DtG

Confusing isn't it?

Forms in NZ offered the choice Maori/European/Other - for "ethnic origin". I think "European" is now replaced by "Caucasian" - now ain't that confusing McGrath?

I'm a "Kiwi" - 5th generation model - of mongrel origin...;)

A century or more ago, NZ turned down the offer of joining in as part of Australia. The topic crops up regularly, and has surfaced again recently. It may eventuate in my lifetime - in which case I'll have to face up to your UK/EU "nationality" decision.

Ummm....

No offence to my cobbers on the "West Island" of New Zealand, but if we ever amalgamate, I'll be incapable of checking an [Oz] box....;)

I'm a Stewart Islander and have enough trouble clicking the [NZ] box. When I head to "town", I go to the "mainland" or if I'm grizzly "New Zealand".

Karen has it summed up, with her comment about the insularity of "islanders". And, I guess the smaller your island's population, the higher the degree of insularity. Our permanent population is 350.

A "Sheltie" would probably be more than a bit grumpy about being called "British". Let's face it - if I lived on Yell and said I was going to Mainland - I'd be going to the largest island of the Shetland group - not even Scotland, on the "mainland" of the UK....;)

I'm amazed that "American/Canadian" hasn't appeared yet. And, how would a resident of Punta Arenas handle checking off [American] as nationality on a form?

Ain't the philosophical complexities of this thread wonderful? Words, and the way we use 'em are wonderful.

I've filled the whisky glass.

Here's a toast to "globalisation" (as enjoyed through Mudcat) and to "insularity" (as enjoyed through life).

Also to "humanity" and especially "gnomanity"..')

Sláinte - Sam - Stewart Island (NZ)