Mexico has reportedly decided that the name Gulf of Mexico just doesn’t work for them anymore. There goes their status quo, with Mexican officials planning instead to write to Google to change the name on their maps from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.
While some knock-off this as an effort to bring the name in line with the geographic reality, others roll their eyes, wondering if this is yet another case of misplaced priorities.
Why Does Mexico Want to Change the Name?
Each of the territories has a different geographic boundary to claim as its territory. Supporters for the change, while giving lip service to regional inclusivity, argue that since the Gulf touches several other American countries—not only Mexico—it is misleading on the part of Google to call it the Gulf of Mexico. Mexico wants it referred to as the Gulf of America in order to do more justice to represent the region on Google Maps.
In theory it makes sense. In reality, who really cares?
The Problems with a Name Change
If Google were agreeable, it wouldn’t just be a simple tweak on Maps. Here’s why:
- Historical Balance-It is that the name ‘Gulf of Mexico’ has been in use for centuries. Now making a change may lead to confusion.
- International Recognition-What do the other countries think about the change? There might be different opinions from the US, Cuba, and other nations bordering the Gulf.
- This precedent will open the gates for many more changes-If this plea were to be granted, what’s next? Should the name of the Indian Ocean be renamed to the South Asian Ocean?
Is it likely that Google will even agree?
Let us be frank-Google does not change names just because a country asked politely. There must be some pretty darn solid reasoning. Assuming this happens, Mexico can formally submit a request, but Google’s policy favours historical accuracy and global consensus instead of political expediency.
Unless the global community rallies around Mexico, this request might burn itself out as a sort of wishful thinking.
Final Word-Gulf-Sized Controversy or Just Noise?
This proposal from Mexico, suggesting to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico into the Gulf of America, is treated in the context of an interesting debate surely-whether it is gaining momentum later on is another story. Unless this receives major support internationally, Google is likely to stick to tradition and leave the name untouched.
As it stands, Mexico’s request may just break down beneath the waves of the Gulf before it can even make a real splash.