Althouse: How many oceans are there

July 27, 2021

Ann Althouse said...: Bryant writes:

"If I was a creative writer I feel like I could have a lot of fun with this article. Something like:

"Primarily White Southern Continent Gets Its Own Ocean!

"The primarily white continent of Antarctica will now have it's own "Southern Ocean" to surround it and prevent it from having to mingle with the Pacific and Indian oceans.

"Just more white privilege. :)

"Also you could take other angles. Did the Southern Ocean approve of being labeled a separate ocean? Maybe it identifies as the Pacific? Or just a lake?

"Seems like the whole Pluto debate of planet, not a planet silliness which is what our current batch of scientists seem to be obsessed with."; 7/27/21, 4:39 PM
Ann Althouse said...: Tim writes:

"One more piece of evidence supporting my belief that all taxonomy is political."; 7/28/21, 8:09 AM
Ann Althouse said...: ken-in-tx writes:

"In 2002 I was scheduled to teach 7th grade Geography, which I was
certified to teach but had never taught before. I got a copy of the text
book and was surprised to learn about the Southern Ocean. It seemed sort
of artificial since it's boundaries were imaginary lines drawn on the
map, but then, aren't they all? Anyway, at this late date, I'm surprised
anyone else is surprised about this 'new' ocean."; 7/28/21, 8:11 AM

Althouse