Here's why the term is problematic and what it likely refers to:
* Ambiguity: "Indo-Asian" could mean people of Indian origin living in Asia, people of Asian origin living in India, or people with mixed ancestry from both regions. It's unclear and lacks specificity.
* Oversimplification: Asia is a vast continent with diverse ethnicities, languages, and cultures. Grouping people from India and other Asian countries under a single term ignores this complexity.
* Potential for Misunderstanding: The term could be interpreted as implying a shared identity or culture that might not be accurate.
Instead of using "Indo-Asian descent", it is more accurate and respectful to use specific terms based on the individual's origin and heritage. For example, instead of "Indo-Asian," you could say:
* Indian-Asian: This clarifies that the individual is of Indian origin living in Asia.
* South Asian: This term is more inclusive as it encompasses people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives.
* [Specific Ethnicity/Nationality]: This is the most accurate and specific way to describe someone's heritage, such as Indian, Chinese, Nepali, etc.
Ultimately, it is important to be mindful of the language we use and avoid overgeneralizations when discussing ethnicity and ancestry.