While growing up in the United States or Canada you were probably taught not to use the word “Indian” when referring to the indigenous peoples of these countries. “Indians” are people from South Asia, and using the word “Indian” here in North America seems outdated and conjures to mind the historic uses of harmful stereotypes and by todays means seems very politically incorrect. Today we must be very careful in what we say, how we say it and whom we say it too. Words are loaded with many different meanings and implications, and even the idea of having an overarching term that purports to refer to indigenous peoples of the Americas as a whole is incredibly problematic (lamarkewicz, 2013).
“Indian”, at its root, is based on a misconception, …show more content…
As indigenous people and communities are diverse, there is no consensus on naming, aside from the fact that most people prefer to be referred to by their specific nation or tribe. Objections to the usage of "Indian" and "American Indian" include the fact that "Indian" arose from a historical error, and thus does not accurately reflect the derivation of the people to whom it refers; and many Native Americans feel that the term has absorbed negative and demeaning connotations through its historical usage that render it objectionable in context. And it also effects schools and major sporting teams. More recently there is the controversy over the Washington Redskins. The Washington Redskins name controversy involves the name and logo of the National Football League franchise located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Native American individuals, tribes and organizations have been arguing the use of the name and image for many decades. There are over 115 professional organizations representing civil rights, educational, athletic, and scientific experts have published resolutions or policies that state that the use of Native American names and/or symbols by non-native sports teams is a very harmful form of ethnic and racial stereotyping. They also believe that it promotes many misunderstandings and prejudices which contributes to other problems for the Native American
“Indian”, at its root, is based on a misconception, …show more content…
As indigenous people and communities are diverse, there is no consensus on naming, aside from the fact that most people prefer to be referred to by their specific nation or tribe. Objections to the usage of "Indian" and "American Indian" include the fact that "Indian" arose from a historical error, and thus does not accurately reflect the derivation of the people to whom it refers; and many Native Americans feel that the term has absorbed negative and demeaning connotations through its historical usage that render it objectionable in context. And it also effects schools and major sporting teams. More recently there is the controversy over the Washington Redskins. The Washington Redskins name controversy involves the name and logo of the National Football League franchise located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Native American individuals, tribes and organizations have been arguing the use of the name and image for many decades. There are over 115 professional organizations representing civil rights, educational, athletic, and scientific experts have published resolutions or policies that state that the use of Native American names and/or symbols by non-native sports teams is a very harmful form of ethnic and racial stereotyping. They also believe that it promotes many misunderstandings and prejudices which contributes to other problems for the Native American