[lbo-talk] language query

[John Thornton]

Liza Featherstone wrote:
> I wonder what LBO-sters -- especially those living in non-Western  
> countries, but everyone should feel free to weigh in -- think of the  
> expression "the global South." I really try hard to stay away from  
> expressions that convey speakers are members of some special,  
> exclusive, righteous club, so I don't like it. I have used it on a  
> few occasions, out of a sense that "developing world" was too  
> optimistic and imperialist -- though it's very accepted in policy  
> wonk circles, probably for exactly this reason -- and "Third World"  
> vaguely problematic. But I'm resistant. Thoughts? Apologies in  
> advance for the naivete and likely provincialism of the question.
>
> Liza
No one I know in Brazil, Columbia or Mexico has a problem with being 
considered the "global South". They use the term quite freely.
Some Mexicans do object since they are not in the southern hemisphere 
but I don't personally know any who object.
Have you heard objections from people who live in the southern 
hemisphere to using this term?
Certainly it is better than developing world. At least to those I know.

John Thornton