Read what others have said..

A Sikh
Only muslims want to be called Asian because then their exesses can be hidden within the wider diaspora of Asian migrants living here. No Indian, be it Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist or whatever wants to be associated with muslims and visa versa. So stop calling all brown skinned people as Asians.

Niall Cooper - Northampton
right im a 15 year old english boy,who is sick and tired of everyone with politicol correctness, and thnk personaly, im not racist, but if you come over to our country, you should be called by asian,muslim,hindu etc because your trying to make US change our speach to fit your 'want'. im also sayin this in reply to another post on this page frm a man who wants to be called or reffered as a 'british muslim'. this is an absolute disgreace as he is not 'british' in any shape. fact is he is a muslim. if your proud of being this race, then live with it! at the end of the day me and my mates,family and most of my school teachers! think that it is a disgreca, especialy tha way, the certain race wont remove their 'vails' this is absolute outrage, you take the jobs and day to day situations, as part of life. if we all wore balaclavas and hoodies and approached you and started talkin to you, you would naturally feal awkward, so why dont you take your 'vail' off and tal to us in the english way?remember..we originated in this country, so obide by our rules and regualtions and be called whatever you get called, if not, stay over wherever YOUR family originated from.thank you x

Farah, Essex
This country is getting far too PC!! How can we NOT be described as Asians?! We have only just about got rid of the generalisation that was 'Paki' now we go and create more confusion! would it be easier for others to identify us and not offend us by wearing 'our countries' flag sprawled across our chest?! Make life easy, just accept who you are - British Asians - Be proud and don't give others the opportunity to criticise us and segragate us!

Desai, Notts
I don't want to be asscoiated with the muslim community so i wanna be known as British Indian because thats where my parents and grand-parents come from and want to be known for my heritage. Term "Asian" is used to much to describe negative stuff to do with us in the media.

Haroon, Bradford
Listen, Why do some Indians here claim there heritage is different to Pakistani'z and Bangladeshi'z, after all the imaginery line was created less than 60 years ago, all our grandfathers were born in India, we should b proud of Who we are, were all from India, But once again the Hindus and Sikhs want to be seperated from the Muslims, as they Did in 1947 , As Ghandi said, I am a Muslim and a Hindu, The fact tht the British destroyed us as one people once before in our country, now dont let them do it again in there country, Sallam Namaste Satsrikaal

mo malik from essex
this is so stupid at the end of the day wats the big deal wear asian and white people are called white people and blacks are called black people chinese are called chinese people half cast are called half cast or mixed race at the end on the day this word asian is only to seperate us from white people black chinese because if none of us had these word there wont be any groups so we need to be called this so everyone is seprated if we didnt have this name then wat wood u like to be called something reces coz i dont i rathere be called asian then something else im sure black people and whit people and chinese peple and mixed race people perfer to be called this coz im sure then dont wanna be called something racec and wat does religion do with anything muslim indian and sikhs at the end of the day wear all the same coloure and and we all got a skelton and a brain and heart and so on so on wear not diffrent wear all the same its just a name it dont mean nothing so i think this is so stupid

south asian
Call me south asian not asian, cuz at the end of the day i dont have nothing in common with the chinese ppl. And these problems are amongs africans too, and as mr roberto stated latin americans.

Zak UK
U lot are thick when you call a white person a gora do you even think that they could be english, scottish french german etc. I dnt think so. So dont expect any different

Patel, London
Its simple, British hindu is what I want to be known as, look at the progress we have made. Asian includes orientals, so being PC should include the Chinese aswell, it doesnt. BTW majority of Gujaratis are Hindus, they are waking up lately. English, scots, French people dont call themselves Europeans so why should I be classified as a whole continent. Its got nothing to do with the what other south asain religions have been upto, we are proud to be known for our vedic past.

Adel, Uxbridge
If there's one thing ALL us Asians do rather well... its complain. Surely this topic itself proves that we are not that different from each other.

Ram, Leicester
The term Asain is outdated. I'm Sikh and born in Bradford. One of numerous examples I can give you - The Bradford riots were branded by the media as 'Asian riots', however the reality being the rioters were Pakistani / Bangladeshi. There wasn't ONE Sikh or Hindu in them, but we get tarred with same brush! Let's be proud of our heritages. Trash the term Asian quick.

Mr Singh, Coventry.
This debate has been prompted by the grouping of indians and pakistanis together as asian, and confusion that can occur amoungst people who are not well informed of this population. Within the "asian" community we've always known that muslims are not the same as us (Sikhs and Hindus), and up until recently we were content to let this oversight exist in the general media, as it was of no real significance. But because of 9/11, and the continuing arrogance of elements in the muslim community in spite of that horrific act, hindus and sikhs are having to highlight that we are different, and this is not a bad thing. While asians, in the british context, does include chinese people, it is hard to confuse them with muslims. If the Irish, Welsh, and Scots, can call themselves as such not matter where they are in the world, then so can an Indian. Finally, this divide pre-dates 9/11 as exemplified by the partition of India. India is a secular democracy with a history of tolerance. Indians do not seek to impose their own system of law where they live - their system is democracy.

ed, canada
somehow, after reading all the comments , i am really happy to live in Canada, we don't jave any racist problems here, not even name calling.

Raj
I dont think so that asian is good name for indians, we are indians so call us the same. by calliang asian we are loosing our identity.

mj birmingham
I do beleive that british hindus need a seperate i.d. when one talks about being asian exactly who are we talking about?

chinaman stepney
"ASIA is one. The Himalayas divide, only to accentuate, two mighty civilisations, the Chinese with its communism of Confucius, and the Indian with its individualism of the Vedas. But not even the snowy barriers can interrupt for one moment that broad expanse of love for the Ultimate and Universal, which is the common thought-inheritance of every Asiatic race, enabling them to produce all the great religions of the world, and distinguishing them from those maritime peoples of the Mediterranean and the Baltic, who love to dwell on the Particular, and to search out the means, not the end, of life." - Okakura I agree with mo & monique, no matter what beefs we have with each other our continent is one. Even though we can't ignore all the problems back home, I for one am very proud to be asian on a personal level.

Jaggan Mithu, New york
We should be address as Hindu and not as Indian.India is view as home of Hindu ,the land of Krisna.

US
White people consists of Italians, Irish, german, etc..etc.. but at the end of ther day they are white. So white is white, Asian is asian! get over it and get on with your life.

Faize London
Asian is way of decribing someone ethnic origin i.e ppl from the indian subcontinent regardless of the religion. It's because some hindu's and sikh's feel superior to muslims and also that non-asians identify muslims as asians. Does this mean that since majority of indian restaurant are owned by muslims they should drop the "indian" title on their restarant names?or will the hindu's still want credit for these restaurants? and what about negative stereotypes of hindus and sikhs that muslim asians get associated with?i hated being told i own a cornershop or im always trying to rip ppl off etc

jennifer, malaysia
this is ridiculous. one day ure going to say no, im not a man, i'm a GAY man, pls be more specific and stop throwing me in the same category as those blasted homophobics who cant pee straight! ure annoyed only because u want to be elevated somewhat to a higher 'status' simply because ure born and not just bred in the uk. this has little,if anything, to do with being mistaken as muslim or whatever. i am chinese and ppl think i'm muslim when i say i'm malaysian. so what? it is an understanadable assumption, i just tell them i'm not. if u LOOK asian, it's because u ARE more often than not ASIAN. it's not as tho a whole grp of, say, eskimoes are being mistakenly id-ed as chinese or japanese.

