divide and conquer.
Colonial policy, both historically and in the present, aims to create divisions between South Asians to stop any effort towards unity against colonial rule. Time and time again, colonial empires use the strategy of divide and conquer across the world, including in South Asia, to promote hatred between people of different ethnicities, religions, and castes.
It would be unwise to forbid people from using a term more specific than “South Asia” to describe where they are from. I am from Sri Lanka, and I identify as such. I believe we should recognize the great diversity that exists within the subcontinent. However, unequivocally rejecting the term “South Asian” can dismiss our cultural connections like similar types of cuisine and fashion wear.
The point of the term “South Asian” is not regional specificity, but rather to bring people together, especially through organizations.
The point of the term “South Asian” is not regional specificity, but rather to bring people together, especially through organizations. For example, in BC, the South Asian Social Justice Network aims to empower South Asian communities throughout the province. In learning spaces, South Asian student societies can foster a sense of belonging.
Though non-existent at SFU, South Asian clubs and associations exist at high schools and universities across Northern Turtle Island (Canada). These groups help to connect people with certain racialized experiences, celebrate shared cultural elements, and combat South Asian oppression. The social interactions enabled through these organizations allow people to break certain chains of prejudice and learn to appreciate their diverse backgrounds. As hate against South Asians reaches a fever pitch in Canada, now is not the time to completely reject a terminology of unity, it’s time to embrace it.
