Post by The Shootist on Sept 19, 2006 13:25:07 GMT -5
A long time ago, I read a thing George Carlin wrote about the usage of the term "Native American".
It seems, Columbus, wrote of the "native" populations, they were a people of god. "un dios". Un Dios [Pronounced: Uh-n Dee-ous]. In-dians. Indians.
The "Native American" descriptor is a misnomer. One, they weren't native; and two, it wasn't America when they first got here. The tribes existed first in Asia, then crossed over to the Americas, supposedly, during the last ice age. When they first came, this place wasn't called anything. Except, maybe, "Over There".
So, I'm curious: I know that to be Politically Correct, it's appropriate to use the term "Native American", but it seems like that's a very misleading title. As individual tribes I prefer to call a Sioux a Sioux and an Iriquoi an Iriquoi; but as a larger inclusive group what's more correct: Indian or Native American?
I'm simply curious as to how other people see this 'issue'.
It seems, Columbus, wrote of the "native" populations, they were a people of god. "un dios". Un Dios [Pronounced: Uh-n Dee-ous]. In-dians. Indians.
The "Native American" descriptor is a misnomer. One, they weren't native; and two, it wasn't America when they first got here. The tribes existed first in Asia, then crossed over to the Americas, supposedly, during the last ice age. When they first came, this place wasn't called anything. Except, maybe, "Over There".
So, I'm curious: I know that to be Politically Correct, it's appropriate to use the term "Native American", but it seems like that's a very misleading title. As individual tribes I prefer to call a Sioux a Sioux and an Iriquoi an Iriquoi; but as a larger inclusive group what's more correct: Indian or Native American?
I'm simply curious as to how other people see this 'issue'.
