[HPforGrownups] Re: Diversity in Literature & Media (WAS book differences)

[Edblanning at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 40690

Amanda:
> Me now --> The Patil twins are black? Just based on their names and the
> description of Parvati's hair, I sort of figured they were Indian (India,
> not American). Is there canon for them being black?

Yes, I'm sure they come from the subcontinent, although whether India itself 
or not, I wouldn't know.
I find this whole nomenclature thing a nightmare, frankly and really hope I 
am not treading on toes, but I have certainly heard British Indians refer to 
themselves as black. I'm really, really sorry if I've got that wrong. 

What I was saying is that it is obvious to Brits that they are not white, but 
evidently not to some Americans.

If you noticed that thing I pasted in from the Institute of Race Relations 
yesterday, you will see that in giving the '91 census findings, 'black' was 
used to indicate all those who did not regard themselves as white. In the 
2001 census, the category headings were; white; mixed; Asian or Asian 
British; Black or Black British; Chinese or other ethnic group. Of course 
what is printed on a census form does not necessarily tally with how people 
think of themselves.

Eloise
Tiptoeing away from the minefield as quietly as she can..






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