Why Are South Asians Not Considered Asian?

Why does the word “Asian” mean completely different things depending on where you are? Asia is the largest and most diverse continent on Earth, home to billions of people with vastly different appearances, cultures, and histories. But in countries like the United States and Canada, the term “Asian” is often used to describe only a specific group—mainly East and Southeast Asians. So what happened? In this video, we break down how the term “Asian” became racialized in the West, and how migration history shaped the way people are categorized today. We explore: Why “Asian” in the U.S. usually refers to East and Southeast Asians How early Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino migration shaped this perception The impact of exclusion laws and World War II on Asian identity How post-1965 immigration made the category more diverse Why South Asians and West Asians are often excluded from the label in the U.S. Why the UK uses the term “Asian” completely differently (mainly for South Asians) How race is socially constructed based on phenotype, not genetics This video challenges the idea that racial categories are fixed or biological, and shows how they are shaped by history, migration, and perception. If you’re interested in human diversity, genetics, and how societies define identity, this video gives a clear and thought-provoking explanation. If you enjoy content like this, consider subscribing. Most people who watch these videos aren’t subscribed, and it really helps the channel grow. #anthropology #sociology #asian #southeastasian #southasia #eastasian #asianamerican #indianamerican #race #ethnicity #worldhistory #britishasian