South Asian, Canada
OK this is ridiculous! For those of you people here who say that Asian is such a "broad term" start looking at reality. In the UK, Asian is only used to refer to south asians, and everyone knows that we were all originally the same country anyway. So how is that broad?? we share essentially the same culture, food, clothes, languages, etc. And even if we didn't, it still wouldn't matter, we're all the same ethnicity. Look at blacks, they are combined with jamaicans, ethiopians, somalians, african americans, etc. and its obvious that they have nothing to do with each other. So why are they all called black? BECAUSE THEY'RE ALL THE SAME RACE! I think what needs to be changed is that the British media should label religiously motivated attackers according to their religion, and racially motivated attackers according to their race.

Mariam, London
I think its a bit silly to resent being called Asian - Pakistan, India, Bangladesh ARE in Asia, its not like we can change this fact. I've actually never come across anyone who minds the term Asian, regardless of religion. Is it really necessary to label yourself to such an extent i.e do we need to announce our nationality, religion etc to everyone, doesnt this labelling just lead to segregation and negative stereotyping?

anand laksh rai, birmingham
Reading past comments on here I see that most muslims (Asians) want to see Indians under the same label as them.. There argument being a racist will attack you no matter what colour you are & no matter whether you call your self asian or Indian??? ERR HELLO? YOU’R MISSING THE POINT HERE! -this has got nothing to do with that debate ! It’s about retaining your identity… If the Indian community feels unhappy about being labelled something they feel is politically incorrect, unfair, degrading & are strongly against …. then they have got full right to exercising their voices & rightfully retaining their own identity ( something more appropriate being, british Indian ) NON INDIANS HAVE GOT NO VOICE IN THIS SAY, SORRY BUT IT’S AS SIMPLE AS THAT! & I’m sick & tired of hearing all this is because Indians are afraid of being mistaken as a terrorist or a muslim- either you’re very arrogant, showing no regard for others-who do not want to see Indians deserving any distinction or your completely missing the point! Judging from your past comments, it seems clear that you’re being very selfish & ridiculous Please understand where Indians are coming from in this argument

Puj, London
I have no problems with being called Asian, as our Subcontinent is actually in Asia [SHOCK!!!], but refer to myself as British Bangladeshi - yes I am a Hindu. I do not see any problems with being British Pakistani, British Indian or just British. Some of the comments here are racist and just show how ignorant some people here!

diva london
yes there should be more distinct ID, but socity need to understand more about the defrent in indian and asian.

Merker London
Asia is a continent , not a religion....LOL. Let's not get it twisted. People from Asia =Asian. People from Europe= Europeans etc. You see it is very easy. Now let's see if we can all play this game. I have noticed Black or White people do not have any hang-ups about being labelled with those terms.....it is just the Asian people who have major issues amongst themselves. As for saying Sikhism has nothing to do with Islam, you need to check the roots of your own religion and study it. Didn't Guru Nanak try and combine Islam and Hinduism together and formed Sikhism? Aren't there extremists in any religion whether they are Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Sikh or whatever? At the end of the day a whole country was given away for acceptance and look where that got the Indians? How many living in poverty? I rest my case.

Sikh, Coventry
As a UK born Sikh i would much rather be known as a British-Sikh or British-Punjabi at the end of the day Asain is such a vast amount of people and cultures that there needs to be some sort of clarification between very different groups of 'asains'

R - 'British' part 2...
Also, things are not that rosy in the 'homelands' either - communal tensions abide. From your relativley privilleged positions in this world, concentrate your efforts on helping others around you who need whatever the colour of their skin / religion or ethnic background.For the record, I was born and brought up in the UK, my parents are from India and I'm sikh, but first and foremost I'm British...

R, 'British'
I hope those of you born in the UK but want recognition for your ethnic/religous/cultural/ 'where ever your parnets were born' identity see yoursleves as "british'. if you don't you're on hiding to nothing...I think its coz of 'muslim = terrorist' debate that you to want to disassociate yourslves from the term asian...but don't ignore that btwn us ' UK asians' there have been tensions for years based on history and out-dated stereotypes. I totally sign up to the view that a racist is not gonna ask questions 'bout where our parents come from before striking...and racism is evolving...first it was the colour of our skin, then it was 'culture'...now its religion...so get a grip and stand by those who are now being unfairly treated and check yourself...coz there but for the grace of god / allah/ guru nanak / whoever floats your boat it could be you and your 'tribe' next...

david, scotland
oh my, the last two comments are a good example of ignorance being the route cause of social division in the uk. only an idiot would post a comment on a board discussing the negative conatations of the term "asian" yet khan in manchester and Absare guilty of exactly the same crime IE using one term to describe an diverse group of people who live on the same continent- by using the term "white". (i take it that the term white denotes anyone from western europe or of western european decent) never mind the the racism that is hidden in khan's message "doing the white dirty work" or Abs's not so hidden "the white man is the devil incarnate" am i part of the same devilish "white" group, even though i marched against the war in iraq, spent 18 months helping the people in the west bank by helping re-build school or teaching english in india for 12 months? please think about the consequences of your comments and remember, racists are fools, regardless of whether they pray in a church a mosque or synagogue

asif, london
people please wake up. thses labels are all there to divide us. there are good muslims, bad muslims, there are good hinus, bad hindus, good sikhs and bad sikhs, and the ame for whites, blacks, etc.

Forzana, London
A lot of the comments here are stupid, especially with regards to the backlash received post 9/11. Your arguments do not stand - as if being called a hindu or a sikh will prevent a gang of white or other youths from beating you up in the street because they think you're terrorist scum. Unless you want to put a gold star on your arm that specifies your RELIGION, then these people on the streets won't know the difference. Me? I'm British, English, a Londoner, a teenarger, a public school girl, female, Bengali, Asian, atheist...and everything else! I'm happy being all of those things as all of those titles are a part of my identity. It's pathetic to try and identify one's self with one part of an identity. Segregating ourselves further is not the answer. There are more pressing issues than whether we should be called "asian", which all of those who are complaining about a change are, or "hindu", "sikh", "muslim" etc. Please recognise that one is geographical and the other is a religious title!

London
Asian Just fit's US well, when do we call Local natives Scot, Irish or English OR British? WE Call them WHITEs or Gora Or Blacks to other We should feel proud if they Call us Browns BUT they have done better for us by calling us Asian Dinesh

Zidane - Bolton
If Hindus and Sikhs want to completely distance themselves from Muslims, then why do they all love Shah Rukh Khan??? He’s a Muslim!!! or ‘Zinedine Zidane’ or ‘Muhammad Ali’ or ‘Robin van persie’ … Yes I have to admit that there is a problem between Muslims and Christians in UK, but eventually (God Willing) we will get over it. Just as Muslims and Hindus got over there problems in India just a few years ago! "If there is much misunderstanding in the West about the nature of Islam, there is also much ignorance about the debt our own culture and civilisation owe to the Islamic world. It is a failure, which stems, I think, from the straight-jacket of history, which we have inherited. The medieval Islamic world, from central Asia to the shores of the Atlantic, was a world where scholars and men of learning flourished. But because we have tended to see Islam as the enemy of the West, as an alien culture, society, and system of belief, we have tended to ignore or erase its great relevance to our own history.” - Prince Charles, lecture at Oxford University.

Dinesh Patel, London
For too long Muslim Pakistani's in particular have been hiding under the name Asian. The BBC is also guilty of this by refering to people it well knows as of Pakistani or Bengali decent as Asian. 7/7, Bradford riots, Birmingham riots, Violent cartoon demonstrations, Veil, Glasgow murders, Integration, unemployment etc etc. This is a Muslim thing, not an Asian thing! Stop the political correctness and say it how it is.

