Politically Incorrect: Solving the Debate on Correct Terminology for Native American People

It occurs often, we slip up and uses a word to refer to someone that has long since been declared politically incorrect.

In this age of politics and cultural competence it is often difficult to keep up with the abundance of changes in the American vocabulary. This can leave many people confused and even a bit frustrated when trying to figure out what language they should use in their own life.

Political correctness is abound in the area of cultural sensitivity. Many cultural groups are continually updating the language they use to refer to themselves often leaving the public out of "the know". In this article we will discuss the correct terminology to use when referring to Native American people.

Native American populations are on the rise, Native American politics are on the news and in the supreme court, and Native American culture is becoming increasingly popular. It is easy to say that nearly every person in the United States will have to talk about Native people at one time or another. For this reason it is important that we all know the appropriate way to refer to Native people. Below you will find a guide to help you on your quest to become more culturally sensitive.

Politically Incorrect:

Indian - The term Indian was the first term used by the U.S. government to refer to Native people. Since a country named India already existed, and thus a culture of Indians, this term was eventually realized to be both politically incorrect and culturally inaccurate. The use of the word Indian is not typically used in American society today and can be considered slightly offensive. It is a term that is used primarily within Native communities and not within the majority culture.