Why do we in allow racial slurs towards Native Americans, when it is unacceptable towards everyone else?

Question

The Altanta Braves, The Cleveland Indians, Red Man chewing tobacco, etc. Why not the San Francisco Chinese, or the Mississippi Slaves. I know I'm only a simpleton but this is such a double standard.

Answer 1

You are right. And it is allowed. Just look at the Redskins (this refers to the bloody scalp of Native people). And people won't even admit these are racist terms. Here in Oregon they have this road. It used to be called Dead Indian Road. Now they call it Dead Indian Memorial Road. What a change, whoopie!

Why is this allowed? Because Native people are seen as the invinscible race. When people talk about the major ethnic groups of the world, who do they leave out? Natives and we are the original inhabitants of this nation. Many people believe Natives are extinct. One main argument for Chief Illiniwek is that the Illini are extinct. There are living descendents of the Illini. Since Native people are dead (in their minds) or on their way to being dead why does it matter?

Also the stereotypes of Natives are so widespread and abudant. They have been ingrained in people's heads since colonization. As long as people can see Natives as Savages or romanticized cartoon characters they will have no empathy.

It is disgusting. We need to push for more cutural education!

Answer 2

Are you sure it's not honoring the American Indians. Did you ever notice how many people claim that they're one quarter Indian or one eight Indian ? Most of those people have no Indian in them at all- - - - but they would like to.
When a team call themselves Cardinals. It's honoring the bird, not sluring it.
Whenever a team or any group gives itself an artificial name, that group tries to come up with a name that will make them seem strong and nobel. None want a name that will deminish them. Which sounds stronged and more noble - - - Cleveland Indians, or Cleveland Tape-worms ? Atlanta Braves, or Atlanta Maggots ?
Naming things after Indians is to show strength, pride, bravery, love of nature, honesty, etc.
If I were an American Indian, I would attempt to get more and more things named after Indians and Indian Tribes. A proud people should be out in front, seen and heard.
Some Indian leaders think that by erasing all pictures and names of Indians they will be more honored. Wrong, they'll be forgotten.

Answer 3

Here in New Mexico it's not tolerated~
~or those who practice racism against Natives are quieter, more under the radar with it.
There are lots of racially blended families
(Native, Hispanic,White),too, so it's hard to discriminate against ones' own relatives.
There are many tribes of Native Americans out here & they are combining their time & talents to end the sort of racism you describe. They are very well organized and have conferences, etc., with Natives from other states.
I listen to some really good programs on NPR (Public Radio) detailing their activities. Maybe your NPR station has some,too.
Try checking the station guide.
Good luck.

Answer 4

I wasn't aware that racial slurs existed for Native Americans. I've personally never heard of any. Of course the white race has created some degrading term for them since they did it to everyone else in the world but I can not think of any for Native Americans.

Answer 5

Racism against First Nations, Metis and Inuit runs rampant in Canada. They are brought up being spoon fed the ridiculous myths about us, as it keeps us divided. If you grew up near Six Nations, then you know exactly how the good Canadians have no trouble discriminating against Natives, while at the same time portraying themselves as tolerant, accepting people to the rest of the world. The #idlenomore movement is going to prove the exact opposite, and showcase Canadians for what they really are, on the world stage.

Answer 6

Weak mind are overcome by their fears, what if, what if, damn what if. There are many what ifs that add to defense
mechanisms that are soothed by making oneself feel stronger by thinking the recipients of negative energy believe the negative discharge is doing more then showing ignorance and arrogance. All the what ifs compounded has gone beyond negative energy being focused towards Indian Country.
Realize now that this sickness has been keep alive to one day come knocking on all doors. Then one will be able to understand the sage advice that all will feel the focus of what you put around comes around.

Answer 7

Well if you think about it and really go out of your way to attach the PC mentality to everything -- you will find that all mascots are offensive to someone somewhere in the world.

I am not sure why naming a team after Indians is offensive. Isn't really a compliment to equate your team, who you hope will be victorious in their sports "battles", with a name like BRaves, Indians, etc.

Yeah, I'll agree with you -- Red Man chewing tobacco is strange -- but then there's Uncle Ben's Rice, Aunt Jemima Pancakes, Mrs. Buttworth's Syrup and so forth. Where does it end? Someone somewhere will be offended eventually. You can't name it Yellow Brand Rice -- then the chinese will be offended, it never ends...

Answer 8

Other then Red Man how are any of the words a slur. Washington Red Skins now that's an insult.

Answer 9

What about the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Minnesota Vikings..

Answer 10

Yeah... yeah! I am half Irish and half Danish and I am for one upset with the Minnesota Vikings and Boston Celtics disgracing my ethnicity. This upsets me and my people so much Its hard for me to concentrate because I have absolutely no life and nothing else to be concerned about. We as a society need to obsess more about political correctness and how not to hurt each other's pathetic little feelings. Get a grip!