Dave, St.John's Wood
I think that this forum initial debate comments, are really offensive, where is the acknowledgement of all the Christian Indians. Also I think people have got to be honest that the main reason they dont wont to be called Asian is because they dont wont to associated with Muslims. The only people who benefit from being called 'Asian' are the Muslims, as it lets their religion of the hook!

Khan_ Manchester
Hey, you lot out there- grow up can't you see what is happening with this battle?? We are doing the white dirty work again by allowing him to get us fighting between ourselves. We are who we are and by caling us by another name is not going to make any difference- "bricks and stones may break my bones but names woultn't hurt me". underneath it all we are all the same, Muslims, Hindus, sheiks etc... humans but at this mo in time we are behaving like animals and we say we are the superior ones. Geta life.

Abs
Monique - you are bang on girl, that what I'm talking about. The white man is the devil incarnate, divide and conquer

Abs
Dav - why did you call the 3 guys who are on trial for the murder is Glasgow Muslim? surely muslim could mean any1 - black, white, oriental. Surely you should have said pakistani, you say the media is racist, I say you are.

Jane, Berkshire
I use the term Asian because I can't tell by looking at someone if they are Indian or Pakistani, and I have been told by a Pakistani that it would not be good to confuse the two. From the outside how do I tell if they are Hindu or Muslim? I can't tell the difference between Scottish, Irish, Welsh or English but I do know if I use the term British, if someone is fussed about it they will politely let me know and not assume I'm being rude because they can't tell the difference either. Neither can I tell the difference between Protestants, Methodists and Catholics by looking at them. So why do I have to be nationally or religiously specific about people with ancestors from Asia in the last couple of generations but it is ok to be general for white British people? I only use the term Asian if I think it matters that someone's different cultural background matters (and it is different) in that instance. Often I will use the term British because they often are and that might be all that matters. What's wrong with them being called British?

Bobby, Manchester
I think facts speak for themselves, my family came here from Africa/India 30years ago and we totally mixed with Pakistani muslims etc (asian's) but now if i go out to a club i get looks and comments (Why aren't you in a hijab etc) I am a British Indian - Hindu but hey how would anyone know when i am brown. On the flip side if i go an sit with a bunch of Pakistani Muslims i get " oh you indians drink go out you've lost your culture we muslims practise our religion we havn't become westernised" so where the hell do i or other Hindu/sikh people fit in. Fact Hindu/sikh people have the highest employment rates, academic achievement, highest contribution to the British economy, lowest percentage of people dependent of welfare system yet we get called names after 9/11. Please Please understand I love being called Asian but now i want to be recognised as an Indian Hindu for all the hard work my family and majority of Hindu/Sikh people have put into boosting the British economy and integrating. Im am sure that many Hindu/Sikh people will agree with me an i don't feel i am being racist but very very fed up.

Singh, Birmingham
I am proud to be Sikh...would prefer to be called a 'British-Panjabi'. In Canada and America, Panjabis(brown) and other south asians are known as 'Indo-Canadians' and 'Panjabi-Americans'. Asians in American/Canada are known to be 'Chinese etc'. The word 'Asian' is too broad.

Gilbert
Why are Indian / Pakistani people called "asian" in this country...as everywhere else in the world Asians are considered to be from China, Hong Kong, Singapore etc... ?? Welcome any comment / feedback

R, London
I was born in England and brought up here which makes me British, and thus European. Technically,my parents have Indian roots, but I would not classify myself as Indian; I am not from India, was not brought up there, and do not feel it is my 'motherland'. Hindu, yes, that's accurate for me, but the other descriptions are often used inaccurately, and used by the media to save themselves the trouble of accurate reporting. Lumpign us all together also goes a long way in promoting ignorance. However, it is down to us to change perception, and rather than simply talk about it, actually do something.

DMP, Birmingham
hi there..i am an Indian (from India) living in the UK for the last 3 years and i find it strange how indians born and bred in the UK are vying for themselves to be called "Indian" and not "asians"...as to be honest the last thing i have seen from them is they being proud about india's achievments and any knowledge about the country...and most of all showing respect for "people from india" i might be bringing in a different dimension here but to be honest the only racism i have faced in the UK is from "indians born and bred here" who somehow think they are superior to "people who come from india" ? and now suddenly they want to call themselves indian ? sorry sir's and madam's you do not qualify as being "indian" is is all about respect..and i am afraid you will need to live with the "asian" tag

Tiffany, Scotland
I dont understand...they are asian - why do they object to being called asian? Its not even a religion its a continent, I dont have a problem with being called European..although when someone says 'asian' i usually think of China, Japan etc...But on the news and stuff people are usually referring to Pakistan, India etc - so I get confused!

Tony U.S.A.
I just think it's interesting that in Britain "Asian" is understood to be Indian or Middle Eastern, but over here in the U.S.A. Asian is understood to be from East Asia... in fact it is really hard to say that someone is Indian over here... because then of course you have to specify that you don't mean Native American Indian (this confusion has given rise to the often offensive "Indian... with a bindhi or a feather?")... and the whole "Asian" thing doesn't work either because people automatically assume you mean someone from China or Japan or Korea... and then of course Southeast Asian is just a mouthful... and most people over here don't have much exposure to the cultural aspect so they can't differentiate between a Sikh and a Hindu and a Muslim.. And then what if someone has roots in India but is a Christian, a Jain, etc. What do you say? Also, over here my "Asian" friends use the term "Desi"... is that just used in the U.S.A.? What is the consensus? WHAT DO WE SAY?????

Hindu n Proud, Leicester
im a hindu n i would like to be called british hindu/indian...the name 'asian' definitely represents muslims (am sayin this because when the media relieve the names they r always muslim names), so i dont like to be called asian...n asia is a big continent n it also includes chinese n japanese people (so just imagine how chinese n japanese people feel when the media use the term asian...their in the same situation as us hindus n sikhs)...n another thing...y r some muslims callin themselves indians?...yea i understand u or ur family might be originated from india...but would you carry the india flag? do u celebrate indias independence day?because you or your family r originated from india...NO i dont think so, because you'll be carryin the pakistani flag n celebratin pakistans independence day...so dont call urself indian!!!...stick with muslim...sorry if ive insulted anyone but i just wanted 2 put my point through...

jac London
As one who has Hindu and Buddhists friends I've noticed that this issue is becoming all the more pressing.'Asian' in this context, is only used in regard to the Indian subcontinent and not to others parts of continental Asia. Distinct cultural ethnicity and particular national origination is being conflated under a description that is a carry on from pre-partion India. As religous belief is of central importance in shaping cultural ethnicity then it ought to be allowed to find expression formal categories of description and self avowal. If 'white' is shorthand for secularism and Christianity, and 'British Muslims' have long been able to identify themselves as such, then there is there a fair reason why Hindus born in Britain should not have the same freedom to be referred to as 'British Hindus'?

aisha from cowley
there is know tension between the sikhs, hindus and muslims! the tensions between the whites and the aisans

hassan slough
Let's not get it twisted. People from Asia =Asian. People from Europe= Europeans etc. You see it is very easy. Now let's see if we can all play this game. I have noticed Black or White people do not have any hang-ups about being labelled with those terms.....it is just the Asian people who have major issues amongst themselves. As for saying Sikhism has nothing to do with Islam, you need to check the roots of your own religion and study it. Didn't Guru Nanak try and combine Islam and Hinduism together and formed Sikhism? Aren't there extremists in any religion whether they are Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Sikh or whatever? At the end of the day a whole country was given away for acceptance and look where that got the Indians? How many living in poverty? I rest my case.

Peter Kalu Manchester
Zahid Hussain, the novelist (he wrote 'The Curry Mile, just released) is always talking about this. How it's aterm only used in the West. He'd be good to interview??

ij , brighton
whether you are from pakistan or india does not mean you are not asian. asia is a continent, not a religion. we are supposed to be european, and under that continent many nationalities live. this is extreme, there are more important things to worry about than this. it is just another thing to moan about rather than address real issues of major importance. such as PEACE.

