Introduction
Having failed at land grabs in Greenland and Canada, snubbed by Panama in a “take back,” using the China scapegoat story, the White House came up with the idea to rename the Gulf of Mexico. Opposition was immediate from south of the border and the rest of the geographic world followed suit.
Considering it unrealistic and impractical just isn’t good enough when there’s an opportunity to employ psychoanalysis to examine the motives and subconscious mind for clues to this latest adventure.
(Image credit: Pinterest)
Methodology
Capsules
origin of the name gulf of mexico
The name “Gulf of Mexico” reflects a blend of historical, cultural, and colonial influences1. The term “Gulf” comes from the Latin word gulphus, signifying a body of water partially enclosed by land1. The “Mexico” part of the name is derived from the ancient Mexica civilization, known as the Aztecs, whose empire was centered around present-day Mexico City12.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
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Indigenous influence: Before European colonization, various indigenous cultures, including the Maya and Olmec, had their own names for the Gulf, often reflecting geographical features or spiritual beliefs1. For example, the Maya referred to the Gulf as Chactemal, meaning “the red place”1.
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Spanish Exploration: Spanish explorers in the 16th century played a crucial role in standardizing the name. Early maps referred to the Gulf as Mar del Norte (Sea of the North) or Seno Mexicano (Mexican Sound), emphasizing its location relative to Mexico1.
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Colonial Implications: Naming the Gulf after Mexico was also an assertion of control over the region and its resources by the Spanish1. By the 17th century, “Gulf of Mexico” was widely accepted1.
The name has been in use since at least the late 16th century4. In 1589, the English geographer Richard Hakluyt referred to the ‘Gulfe of Mexico’4
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/origin-of-the-name-gulf-of-mex-BKkwBaMuTJWGDbc5AemTvg
the ap refuses to change gulf of mexico in the style guide
The Associated Press (AP) has decided to maintain the use of “Gulf of Mexico” in its style guide, despite President Trump’s executive order renaming it to the “Gulf of America”3. This decision has led to significant conflict between the AP and the White House.
The AP’s rationale for keeping the original name includes:
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The Gulf of Mexico has carried that name for over 400 years3.
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As a global news agency, AP must ensure place names are easily recognizable to all audiences worldwide3.
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The body of water has shared borders between the U.S. and Mexico, and Trump’s order only carries authority within the United States3.
In response to AP’s decision, the White House has taken punitive actions:
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Barred AP reporters from covering several events with Trump1.
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Blocked an AP reporter and photographer from boarding Air Force One1.
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Demanded that AP alter its style guidance2.
The White House argues that AP’s refusal to use the new name is “misinformation”4 and that it’s a “privilege” to cover the White House2. However, AP Executive Editor Julie Pace stated that limiting their access “plainly violates the First Amendment”2.
This dispute is part of a broader conflict between the Trump administration and legacy media outlets, with the White House aiming to discredit and reduce public trust in the press1.
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-ap-refuses-to-change-gulf-YRbWaGRDQ_6XHvsHG0iJ5w
language ideology behind changing the name of the gulf of mexico
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” by President Trump reflects a complex interplay of language ideology and power dynamics. This change embodies several key aspects of linguistic imperialism and nationalism:
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Erasure of historical and cultural identity: The name “Gulf of Mexico” has existed since the 16th century and is recognized by international organizations4. By removing “Mexico” from the name, there’s an attempt to erase the historical and cultural connections of Mexico to this body of water4.
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Assertion of American dominance: The renaming to “Gulf of America” is framed as a way to “honor American greatness” and reflect the “historical and economic” importance of the United States in the region6. This linguistic change serves to assert American dominance over the geographical feature.
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Nationalistic rhetoric: The renaming aligns with Trump’s broader nationalist agenda, using language as a tool to promote a particular vision of American identity and power6.
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Unilateral action in shared spaces: The Gulf of Mexico is a shared natural resource, spanning multiple borders. The unilateral decision to rename it disregards international norms and the sovereignty of other nations, particularly Mexico4.
