Why is Native American the politically correct term?

Question

But certain casinos use the term Indian Gaming and Indian Casinos?

i'm sorry, i wasn't too clear, i know why we say native american, i wanted to know why indian gaming is okay, if we're being taught that native americans shouldn't be called indians.

i mean the term indian gaming, not the gaming itself.................gosh it's late i ought to just go to bed

Answer 1

Let's not say it's about "political correctness," but about respect to heritage, actual usage and, well, commercial marketing.

There are a number of different terms that people use to describe people whose ancestry is indigenous to the Americas. But the term "Native American" might be thought of as the counterpart to terms like "Asian American"--that is, as American whose ethnic or racial heritage is distinct from the majority, white population of the U.S. People from these groups are no less American, but do acknowledge and identify themselves with pride as coming from a background that is not European in origin.

"Indian" is most often used in a colloquial way without a political charge, even among Native Americans, and it is understood that its usage is not meant to disparage anyone of that group. Over time, its usage may shift to be more acceptable to describe things rather than persons: much like "oriental" would not be politely used to describe someone of Asian descent, but may still be used to describe decorative art or music.

In this case, it might be casinos. But ultimately, it would be up to the tribe that operates the casino to describe it as they like, whether that be "Indian bingo", "reservation gaming", or just plain "casino"--whatever brings in the high rollers and doesn't diminish that nation's dignity.

Answer 2

Casinos are not known for their political correctness. The term "Indian" originally came about because when Columbus first discovered American, he thought he was in India, which he was trying to find in the first place. Native American is the correct term because they were the first Americans, they are the only true Natives in America. But maybe many of them don't mind being called Indians. It's nothing derogatory or anything.

Answer 3

Because when Christopher Columbus was trying to find a way to get to India through the Pacific Ocean instead of going around Africa. When he found land he thought he was in India because the people looked like Indians. So he called them Indians. But they where really natives to what was soon to be called the America's. So, really they are the Native Americans. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Indian had referred to those only from India.

Then came Columbus... Native American's are also called Indians because Columbus was looking for a trade route to India... and the people he came across were therefore Indians.

Since Indian is not accurate and somewhat confusing, Native American is used.

Answer 5

Most white people (and some natives also) refer to Native Americans as Indians. But the modern view is from many Native Americans is that as their ancestors did not come from India they should not be referred to as Indians. In Canada many call themselves "First Nations" which is actually a much more accurate description.

Answer 6

It's too bad, the whites didn't realize they weren't in India and call the Native Americans something else. Anyway, I live in Oklahoma and I am married to a Cherokee Indian. Indian is not a bad word, but they would rather be called by their tribe. They are proud of their tribe and that is usually how they label each other, Cherokee, Arapaho, and so on.

Answer 7

because Columbus thought he was in India when he landed here so he called the people he saw Indians even though they were not from India and it stuck. It is politically correct to say native American though because they were here first. They've probably had to accept that many people will still call them that even though the term doesnt fit. they use it now to market to the people who have that perception of the indian in their mind

Answer 8

I am...
you me and we
All a part of The ONE
I am man, father, grandfather,
giver of heart and love.
I am your son, brother, uncle, cousin,
I am by birth and heart Cherokee
I am proud, yet I am humble

To you... I will extend my hand should you stumble
does not matter the color of your skin
if we all take the time to look within
In me you will find a true brother and a friend.
I have been called by many names.
Discrimination calls me Indian!
The Creator above calls me His child
I am Native American and I have walked upon
this earth many times before discrimination was born.
Time after time, my roots were shattered and torn.
But my heritage stands proud!
The legends and lore speak loud.

Again and again we are reborn.
I am, flesh and blood, yet I am the Spirit of yesterday
Striving towards a better tomorrow,
as I push discrimination out of my way.
I am.. a part of the past, the present, and the future.
I am one...yet I am many
Come take my hand and walk with me across the land
and across the sea.
Live in peace and harmony as it is meant to be.
You and I are a part of the...
I Am

Answer 9

The casinos are run by Native Americans (and I say more power to 'em!), and they are certainly entitled to call THEMSELVES anything they like. What the rest of the world calls them should at least be polite and respectful, and for the moment, that means "Native Americans" or "First Peoples," depending on which side of the US/Canadian border you're on.

Answer 10

the best politically correct terms are " First people" or referring to anyone from indigenous origin by their tribes particular name
The casinos do this for marketing, since its easier to spot and the casinos are themed...its just how they attract business and its catchy
when talking to the Lakota tribe they didnt seem to mind being called " indians"
not all first people are against the terminology or find it offensive, so thats probably why its ok at the casinos.