Dil, London
This debate defies logic! The term "asian" itself does not specify a particular country, but rather the entire continent, and the term "asian" is used in different contexts around the world (for eg. in the USA, asian usually also refers to Oriental people). Unfortunately people have begun to misinterpret the word "asian" for "muslim", which is the crux of the problem. The solution however is not to stop the use of the word "Asian". India remains a part of Asia, and those short-sighted people on this site who claim to be Hindu and Indian, but not Asian, are deluding themselves. Also I find it incredibly worrying that Hindu/Sikh people are distancing themselves form other Asian groups purely because individuals have been attacked after being mistaken as Muslim. Surely it's bad for any innocent person to be attacked? I notice how the backlash against the Muslim's has just been dismissed as inevitable and everyone's just trying to save their own skin. I coincidently enough am not Muslim. In fact I'm an atheist and dislike being identified with any religion, but that will not stop me from referring to myself as Asian.

Amir Leeds, Uk
If I remmember Tony Blair has said the wearing of full face veils by Muslim women is a "mark of separation" and made some "outside the community feel uncomfortable", so dont you think by calling someone Asian is a big mark of sepration and also they feel uncomfortable when they are with their white friends, even they born and grew up in UK never ever been to Asia obiously they not gona like it. I dont understand why do we have to declare on every single type of form that we are white or asian why cant we just declare that we are British. I am an Asian and most of my friends are British (White) I like to be called british insted of Asian and i think this a sign of true British

a indian
I am fed up of hearing asian this asian that in the media. Address the people in question more appropratly so that the listener is better informed. The current use of the word asian is both misleading, inaccurate and confusing..

Dea, PA- USA
I have a question that I’m hoping someone can answer. If someone is clearly of some Asian descent, but you are not sure of what country, do you call them an Asian or Oriental? I hear people refer to others as Oriental, but I always thought that seems like a negative title. I always equated Oriental as something coming from the Orient or being Oriental like i.e. carpet etc, but now a person. Opinions? Thoughts?

Huseyin - Istanbul
We are definetely proud of being Asian. And we must be proud It is our identity, culture, civilization and land... Please come down..you should be realist..

Imran
I believe that asian's, from different backgrounds should help each other to make britain more successful in the future because we life in this country that's what i think.

Jenny - USA
When I think of Asian people, Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans come to mind, not Indians, Pakistanis, etc. Those and the countries around it are considered Middle Eastern. Am I correct? I doubt it! Ignorance goes both ways though, I've been asked what my country of origin is. I was born in America, no nationality other than predominately white American. I have no roots in any other countries. To some people, this is hard to comprehend!

Nikita - Medway
I'm actually proud of being Asian, my friends arent Hindu like me, yet we get along fine. My best mate is Sikh and a couple of my friends are Muslim and some are chinese I dont see what problem its causing. Some people are just assholes

Dav - Coventry
Calling people who are non-white, primarily brown skin "Asians", demonstrates the ignorance on part of the media. Its a convenient way to propogate divisions between non-whites and white skined people. Not to mention, painting everyone with the same brush. For e.g. The murder of a young white boy by 3 Muslim (pakistani decent) individuals was reported as Asian youths. Both inaccurate and potentially racist.

Rachna, Glasgow
It really shows that we have a problem with being called asian. The strange thing is that in countries such as canada everyone whether hindu/sikh/muslim are called brown and i simply do not like it because im not really brown in colour and they are identifying me through my colour! As much as I would prefer to be called Hindu, being asian is fine because most people know the difference between the main 3 religions-hinduism, sikhism, islam. Just think...we're no longer dealing with direct racism as much now - so although its not ideal, people are accepting different cultures and maybe we can spread the word about how we feel-to others....i certainly do!

Joey, Malaysia
I am of Chinese origin and also classed as Asian. When I went to the UK to study with some of my Malay-Indian friends, I noticed how much hatred there is between the so called asian population there. None of the UK born south asians (ie indian subcontinent) on our course ever conversed with my malay indian friends during our time in the UK. They were seen as inferior because they were not bred in the UK. But even then I noticed how much hatred exists in public whereby UK asians put on this look of disgust when they see another asian person on the street, behind a till, working at the bank, in any situation. In fact the UK asians on our course never spoke to each other either but eyed each other up most of the time. I know that in the UK I made numerous Chinese, Korean , Japanese friends, yes we are all oriental but we know the differences and can still co- exist and get on fine. I could never imagine acting differently to the guy behind the till at Boots just because hes Chinese like me. I doubt theres ever going to be a solution to the identity problem when whether you are classed as a hindu, or a Pakistani, you still hate each others guts.

Saba, London
in response to those people who are offended at being termed asian as they don't want to be associated with the terrorists who are all apparently 'muslim', i want to point out that in the same way, us muslims are also offended at being associated with the terrorists. for those of you that dont know, islam is actually pro-peace and teaches tolerance and respect of others' beliefs. these terrorists are hiding behind the label 'muslim', if they were true followers of islam they would not commit such atrocious acts and it is obvious that they don't know the first thing about islam and have probably never looked up what the quran actually teaches. so it is not just the non muslim asians who feel offended, muslims throughout the world are even more so offended that certain individuals are comitting wholly unislamic acts under the label of islam. so to all the ignorant, the racist, and the uneducated: get your facts straight. p.s i have no problem with being called asian, its just geography, and i am certainly not hiding behind it as i am extremely proud to be a muslim.

Jaz, Southampton
North-South divide : brown people up north = muslim. brown people down south = Sikhs & hindus. Totally different. But some people need to lump them all together so they come up with a term for it = Asian. Those whites from up north then get jobs in London in media & politics. The sikh and hindu then have to listen to news broadcasts about how the 'asians' suffer high unemploymnent, do badly in schools,family marriage (totaly distasteful to sikhs who search surnames going back 3 generations on prospective brides & grooms to ensure there is not even a minute distant chance of being related in any way), make up a high percentage of the prison populations and live in overcrowded housing. Obviously the sikh and hindu down south, who officialy have Britains highest rate of home ownership, highest academic achievement rate, highest affluence rate, can't help but wonder what connection he/she has to the so-called 'asian' identity, of up north.

SJ Blackburn
i personally would not like to be referred to as indian or whatnot, basically bcoz there are marked differences between us, and i would be offended if someone regarded me as being inidan. so all u guys who have been complaining below about how they hate being reffered to as "paki", jus put it this way, the feeling's mutual, orite???? therefore, i for one would prefer if the govt could refer to us as British muslim/sikh/hindu etc, rather than asian, since it is too broad a term, and at the end of the day, most of the third generation asians nowadays are actually born in this country, so dosent that mean we should be reffered to as being european, rather than bickering about what asian subgroup we belong too???

SanJ: Wolverhampton
I think an asian should never be ashamed of being called asian, as thats probly the best way to be referred to if you are asian.. being an asian myself.. its all about what's in an individual's head, but i say be called ASIAN and be well proud of it.. AsiaN InvasioN 4eva..

Monique, Nottingham
I am a young black woman and intelligent enough to know that Muslims come in every colour (black, white, brown, white and yellow!!). Islam isn't a religion based on race and it is therefore impossible to distinguish Muslims from the rest of society! On the point of being called "Asian", surely it is less derogatory than being called a "Paki"?? Fuj was correct - the west (Europe and US) are intent on dividing and controlling anyone that is not white - history has shown us this. By discussing such a topic you are doing their "dirty" work for them - their worst nightmare is a united Asia. Just think of how successful a united Asia could be!! It is important to rememmber that there are good/bad people in every race, religion and culture. Judge people by their deeds, not their religion or race...