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Continuation of historical patterns: This action fits into a broader pattern of U.S. control over the Western Hemisphere, dating back to the Monroe Doctrine of 18234. It uses language as a means of asserting geopolitical influence.
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Reinforcement of anti-Mexican sentiment: The renaming can be seen as part of a larger trend of anti-Mexican rhetoric and policies in the U.S., using language to further marginalize and erase Mexican presence and influence4.
This linguistic change demonstrates how language can be weaponized as a tool of power, used to reshape perceptions of geography, history, and national identity in service of political agendas.
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/language-ideology-behind-chang-W.WFXdVRRG2YMIcPdQKlGw
freudian insight into renaming the gulf of mexico
From a Freudian perspective, the desire to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” could be interpreted as a manifestation of narcissism and a need for dominance. This act can be seen as an attempt to assert power and control over a shared geographical feature12.
The renaming effort might be viewed as a form of psychological projection, where Trump is displacing his own feelings of insecurity or inadequacy onto the geographical feature. By claiming ownership and renaming it, he may be compensating for perceived threats or challenges to his authority24.
Furthermore, the act of renaming could be seen as a form of symbolic castration, where Trump is attempting to strip Mexico of its historical and cultural connection to the gulf. This aligns with Freud’s theories on power dynamics and the desire to dominate others12.
The emphasis on “it’s ours” and “we handle most of the operations there” could be interpreted as an expression of the id’s desire for immediate gratification and possession, overriding the ego’s rational understanding of shared international waters14.
Lastly, the renaming could be seen as an attempt to rewrite history and reshape reality to fit one’s own narrative, which aligns with Freudian concepts of ego defense mechanisms, particularly denial and rationalization23
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/freudian-insight-into-renaming-yQJNFnbnTlSiiu6J_9VnNQ
freud examines google changing name of gulf of mexico
Sigmund Freud, if he were to examine Google’s decision to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, would likely interpret this action through the lens of psychoanalysis and his theories of the unconscious mind.
Psychoanalytic Interpretation
Freud might view this name change as a manifestation of collective narcissism and repressed desires for dominance:
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Id-driven Impulse: The renaming could be seen as an expression of the id’s primitive desire for power and control, with the United States asserting dominance over a shared geographical feature12.
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Ego defense mechanism: The change might be interpreted as a form of projection, where the U.S. is projecting its own insecurities about national identity onto the map4.
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Superego conflict: Freud might argue that the superego, representing societal norms and ethics, is in conflict with the id’s desires, as evidenced by the international backlash and threats of legal action3.
Symbolic Interpretation
Freud would likely delve into the symbolic meaning of the name change:
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Water symbolism: The gulf, as a body of water, could represent the unconscious mind. Renaming it might symbolize an attempt to control or repress unconscious content14.
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Boundary Issues: The act of renaming a shared geographical feature could be seen as a manifestation of unresolved boundary issues in the collective psyche of the nation23.
Oedipal Complex
Freud might draw parallels to the Oedipal complex:
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The United States, symbolically taking possession of the gulf through renaming, could be seen as an attempt to “possess the mother” (Earth) and assert dominance over the “father” (other nations)12.
In conclusion, Freud would likely interpret Google’s name change as a complex interplay of unconscious desires, defense mechanisms, and symbolic representations of deeper psychological conflicts within the national psyche45.
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/freud-examines-google-changing-GuJg0B1bR3GPz98NfH0TRg
(End Perplexity-AI)
Notes
Any number of psychoanalytic aspects appear in this brief study of the motivation to rename the GOM. It is an international body of water and no one nation can lay claim to it beyond the 12-mile limit. The fact that Google has gone along with this ruse has diminished greatly it’s credibility for accurate information.
Afterword
The Associated Press has set the standards very high throughout the years for its accuracy in reporting and prescriptive guidelines for correct journalistic style in writing, it does not publish fiction. If there is any doubt to the accuracy of that statement, look it up in the style book.
Introduction