"Native Americans" Gain Political Influence

[Tony]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,104526,00.html ..full article


WASHINGTON — Native American tribes figured prominently in California's gubernatorial recall election. In Washington state in the last election, they contributed more funds than Boeing (search) aircraft company.

Native American influence was also considered pivotal in sending South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson (search ) back to Congress.

Now, some tribes are taking the next logical step and preparing to field their own candidates.

With massive casino profits and the political savvy that comes from lobbying for them, getting Native Americans into office has become the natural next step. Native American groups have started recruitment campaigns and training seminars for political candidates, looking at ways to increase their representation in state and local posts.


A good thing IMO, but if they insist on calling themselves "native americans" they cannot expect my support. The term “native Americans” is an insult to every American.

[American]

Not to mention that Indian casinos were largely contracted out to Asian companies who ended up part-and-controlling owners in some cases.

[patoco12]

Originally posted by Tony
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,104526,00.html ..full article

A good thing IMO, but if they insist on calling themselves "native americans" they cannot expect my support. The term “native Americans” is an insult to every American.
They don't. They call themselves "American Indians" because they know how ridiculous the term "Native American" is. Only the media and other PC types say "Native American."

[BillyTK]

Originally posted by patoco12

They don't. They call themselves "American Indians" because they know how ridiculous the term "Native American" is. Only the media and other PC types say "Native American."
Really? And there's me thinking that the term "native American" was more accurate, considering they pre-dated European colonisation of the Americas by a couple of thousand years, and being named after a navigational mistake made by the guy who "discovered" "America" is kind of... insulting. Well, however they want to identify themselves is fine with me!

[patoco12]

Originally posted by BillyTK

Really? And there's me thinking that the term "native American" was more accurate, considering they pre-dated European colonisation of the Americas by a couple of thousand years, and being named after a navigational mistake made by the guy who "discovered" "America" is kind of... insulting. Well, however they want to identify themselves is fine with me!

Well, being a native American in the literal sense means that you were born in America. This applies to more people than just the "Native Americans."

On the other hand, while a misnomer, the term "Indian" was given to describe all of them together -- something that they never had before (typically each person identified with their own tribe). It became common, so that was the term.

Appending an "American" onto the front distinguishies them from India Indians, resulting in a term that identifies with a particular group of people.

This explanation is not mine; I got it from my mother who is an Oglala Lakota Sioux. So maybe the term "Native American" is more common in the East or South?

[patoco12]

Originally posted by patoco12

They don't. They call themselves "American Indians" because they know how ridiculous the term "Native American" is. Only the media and other PC types say "Native American."

Now that I read what I wrote, I see that I was too strong here. I can only speak from my own experiences with American Indians. I can't speak for the whole population.

I'll be more carefull in the future.

[Some Friggin Guy]

I don't know many "Native Americans", but some of the ones I do know (not all, but some) prefer the term American Tribals.

[BillyTK]

Originally posted by patoco12


Now that I read what I wrote, I see that I was too strong here. I can only speak from my own experiences with American Indians. I can't speak for the whole population.

I'll be more carefull in the future.
No problem, and thanks for your explanation. Like I said, however they want to identify themselves is fine with me. Out of a choice of misnomers I know which I'd prefer :). Maybe "American Firsts" would be a more descriptive name? ;)

[SteveW]

I prefer to call them "the peoples who found out it sucks not to have gunpowder."

[Tmy]

"American" is a vauge term if were talking semantics. Eskioms to Argentines are all part of the americas.