KP sheffield
Ive already commented... but my last most crucial point was missed out... What I said was take a look at what Mahatma Ghandi said " I am a hindu& I am a muslim..

Ravi Soor
I would be prefered to be described as indian simply because the word Asian covers a wide range of cultures.

Fuj, Bham
For gods sake - y dont ppl understand they divided us in 1947 and ever since they win by using the divide and rule strategy to make us argue against each other - we need to be united within our asian community not segregate ourselves within the community!!

Aman, Leicester
Let's leave religion out of the argument for the moment. Asian in my experience is a generic term used to describe all "brown" people, introduced by the Pakistani community when they realised that to be known as "Pakistani" inevitably was to be known as "Paki" which was used as derogatory. Therefore it seemed a good idea to associate themselves with the rest of the sub-continent due to the higher status of India. I have this to say: They wanted to be separated 60 years ago. Now they can live with the consequences! They wanted their own "pure land", full of their own type of people, free from those they left behind in India (now religion comes into it, as Pakistan is almost purely Islamic). So tough. They have their own Pakistan, live with it. Let those whose families chose to remain in India (Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Atheist, whatever) retain their thousands of years of cultural identity (the argument of whether we should call ourselves Hindustani or Bharati instead of the British-imposed Indian is for another time!). You keep your Pakistani identity, you earned it.

yellow rose, yorkshire
i am an indian muslim, i have a friend who is a pakastani hindu. india does not equal hindu and pakistan does not equal muslim. come on people the world is not so black and white.

Dhiraj, Wembley
I am being confued with Pakistani, Afgani, Palestanian or even Turkish, I would preffer to be refered to as a Hundu Indian, we are generally a peaceful bunch and want to be distanced from other people. By being called Asian my identity becomes lost as being peace loving type.

Z,Bham
It looks like the majority of people on this message board who have a problem with being identifies as asians are sikhs and muslms.What your problem is you dont want to be identified as muslims,but let me tell you something your nationality does not dictate your religion,just because you are indian dont mean that you cant be muslim.People need to get over it and start learning to accept other cultures,It is whats in your heart that makes you who you are, not where you come from,what colour you are or what religion you are.people need to stop labelling groups of people but see them as individuals.We need to kick out this sensless ideology because it is the root of so much evil in this world as it has been for centuries.The world would be such a better place if you let your guards down and embrace other cultures and religions and realised that every single individual is different regardless of where they come from and what religion they believe.

D, Leicester
Im at college and I am constantly judged by people are around me they don't see the difference between me and another "Asian" boy, by society having classed all Asian as a whole. It mean that our society is becoming more narrow minded then it already is. The word Asian is just a very vague term used to classify Hindu, Sikh etc. Maybe people might see each "Asian" kid in a different respect knowing that not all Asian, are not the same and nor do they have the same culture heritage or beliefs. By actually having a more specific term, this mean people will be less likely to begin to put a vague stereo typical view on me therefore giving me more of an identity as an individual and also giving me a chance of acceptance were as referring to me as a Asian is a term which is carrying a vile history which is portrayed upon me simply for being, thus giving me a more detailed term will mean I have a more specific identity than being classified as a chunk.

Afeefa london
i think that its stupid to say u dont want to be called asian, be proud of what you are (if you are from Asia) I'm a muslim and proud!! I describe myself as an asian because i'm from pakistan and if someone described me as an asian i would never be offended by it i would be proud of what i am because lets get the facts straight, i am an asian. Asian doesnt only describe a muslim that would most probably be the Middle East. If you are not proud of it or you dislike being an asian then maybe you should be happy with who you are, remember if you are confident with being asian then people would respect you more as a person rather than thinking your a wannabe.

Rashid,California.
Trust me at the End of the day you are South Asian. You will only be more laughed at if you try something else.For the point many white girls like me,and I like all the girls in the world.They are all goood. White,Brown,Black,yellow,chinese,Indian what ever.The people who tell you Muslims are bad the very same racist also tell me Hindus used to burry thier female live and in Punjab new born Females are burried live and the cast system.And So civilized west has more blood in thier hand than anybody else.We are all people and we all have good and bad.It is illiterates and hypocrites are bad.It is who you are that people like or dislike.[Except few racist who suffer from a terrible disease.]

RAJ
Present day we all know which asian community is involved with terrorist activities...so for indian and espicially hindus its very important to idintify as indian or hindus...cause indian are peace loving community which has great contribution in british economy as well as culture

Dipesh, Paris
Great subject and made me think…but ti don't have the response to the question. I was born of indian parents in tanzania, grew up in hingland, worked in newyork and am now living in france with plans to settle in india in the near future - that makes me an Afroindianbritishfench dude - and my daughter???? (her mother is french) is she 'eurasian'???

Richa choudhary,glasgow
by calling 'asian'people of different nationality are loosing their identity of being indian,pakistani,bangladeshi.

Nick Machester
I think Asian is a too broad term and reduces the rich cultures of many people into one. To be honest i didn't seem to mind the word however i started to get annoyed when the media started use the work Asain when they are describing Muslims. Yeah we south asians all have some shared culture, but you cannot refer to Islam which is so Racialy diverse as Asain. Today british Islam has a growing eastern European and Somali population who are not Asain. Also i do sympathise with the negative press our Muslim friends are getting but we Sikhs and Hindus don't want to be refered to as Asian when issues such as lack of integration and extremism are mentioned. Frankly these issues don't apply to us at all as thus we shouldn't be accussed as Islamaphobic when we attempt to distance ouselves from bad press which have no part of. So I support the Hindu forum and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (Uk) in wanting us to be called Hindu and not Asian.

diulip mehta leicester
i am a hindu and i would like to called an indian or better still a british indian certainly i would not liked to ba called an asian . asian means a pakiatani bagladeshi or a srilankan we hindus are certanily different from all of those we have our own identity

NS from Wolverhampton
I was born in Britain, therefore I am British. The fact that I also happen to be brown is of little consequence. You don't see white people distinguish between Catholics, C of E, Methodist etc, do you? So why should we distinguish between Muslim (which I am not), Sikh (which I am), etc. Also I am in a mixed relationship (hubby is white) and have a child who will be brought up with two cultures - best of both worlds me thinks! I prefer no label at all.

MYL
Sorry mates, I am from Africa but of Indian origin. I was born there and like it or not we are different to people from the sub-continent. My background is different and so is my up bringing. Hence I would like to be called 'African Asian' not Indian or Sikh! Oops sorry Desh!

Cherry, Hong Kong
I would like to know how everyone expects those from outside their immediate circle, unaware of their nationality/religion, to address them correctly? Badges? Star of David-1939 ring any bells people? European/ North American/ Asian - it's a geographical reference and not intended as an insult by the vast majority of people - please do not receive it as one...like Majay says, don't turn it into a swear word. Between us all I'm pretty sure we could come up with enough insulting language already.

KP Sheffield
"asian" is a word to describe people from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh. Im Hindu and I have no problem being called asian! When you start a debate like this you will get into the danger creating more segreation. we should be united as "asians" in the present climate! At the end of the day, when a Racist wants to call you a "paki" they will not think Ooohh a hindu... or Ooohh a sikh... they will think "PAKI". Having a debate like this will create and more segreation! You should embrace being called Asian. Take a look at what Mahatma Gandhi said: I am and muslim"

Ash
i am an indian and like to be called indian. its like calling somebody by his name than calling that he or she belongs to that family. it gives you an personal identity. when english, scottish and welsh people dosn`t like to be called british why can`t i be called indian. can i call english man a german or french because both are europeans?

