When someone says "sit Indian style," is this phrase refering to India Indians or Native American Indians?

Answer 1

If you mean with the legs crossed, the only ones I have seen doing this, that are not in a Western movie, are practitioners of yoga. So my answer would be the peoples of India.

Answer 2

Native American

Answer 3

Native American

Answer 4

It refers to Native American people.
It is cultural stereotyping and culturally insensitive.
It is an old phrase and should not be used today.

"Often teachers are unaware of the impact of saying to their class, "all right children, let's all sit Indian style in a circle." This directive suggests that there is a common style or way in which all Indians sit down on the ground and in a circle. This is yet another example of a Hollywood-invented stereotype Nobody would dare think of saying the same thing to other ethnic groups: "sit down Black style," "sit down Mexican style," "sit down Asian style," and so forth. The way to address this exercise is to say, "sit down in a circle with your legs crossed in front of you." (from second link posted below)

Although the above description describes sitting Indian style as in a circle it could also apply to having someone sit Indian style with their legs crossed.

Here are some helpful websites on the topic:
http://www.understandingprejudice.org/teach/native.htm
http://www.hanksville.org/storytellers/pewe/writing/Fluff.html

Answer 5

native american indians