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Who even says “Indian” to describe Native Americans anymore?

One of my friends who is also native used that word to describe someone from a neighboring tribe and I genuinely thought he was talking about an Indian as in from India. No one says that for Native Americans anymore, at least not around here! It’s not only politically incorrect, but just plain incorrect. It’s outdated. He as a indigenous person should know that. Say indigenous or Native Americans, but don’t call us Indians anymore. It’s more offensive than being called “red” at this point. 😂

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DrWatson · 70-79, M

What is emerging in this conversation, among other things, is a generational divide.

On the one hand, "You older people are still using an antiquated term, and you need us younger people to educate you."

On the other hand, "You younger people are devaluing the history and experience of us older people, and you sound like arrogant know-it-alls."

A similar thing happened with the words Negro/Black. Older people who actually lived through the segregation era were taken aback by a younger generation trying to "explain" things to them, while the younger generation was exasperated by older people embracing "the name the white man gave us."

Maybe some conversations between young and old, undertaken with mutual respect and compassion, and with a genuine wish to understand the other and not change anybody, would be helpful?

PerchingDove · F

@DrWatson Of course. But not today, I'm pretty burnt out on debating this now. Glad to see you can be reasonable.

DrWatson · 70-79, M

@PerchingDove Was there anything I said that led you to doubt I could be "reasonable"?

PerchingDove · F

@DrWatson You didn't respond to my first reply to you.

Peaches · F

@DrWatson Bravo! 👏🏼Well stated my friend.😊

DrWatson · 70-79, M

@PerchingDove I think it would have been pretty arrogant for me, as a white guy, to respond to what you said. I had posted that some Native Americans disagree with your point of view, and your response was to say that we need to work together so that they get persuaded to your point of view. Far be it from me to take a side. I have just been reporting my observations, in the hopes of furthering the conversation.

DrWatson · 70-79, M

@Peaches Thank you.

PerchingDove · F

@DrWatson I wouldn't thought there was anything arrogant about it if you just proceeded with the intent to have a civil discussion over it.

DrWatson · 70-79, M

@PerchingDove And that is what I hope I am doing.

Peaches · F

@PerchingDove [i][b]Let's just all have a group hug!!!😁

[/b][/i]