Faiqah, Edinburgh
I have read all the comments that have been posted, and noticed that most of the people here think that being classified as "asian" indicates that your a muslim/pakistani. Why is that?? Its a very simple logic for those of you who are making such a big deal out of it. If you come from Asia, and are called asian then whats the big deal? I myself am a British muslim, but dont mind being called asian. In the end we are all humans, we shouldnt have a problem if somebody thinks your a "paki", we call them "gora's", so we're equal.

imran, bradford
I think you all are missing the point, on my passport it states 'British Pakistani', and i would guess that i am a bit if both. Come on are we not all human. It does not matter which category we all 'asian' have been placed in, its almost like what academics do they put a name to anything, in the real world no one calls you an asian but by your name.

bally singh
I now hate being classed as Asian. Because the word Asian groups so many ethnic minorities together. On the news you hear how ‘Asian’ youths fight with white youths, and it could be just Muslim youths fighting white youths but when they use the term Asian then we all, Sikhs, Hindus, Gujaraties get included. I am a Sikh but since 9/11 all “Asians” are now targeted for racial hatred because on some stupid extremist killing innocent people. I understand that many innocent people are now dying in the middle east but that’s not the fault of a innocent civilian just going along his normal life. All these terrorist’s and extremists living in this country resorting to a terrorist campaign are just making our lives (Sikhs, Hindus etc) more and more difficult. I feel that the racial tension we are currently experiencing in this country are just the tip of the iceberg and if these crazy extremist’s continue there campaign of terror then I feel that there are far darker times to come for all people classed in the “Asian” category.

Jaito, Birmingham
Historically, the term 'Asian' is a derogatory term (a fact your researcher and others before you, omit to address), used by Europeans to describe all those who live in the east after they initially ventured to the east. They soon realised that we were not a homogeneous race. However, they could not be bothered to draw distinctions between the people of the east. For this reason, I strongly object to being called an 'Asian'. I regard myself to be British of Indian origin. I am sure the English, the Scots and the Welsh would take exception to being called 'Europeans’. Furthermore, the term 'Asian' is synonymous with the 'problem community' and I have no wish to be associated or connected with them in any way. I feel sorry for the British of Indian origin who settled in this country in the 50's and 60's and over came so many struggles and racism to achieve what they did including bringing about race relations legislation and to some extent acceptance and tolerance within British Society only for it to destroyed by the 'problem community'. As a result, as far as the host community is concerned 'we are all the same - p***, Bin Ladens....’

D.Leicester
Im at college and i am constantly judged by people are around me they don't see the difference between me and another "Asian" boy, by society having classed all Asian as a whole. It mean that our society is becoming more narrow minded then it already is. The word asian is just a very vague term used to classify hindu, sikh ect, maybe people might see each "Asian" kid in a different respect knowing that not all Asian, are not the same and nor do they have the same culture heritage or beliefs. By actually having a more specific term, this mean people will be less likely to begin to put a vague stereo typical view on me therefore giving me more of an identity as an individual and also giving me a chance of acceptance were as referring to me as a Asian is a term which is carrying a vile history which is portrayed upon me simply for being, thus giving me a more detailed term will mean I have a more specific identity than being classified as a chunk.

wr Peterborough
basically indians do not want to be associated with pakistani and bangladeshi muslims and want this to be acknowledged by the british they see themselves as totally seperate to the 'inferior' uneducated muslim community!! but no matter how hard you try you will always be called a p***s by racists. i have recently started calling myself english but asked by any person where my parents come from i am from the free state of Kashmir!

steve rutherford, Bedford
Noticed this as the featured show on the BBC radio website and very glad I listened to it. I found it a really interesting, well made program. One point for the contributers, and listeners, who are very keen to change the label from Asian to something - Stuff the label! Personally I want a Britain where we don't have to monitor ethnic / religous diversity because it no longer affects people's chances. Labels don't help. Any label based on ethnicity helps racists. Any label based on original family nationality helps nationalists. Any label based on religion helps bigots. If it helps illustrate why labels are such a nonsence I'll categorise myself: I'm a sort of pinky light brown (the real colour that people call white). I don't know where my family came from, which means even if I'm 'English' I'm originally German / Danish / Norwegian / French. All of these countries were settled by people travelling through Asia or the Middle East, from a species that originally came from Africa. The above should make me a British Christian, but as I don't believe in a God I'm ... a what ... a British Athiest?

A Soul- London
To me you are not asian nor black nor white, you are not a boy or girl, nor are you old or young... To me everyone is simply a Soul...

Sobbia - Shropshire
yeh i agree with Mo UK I am a Muslim 2 and whether you’re Pakistani Indian or Sikh Chinese and all tht u are an Asian I mean our countries are next to each other we live in the same areas thtts y they class us all as asians "what’s your problem stop hating." i agree with tht too ... we shud be working to keep the asian communtiy together not fall apart because u dnt like the fact of being called asian

Anjoom Mukadam
Firstly I'd like to congratulate Konnie for a well-researched piece - this is an issue that has been with us for a very long time - in fact, as a second-generation Indian Muslim of Gujarati descent I investigated this whole issue of multiple identities for my PhD beginning in 1999. It resulted in my coining the term 'Indobrit' - not as a means of differentiating Indians/Pakistanis and Bangladeshis but as a way of moving away from the term 'Asian' in recognition of our position as British individuals of Indian ancestry. My own feeling is that this current move is definitely an Islamaphobic reaction and we should be concerned about the fragmentation and segregation that could result amongst second and future generations especially if it is done along religious lines. We do share a lot of cultural traditions and need to remain united as South Asians in order to show the West that the majority of us are well-integrated, law-abiding British citizens who do not condone the acts of a few terrorists, who call themselves 'Muslims'. United we stand - divided we fall.

Arthur Singh - Wembley
It's pretty irrelevant what we call ourselves. What matters is how the indiginous peoples see us. We can market 'ourselves' based on religion, nation of origin or creed, but when it push comes to shove we're all seen as P**is!

Kamala H. London
I call myself Bengali Hindu because that is what I am. If pressed I'll say I'm british too, but that's kind of obvious seeing as I live here.

Farrhana, Bham
Come on people - what the hell is wrong with you -at this moment in time there is a need for unity amongst our Asian communities’ in Britain. I mean how r we different - we all originate from India, we have the same culture and even the same lingo in most cases - how are we different? Also wot the heck does nationality have to do with religion? However having said that would the Politically correct call a white Christian who lives in India an Asian?

Tuhin
I am an Indian but I prefer to call my self Bengali. I know many people in uk call themselves Gujarati but they came here from Kenya. They never been to India. There are differences between Bengali culture and Guajarati culture, even their religion are same. The main point is the white people will not be able to differentiate you as Indian, Pakistani, Muslim or Hindu. And in the eyes of the racist you are the same. They will not spare you if you beg that I am a Hindu or Muslim or Sikh, so don’t hurt me. We include all the people from sub sharan Africa as Black or African, not as Nigerian, South African, and Ghanaian etc. It's a broader term to differentiate a major group of people. So, I don’t have problem calling me Asian, infect we should be called as South Asian, in a proper term.

Jai, London
This is really surprising for me to know that all UK born Indian identifies themselves with their root country India. I used to think otherwise but it's really giving me great pleasure and making me feel that we're all united as Indians wherever we're living. We all are great Indians. Do not call us Asian, we like Britain but we rather like to be identified as Indian living in UK

Singh, Sheffield
I don't like to be classed asian or indeed indian, my family come from punjab, so please class my as punjabi. I find being called Indian an insult.

