Date: Mon, 29 Apr 1996 12:25:25 -0400 (EDT)
From: Terry Goldie <tgoldie-AT-YorkU.CA>
Subject: Re: PC & former USSR?


The reference to the second world as CIS interests me because I have had 
a feeling that the term "second world" had been vacated with the demise 
of the Soviet Union and various groups were moving in to appropriate it.  
I have seen the term applied to Canada and Australia among others.  
Although the term third world began as a positive reference for what had 
been called "non-aligned nations" it now seems to be primarily 
pejorative.  Still, its meaning remains quite clear: "India is trying to 
rise out of the third world........"  "Fourth world" is reserved for 
indigenous peoples in non-indigenous states: eg. Canada, Hawaii, etc.  I 
haven't heard "fifth world" but presumably it is lying in wait.
Thoughts?

Terry Goldie
English Department
York University
North York, Ontario
Canada  M3J 1P3

email tgoldie-AT-yorku.ca

phone 416-604-3670	



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