Re: Racial category
Most forms I have filled out lumps up all Asians into one.
The ones that do differentiate between South Asians, Middle Easterners and East Asians, often list down countries too to make things clear. I think for one of my employers the optional racial disclosure form that I filled out had 'Indian subcontinent' as an option, with Pakistan and other South Asian countries listed in bracket.
If I had the option to pick Middle Eastern vs. Asian Indian, I would pick Asian Indian. Mainly because these forms/surveys are just trying to gather some statistics. Besides, I don't have any hangups regarding my roots, where I come from nor do I think being an Asian Indian is any better than being Middle Eastern or the other way around.
Disclaimer: I haven't read the rest of the thread.