Question on a politically correct term?

Question

I hope not to offend anyone with this question. Why is Native American a politically correct term? I believe Indian works just as well as Native American. Ok, so here's my reasoning: America comes from the European Map Maker Amerigo or what ever (I'm not good with names). So America is a European name, alright. Just as is Indian. So before America was America it must have been somthing else. So i mean i guess it could be easier to call someone a Native American. But it's just as easy to say Indian. And I know Columbus landed and thought it was the Indies and everything, but that's what they called these people. Native American isn't any different except in the lettering. Hell I'm white from a Euorpean decent but in all reality i'm Native American. That's where I come from. i have no recollection of Europe. I just want to understand why Native American is politically correct.

Answer 1

Well I'm part Native American, Indian, American Indian whatever you want to call me...I just say Cherokee...

I think political correctness is bullshit...just something people try to force on others...I think we're basically all the same...

Answer 2

Indian is politically correct also. The reason it is recommended to use Native American instead of Indian evolves around the fact that the term 'Indian' has a double meaning. It can mean Native American or persons from India.

Answer 3

There was a play written and debuted in the Sixties called, "The Indian Takes the Bronx." Before I started reading it, I assumed that the title referred to a Native American. But in fact the main character was a person from the country of India. We call people from that country "Indians," too.
So "Native American" is preferable to "Indian" because there are many "Indians" who come from South Asia, not North America.

Answer 4

The label of "Indian" was coined by Columbus, who thought he had landed in India. His mission was to convert the Hindu to Christianity. So he referred to the "Indigenous people of Turtle Island," as Indians.

The Indigenous people of Turtle Island prefer to be referred to by their Tribe. - Not as Native American.

My bloodline is from the Oceti Sakowin, which you know as the Sioux. The word "Sioux" is actually a French word which means "Peace." This because the Oceti Sakowin were a very peaceful people ... and because the French had trouble pronouncing our Tribal Name, so they shortened it.

Being Lakota, refers to the particular dialect of my ancestors. (There are 3 dialects among 7 other tribes inherent of the Oceti Sakowin.)

Once upon a time, to be "Indian" or "Native American" was to be a Savage" or the dogs of American Society. Are you sure you want to be associated with us? Go a head and take the Label back ... hence the term "Indian Giver" like everything else the whites gave us.

Does it ever end?

Answer 5

You can call me an Indian you can call me an American, I really don't care. Or you could just call me by my name. I call myself native american on this website because some people get confused if I say Indian, which might mean I am from india.

Answer 6

Native American works because Native Americans are the first Americans. As the first indigenous peoples in this country they have right to be called whatever they wish. You are not Native American because your ancestors did not originate on this continent.

Answer 7

My father is 1/2 American Indian (Mescalero Apache). He and most of his friends who are also American Indian prefer to be called American Indian.

I agree, on your understanding of Native American. My older daughter was born in the UK. She is the only member of my immediated family who is NOT a native American. ; )

Answer 8

You speak english, that came from Europe. Native Americans want to be called that so end of story.

If you want to be called benJamin instead of something else I will respect that too.

Political Correctness is in the eye of the beholder

Answer 9

Why can't you just refer to them as American like me?