R, Leicester
I would like to be called Hindu or Indian as this is my identity, Asian is meaningless to me and has no identity to my religion.

Taz, London
Let's not get it twisted. People from Asia =Asian. People from Europe= Europeans etc. You see it is very easy. Now let's see if we can all play this game. I have noticed Black or White people do not have any hang-ups about being labelled with those terms.....it is just the Asian people who have major issues amongst themselves. As for saying Sikhism has nothing to do with Islam, you need to check the roots of your own religion and study it. Didn't Guru Nanak try and combine Islam and Hinduism together and formed Sikhism? Aren't there extremists in any religion whether they are Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Sikh or whatever? At the end of the day a whole country was given away for acceptance and look where that got the Indians? How many living in poverty? I rest my case.

Owen, Shropshire
Namaste and Salaam Aleikum. Many government forms in UK ask for your "ethnic background" and offer separate categories for "Asian" and "Chinese, or other oriental". HA HA, China and the orient are in Asia. The term Asian is principally a curtain behind which apparently well-meaning PC whiteys hide their confusion and ignorance (while really betraying their deep-rooted racism with the "they all look the same to me" label). It is also a useful way for the media to refer to muslims without saying the word, but again at the expense of annoying non-Muslim "Asians". And guess what, Israel and Japan are in Asia.

Pankaj, Coventry
This is out of my understanding why people want to make a single thing so complex. We all are having connection to same continent there is Asia either being Indian, Pakistani, Muslim, Hindu or Sikh. Infect we wear the same clothes share same culture in many cases even the language is same as well so what is the trouble in being called out British Asian, this word bind us all as into one community and make us much more stronger and as far as having a different identity is concerned we all know to which particular religion we belong to .I don’t have a tag on my head telling every one I am a Hindu or Muslim. I have no problem at all calling myself a British Asian.

Desh,Wolves
please dont call me asian..i'm sikh...asian generally means muslim,,,we could not be further apart,religion,culture,way of life and history.please dont call me asian...i hate that term,its so derogatory to my religion...all the problems in the world are caused by muslims..NOT sikhs or hindu's..call me anything u want except asian because thats putting me in the same group as muslims and thats the last thing i want!!!!..please dont call me asian.

Sanj, Birmingham
What a whole load of rubbish. Asian is a term for people from the Asian Sub-continent same as what European is from the European sub-continent.

S.Iqbal, manchester
Seems funny majority of minority groups who dont like to be defined as 'ASIANS' are actually non-Pakistanis? Reminds me of a poster i saw in Coventry just after 9/11. Man wearing a turban with the words "I'm not a muslim, i'm Sikh." Offended or fearful to be grouped in the same catagory? Funny, in the scheme of things wasnt so long ago we were one country.

Gurusaday Aylesbury
Being an Indian I should be called an Indian . We have different culture and tradition from our neighbouring country's. It's diversified and welcoming culture .

sukh dhesi, b'ham
prakash matey a quick lesson in history, Columbus set sale to find quicker trading routes with India, as per India was the centre of trade back in the day & was probably one of the only countries self reliant on herself. He did not set sale to prove to the world that the earth was round! Setting sale from spain the first land he would have seen was the east Caribbean’s islands known now as the west INDIES, he called the native people Indians because he thought he found India. Same applies to America. Haha pretty ironic really… people are quickly forgetting who they are, their history by calling themselves asian. …I might be going on a bit, but the way I see it, identity is an important thing. & poignant because it’s personal, & labelling someone something they don’t like, obviously they going to take it as an offence!

Sukha Singh Dhesi, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham
I’m sorry if im going to come across as derogatory to certain parts of the public but im gonna lay it out now... you can’t really class all of us under the same term as asian!!! It’s too broader term, & it’s unfair to what people are, personally I see it as n insult, & I don’t think it’s just the youth that are disassociating themselves with the term “asian”. most ppl I have talked to, older younger generation HATE using the term asian more than the youth! Especially with my family, we call ourselves Sikh & dayammm proud of it too. On another debate, I recently heard people accusing Indians of disassociating themselves with muslims, this is not the case, pre 9/11 I’m sorry if I offend anyone, but no one I know in my family called themselves asian. If you look at the census you can see Pakistani & Indian people are totally different. , it’s like saying oil & water really.

BAINS, birmingham
Being a sikh, i would much prefer to be called an indian because it's my home country and where my roots are, where as being called an asian you could be from any ethic. I recon people should be educated to learn the difference.

Mo, UK
I am a Muslim and I think that whether you’re Pakistani Indian or Sikh Chinese etc You are an Asian I mean our countries are next to each other we live in the same areas what’s your problem stop hating.

Prakash, Calgary
Interesting points, however a problem we have in North America is that the ignorant here follow the findings of Chris Columbus and call the indigenous people here 'Indian'. We are called East Indian, and that too is a general category to describe people from South Asia. Believe it or not, the usage of 'South Asian' is step forward. Of course here Asian is the term used to categorize 'Orientals'.

JJ, U.K
The good thing about the term "Asian" is precisely that it incorporates a wide diverse group into one and more importantly, it COMPLETELY EXCLUDES religious affiliation. Whenever I here people wanting to define themselves as British Muslim I am immediately tempted to want to define myself as a Britsh NON Muslim.

Nisha Reading
I really don't like being labelled as being an Asian. I'm a british indian so i'd rather be referred to as an Indian or Hindu. As its been said Asia is covers a huge area and wouldn't an englishman be offended if you called them french or european?! Of course they would!! Its our job to make people aware of how to differentiate between all the various ethnics. If someone called me a 'paki' i'd be really annoyed and offended.

Ahsan, Leicester
i myself only like to be known as a pakistani...dont want to be associated with any other nationality...its like a italian or german wouldnt want to be known as a european they want to show their true identity not be known as a group. But there are positives within being called Asian as its one big group people can easily identify with. It demonstrates unity within the community and at a time like this anything that unites people is brilliant! We are all diverse but we should all unite

Lutonians
Calling someone asian doesnt exactly describe a persons culture, its just describing what continent you orignate from. If your Pakistani, Indian or Bengali That means you are an asian but if your A Muslim, Sikh or Hindu That doesnt necassarily mean you must be an asian because its describing your religion. Being called an asian shouldnt be taken offensively. SFE

Sanj Southampton
To be honest many people are somewhat offending when referred to another faith or ethnicity, like if somebody assumed a Sikh person was Muslim the Sikh would probably be offending at that persons "ignorance". I think that using the term "asian" is just too vague for all the different ethnicities that come under it like indians, pakistanis, bangladeshi, sri lankan etc. People hardly use asian to refer to chinese people though because it is such a big country with such a big population even though India is also one the biggest countries in the world! It's just a case of trial and error using the "politically correct" term for ethnicity!

Hariom Bhatt ,India
We do not know why we are calling as an asian as whole where being a asian living with different culture and ofcourse values too i am Hindu Brahmin can not compare with pakistani Muslim why people in Foreign called us asian i think because we are wheatish people i am a proud that i am an indian from big continent if sombody called me a asian i will not be happy compare to indian

MC Wolverhampton
I believe using the term asian to describe origin seems a smokescreen by many who do not necessarily wish to disclose their more accurate ethnic group. It seems to allow a level of annonymity and safety when used. This practice fuels the larger problem of fear percieved by the greater society through lack of understanding the cultural and religious differences of respective ethnic groups and effectively grouping a large group as simply Asians. We have to allow greater accuracy in ethnicity reporting.

haroon birmingham
Just a quick thought - does the fact that Indians consider them selves seperate from Pakistanis mean that when some one shouts 'Paki' at them, they should'nt really take offence?

singh/slough
It is about time the media in the West, learn to use the right terms for the ethnic community,I rather be called a British Sikh or a British Indian and not Asian.It is our duty to educate the indigenous population,about our identity.If there is a sucide bomber, the media[news papers]will only say Asian bomber,because they[media] are too secared to mention Muslim.That's why I detest I being labled Asian.

