We are Mackems, because everyone watches Sky and the word has come into cultural use. Like you, I never correct people, because I'm proud of my club and labels don't really matter. But I hate the cultural appropriation the Hall regime practiced on us. They are Mags: we are Mackems. In my eyes, everyone from the region is Geordie. I'm not suggesting we aren't Mackems, but as the Quinn era adverts at Newcastle Airport said 'Not Everything up Here is Black and White'.You can't turn back the clock. I've traveled the country over the decades and when conversation turns to football when talking to other blokes when I have told them I am a Sunderland Supporter. Most respond with Oh you're a Mackem with pride in their knowledge about our regional geography. The truth is I'm not a Mackem but I never correct people when they address me as such. As for the world knowing about who we are I'd rather not be associated as a geordie as geordie has always been associated with NUFC. That was taken from us and bastardized by The Mags. Its of some importance to me that if we take off as a club the world also sees us as SAFC/The Mackems/ The black cats and not Geordies. Affairs of identity are important when achieving glory.And a final point the word Mackem wont be stolen from us from our Neighbours up the road.