themaefive

[W]e use the term ‘Indian peoples’ or ‘American Indian’ peoples rather than ‘Native Americans.’ The reasons for this choice are simple yet profoundly important. The term ‘Native American’ was used during the nativist (anti-immigration, antiforeigner) movement (1860-1925) and the antiblack, anti-Catholic, and anti-Jewish Ku Klux Klan resurgence during the early 1900s. The rhetoric of these groups was couched in terms of ‘native-born’ white Protestants vis-à-vis those of ‘foreign’ origin, for example, Catholics. There was even a political party known as the Native American Party. Thus, whereas popular culture may refer to Indian peoples as Native Americans, we feel it is important to separate this group from the white supremacist terms used by the nativist movement. Moreover, we seek to defuse the specious argument made by some that if one is born in the United States, one is a native American, thereby dismissing the unique situation and status of American Indian peoples. Indian peoples encompass a variety of tribes, each with its own history and different structural relationships with the U.S. government. Finally, many native Hawaiians consider themselves Native Americans. Although not grouping native Hawaiians with American Indians in the 2000 census, the U.S. Census Bureau, after years of grouping native Hawaiians with Asians, put them in a new category with Pacific Islanders.

—

Paula D. McClain and Joseph Stewart Jr., Can We All Get Along?: Racial and Ethnic Minorities in American Politics

I admit to being guilty of using the term “Native American” because I thought it was the preferred nomenclature of American Indians, while being partially unaware of its white supremacist origins, and incorrectly crediting the term “Indian” as a prejudicial comparison of American Indians to Desi Indians by the British. I feel terrible. The more you know….
 

(via mohandasgandhi)

I had no knowledge of the white supremacist origins of “Native American.” Not knowing things like this makes me furious about the lack of proper history being taught in public Amerikkkan schools. Our history lessons are all white worshiping fairytales. What should I use? I want to know these things.

(via sapphrikah)

the more you know, damn.

(via tranqualizer)

(via thatprettyoddfeminist)