Amjad, Kansas
I am from a Pakistani origin. I don't want others to drag or associate me with indians.

KHAN, UK
I don't mind being called asian, its just a category various ethnic minorities in South Asia are put into, but seeing as everyone else are making a big fuss over it,preferably I would like to be called a Muslim. For those of you who think that Muslims use the term 'asian' to cover up what you see in the media your wrong and we Muslims would not get offended by it because we know that people in this world are ignorant and stereotypical. Why would we want to hide our identity? I am proud to be a Muslim and so are the rest of the Muslim world.

Majay, Luton
I'm not bothered about being called asian or not,and i never knew it was a fashion statement!!!, one thing i don't understand why people objecting the word Asian, or finding it offensive no matter where abouts in Asia counteries you come from, your still Asian. even if your white person and you come from foreign country eg SPAIN,people won't see that, they'll think your white!!! this applies to black as well!!! people don't make the word "Asian," as a another stupid swear word!!!

NIN, wolves
I don't like being called Asian - Im Indian. Its like calling Brits European all of the time. Also, when people say Asian I feel they think of religion being interlinked with the term - my familys Sikh but I myself am agnostic so in my opinion the terms too open-ended Nin, 15

Amar, Buckinghamshire
It certainly was about time... At this point in time we have reached a stage where from a British Hindu or British Sikh point of view, it is not beneficial to be branded as Asian. The way i perceive it is the term Asian is just a word the Pakistani/Muslim community hide behind when things "get rough" in terms of media. I really feel the term is not used to the advantage of indian people in this country and that it should be replaced or abolished. Why is it so racist that the word muslim or pakistani be used for the respective people and the word indian or hindu be used for their respective people? Either describe us ALL as human beings nothing more, nothing less or describe us as British-Indian or Pakistani or Chinese or Japanese etc. At least get it right. The term is too broad and does not include (like it indiacates) people of Middle Eastern or Oriental decsent. I agree with Gandhi's teachings and i wish everybody could just get along and live in peace but unfortunatly it is not an ideal world and we have to look at the real picture, which sometimes means being selfish and requesting to be seen as separate from the term "Asian."

saud, australia
im not really botherd i have tons of indian mates being pakistani myself. we just call ourselves brothers. Only time we seperate is in the cricket but thats expected.

B Bradford
I agree with shanaz here that this is a bit stupid not being called asian. I mean whats wrong with it, this is us being stupid again and going over the top with everything as usual. Once we get everyone to stop calling us asian will then start a fight over something else as usual

H Patel
Asia is the biggest continent with so many diverse cultures and religions. I am an Indian Hindu and hate being labelled Asian because we do not have any thing common with the Pakistani Muslims.How about calling all whites Europeans? About time the British mainstreams are educated to the differences between Hindus and Muslims.

Vijay the United States
How about the term South Asian? It is the politically correct term for the people of Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka; it doesn't draw about religious context thus maintaining a sense of unity. While it doesn't draw upon nationalistic feelings, it avoids religious, politcal, and other tensions.

Yasmin - Staffordshire
personally I dont know why some are making "such" a big deal about bieng classed as "asians" !! Im bengali, but I get mistaken for Indian or Pakistani. not that I mind. I do however understand, when on the news, they class us as "asian" no matter what ethnic group the people involved are, can actually have its disadvantages. disadavantages bieng, if everytime something bad happened, its giving "all" asians a bad name, no matter what ethnic group ur in. end of the day no matter if ur hindu,sikh, bengali, paki,...ur still ASIAN. an I dont think bieng classed as one brings us together....not apart

PShah, San Francisco
I totally resent being called Asian.. its like calling everyone who's from Germany, European... or from Canada, American... we have our own identity and our own culture

sudhir Nottingham
I would object to being called an asian, Hindu Please.The only people that want to hide behind the Asian curtain are the bad ones

vicz brum
i don't think the chinese people would like to be called asian, let alone Indians etc. i also finding it quite funny when the used term "asian", is only said when somthing bad happens like the bombing, they'll never say its the muslims as, they feel they might afend them. which i find stupid, as the rest of the so called asian will also fit in with that catorgory. i for one aint a person who like be class as an asain who are looked at as sueaside bombs. so its not fair for the others who may fall in that asian dilemma.

RSingh England
Im a sikh, and i hate being labelled an Asian, i should be called indian or sikh, asian is a term which is used in the newspapers to describe the terrorist bombers, but they are not indians, but yet hindus and sikhs are being dragged into this by the media as they constantly use asian and not muslim, as all of the terrorist are muslim

ali, dewsbury
you guys feeling ok, we'r all from the asian sub continent and we are all asian, just like Roberto C prefers US latin, we shud be known as asians thats what we all are. we can distinguish amongst ourselves whether we are pakistanis, indians, bangladeshi, hindus, muslim or sikhs.

ant c
hey whats wrong with asian?! u call a chinese asian? u call a japanese asian? ...

Shaz, Northampton
It doesn't matter for me whether am called Asian, Pakistani, British Muslim etc, they all the same. And for the english 'white' people if they use the word asian it;s for anyone who has 'brown' skin don't they? And thanks for the Happy EID from Roberto C. Alvarez-Galloso: Miami Florida - have nice xmas or whatever you celebrate

Sanj Wolverhampton
The muslims have made things worse for anyone with a Brown skin... I am proud to point out to my white/black friends who is muslim/pakistani as I hate it if they ever would think I sympathise with terrorism or marry cousins.

Huma The Netherlands
instead of bickering about being called Asian why don't they focus on the poitive side of life? How about good education, good career, tolerance and friendship? have they all already forgotten Mahatma Ghandi and his noble deeds? make Briatin proud of you! Think about a positive humane and peaceful future

jamil, Bradford
I would preferto be called British Muslim. Just as Hindus dont want to be called asians neither do most Pakistanis. We would prefer to be labelled with our brothers and sisters in these uncertain times and not with a group which has in the past sided with anti-muslim elements.

Kishor from Canada
It was long overdue.

Shanaz, Northampton
This is ridiculus, how on earth are the English supposed to distinguish between Hindu's and Sikhs etc? We can't do it ourselves. We have come so far in the battle to stop racism (including interracial racism) this would just be segregating us further.

FM from Oxford
It is true that being called asian means that differnt cultures and religions are 'mixed'; but it does not bother mt too much. Imust admit that our cultures are quite similar, its just a mtter of religion

Sanjeev Kumar , Coventry, UK
Asian is such a broad term, in reality it encompasses thousands of ethnicities. It simply is not an accurate reflection. Eventhough here in the UK 'Asian' implies South Asians only, but South Asians are so diverse. We do not have the same outlooks on life, we live differently and we interact and integrate differently in the UK. There are marked differences between us. Terms such as Indian, Pakistani etc have their short comings also, but they are far better than the generic Asian label.

Zayed In Leicester
I'm an Indian Muslim & I'd rather B addressed as an 'Indian' rather that 'Asian' because I don't want other people thinking I have a Pakistani or other Asian Origin.

Roberto C. Alvarez-Galloso: Miami Florida
We have the same problem in the Latin Population in Miami with people wanting to identify themselves as Cubans, Tex-Mex, Mexicans, Nicarauguans. I prefer US Latin because "En La Union Esta La Fuerza" [Translation: There is Unity In Numbers]. I look at the South Asian Community in Great Britain including BBC Asian Network as my extended family. Happy Diwali and Happy Eid.