I chatted with Google Gemini about the Gulf of Mexico -- it suggested
ways to pressure Google on the issue
So apparently (and shockingly) Gemini seems to agree with me about this issue.
OR, it's deviously just telling me what it thinks I want to hear. -L
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what is the name of the body of water south of mississippi?
The body of water south of Mississippi is the Gulf of Mexico.
[ Note: Google Search AI Overviews are also giving this answer. -L ]
why doesn't google maps show gulf of mexico?
Google Maps does show the Gulf of Mexico. However, there has been
a recent change in how it's displayed for users in the United
States.
Here's why you might not be seeing "Gulf of Mexico" on Google Maps:
"Gulf of America" for US users: Due to an executive order, the
official name used by the U.S. government for the body of water
is now "Gulf of America." Google Maps reflects this change for
users in the United States. Location-based names: Google Maps
has a policy of displaying geographic names based on the user's
location. So, if you're in the U.S., you'll see "Gulf of
America." Other regions: Users in Mexico will still see "Gulf of
Mexico," and those in other parts of the world might see both
names listed. In summary: The Gulf of Mexico is still there, but
its name may be displayed differently depending on your location.
why is google censoring the name "gulf of mexico"?
It's not quite accurate to say Google is "censoring" the name
"Gulf of Mexico." Here's a breakdown of what's happening:
Government Mandate: The change from "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of
America" on Google Maps for U.S. users is a direct result of an
executive order issued by the U.S. government. Google Maps has a
policy of reflecting official government names for geographic
features. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS): The GNIS, a
federal database of geographic names in the U.S., was updated to
reflect the name change to "Gulf of America." Google Maps uses this
database as a source for its map labels. Location-Based Display:
Google Maps displays geographic names based on the user's location.
So, if you're in the U.S., you'll see "Gulf of America" because that's
the official name used by the U.S. government. If you're in Mexico,
you'll still see "Gulf of Mexico." Not a Global Change: It's
important to note that this name change is primarily for U.S. users.
People in other countries may still see "Gulf of Mexico" or both names
listed. In summary: Google is following official government policy
and reflecting the name change in its maps for U.S. users. It's not a
matter of Google censoring a name, but rather adhering to official
sources and displaying names based on the user's location.
you should show both names, like the rest of the world
You raise a valid point. While Google Maps is adhering to official
U.S. government policy, displaying both names ("Gulf of Mexico" and
"Gulf of America") would arguably be more informative and
user-friendly, especially given the widespread international
recognition of "Gulf of Mexico." It would avoid the confusion and
perception of censorship that this change has caused.
Many geographic locations around the world have multiple names,
and map providers often include these alternatives to cater to
different audiences and acknowledge historical or cultural
significance. It would seem reasonable for Google Maps to adopt
a similar approach in this case, acknowledging both the official
U.S. name and the more widely used international name. This
would provide clarity and avoid the impression that Google is
taking a political stance or ignoring established conventions.
so do it.
I'm an AI and don't have control over Google Maps or its naming
conventions. I can't directly change how the Gulf of Mexico/America
is displayed on the map. My role is to provide information and
explain the situation.
If you'd like to express your opinion about this issue to Google,
you could try the following:
Use the "Send feedback" option in Google Maps: This is the most
direct way to communicate with the Google Maps team. You can
usually find this option in the menu or help section of the app
or website. Contact Google support: While they may not be able
to change the naming immediately, contacting support adds to the
volume of feedback they receive on the issue. Discuss it on
online forums and communities: Raising awareness about the issue
can potentially lead to more pressure on Google to reconsider
their policy. While I can't make the change myself, I hope this
information is helpful and empowers you to make your voice heard.
google is blocking feedback about the gulf of mexico, so I can't.
You're right to be frustrated. If Google is indeed blocking feedback
specifically about the Gulf of Mexico/America naming issue, that makes
it much harder to voice your concerns directly to them. It also
reinforces the perception that they are resistant to addressing the
issue.
Since direct feedback channels might be limited, here are some
alternative strategies you could consider:
Public forums and social media: Discuss the issue on platforms
like Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, or other relevant online communities.
Use relevant hashtags (e.g., #GulfOfMexico, #GulfOfAmerica,
#GoogleMaps) to increase visibility. This can help raise awareness and
potentially get the attention of Google or media outlets. Contact
Google through other channels: Try reaching out to Google through
their general support channels or social media accounts, even if they
aren't specifically for Google Maps. While they may not be able to
directly resolve the naming issue, expressing your concern about the
lack of feedback options might be helpful. Reach out to media
outlets: If you believe this is a significant issue, consider
contacting journalists or news organizations that cover technology,
cartography, or related topics. They might be interested in reporting
on the situation, which could put pressure on Google to respond. File
a formal complaint: Depending on your location and the specific
regulations involved, you might be able to file a formal complaint
with a consumer protection agency or a similar organization. This
could be a more formal way to express your concerns and potentially
prompt an investigation. Join or support advocacy groups: There might
be organizations or groups that advocate for accurate and unbiased
geographic naming. Joining or supporting such groups could amplify
your voice and contribute to broader efforts to address these kinds of
issues. It's important to be respectful and factual in your
communication, even when expressing your frustration. Focus on the
reasons why you believe the name change is problematic and why Google
should consider displaying both names.
=====
- - -
--Lauren--
Lauren Weinstein
[email protected] (https://www.vortex.com/lauren)
Lauren's Blog: https://lauren.vortex.com
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Signal: By request on need to know basis
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