The argument that is arguing in one step, Google Maps will soon resume “Gulf of Mexico” as the “Gulf of America” for users in the United States. The change comes as part of an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump. But here is the twist: it will change the name to only US-based users. All other people, including those people in Mexico, will still see it listing it as a “Gulf of Mexico”.
Let us break what this change means and why it is discussing so much.
A name change with boundaries
So, what’s really happening? Google Maps, which is known to stitch the map label for local preferences, will apply a new name to American users, keeping the original “Gulf of Mexico” for others. This approach reflects Google’s strategy to adopt names and regional diversity recognized by the government.
Interestingly, this is not Google’s first name-transformation controversy. Tech giants have adjusted the names of the first place, especially to the disputed areas, where the users are located, it depends on. The Guardian highlighted how these updates often increase international debate.
Argument
This decision is “to restore names honored by President Trump” from the initiative of President Trump. In addition to the naming of the Gulf, Denali, the highest peak of Alaska, its previous name, will return to the minimum US-based maps on Mount McCinley.
Google clarified that these changes align with official updates from the geographical name information system (GNIS), which provides the name approved by the government. Associated Press reported that GNIS will work on these changes after finalizing its listing.
Mixed reactions worldwide
As expected, the declaration has shaken the reactions on both sides. While supporters in the US sees it as patriotic moves, others are increasing eyebrows. Mexico and other countries have made it clear that they will not recognize the new name. International mapping agencies, as well as many users, argue that the Gulf of Mexico’s name carries historical and cultural significance.
what happens next?
The roll-out of these changes is expected to be gradual. Federal agencies are tasked to update their systems to reflect new names, while Google will follow the suit after updating the government’s geographical name information system.
For users outside the US, it is likely that the “Gulf of Mexico” will remain unchanged. The localization efforts of Google means that names vary depending on the user location, as seen with other globally recognized locations.
final thoughts
The name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” is yet another example of how maps – and the names we give are often the shapes of politics to places. While some look at it as a step towards “American pride”, others argue that changing historical names can cause confusion and even stress.
Is this change widely accepted, it remains to be seen. For now, it is safe to say what the Gulf has to say, the debate on it is over.
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