If people know that the term "Indian" when used to describe the indigenous American tribes is a misnomer...

Question

Why do people still use it to refer to Native Americans?

Answer 1

Simply out of convenience and years of using it incorrectly. The early explorers called the natives" Indians" because they thought they'd found an alternate route to India. They hadn't. The Natives of the Americas may have been dark complected like those of India, however, their body and facial features were very different, as was their culture, language and the way they conducted their llives. They are native Americans, and there are various tribes within that group as well.

Answer 2

Because it's a common enough term that people recognize it. It may not be accurate, but if people use it in a non-offensive way, it's OK.

It's all about the intent behind it. Kinda like the NAACP is for the advancement of "colored people." It's a good group, but the name is kinda obsolete. But whatever, I don't guess they're changing it now.

There are some groups that call themselves "American Indian", like college funds or organizations. Sometimes it's just too much of a pain to change the name in people's minds.

But I think Native American is a better description, definitely--it seems more clear and more respectful to me.

Answer 3

I don't know, but it makes me upset.; because whenever I say I'm part Indian; people think Native-American not Indian...

Answer 4

One has to cherish the story of a people known to be the original inhabitants of the land. We are settlers of this blessed land who mercilessly plundered their habitat and decimated millions of their forebears. Columbus made a mistake and we need to correct history for the sake of these aboriginals. Eurocentric colonizers, who regarded themselves as "Christians", unjustly profiled them as indians, savage, pagans, and uncivilized. To quote Mark Twain: "What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know; it's what we know that just ain't so." Let's listen to them and not dictate or deculturize them. Respect is a humane virtue. By the way, the term "native" has become a misnomer as well, history-wise. Best to regard them as Indigenous Americans.

Answer 5

Because it is the status quo.

Answer 6

Probably because they're so used to using it.

Answer 7

idk indians come from india