Things NEVER to Say to American Indian Coworkers
By Daryl C. Hannah
June 19, 2009
Also read: Things Not to Say, factoids, American
Indian, Cherokee
If you asked Rick Waters, director
of corporations with the American Indian College Fund, how he classifies
himself, he'd say, "I am Cherokee-American Indian." If you asked the same
question of John Norwood, president of Nanticoke-Lenape Tribal Enterprises, he'd
say he's "Nanticoke-Lenape-American Indian." So what's the proper way to address
American Indian coworkers? It depends on whom you ask, but one thing they all
would agree on: to be the most accurate, identify the tribe first. Click
here to read "In Some Ways, American Indians Are Losing Their Identity"
Click
here to read "Buying Power of American Indians Grows With Little Impact on
Overall Economy"
Click
here to read "American Indian Population Is Mostly in Midwest"
Click
here to read "Recruiting Top American Indian Talent: The Unique
Blend"
"We are more closely identified with
our tribal origins," says Norwood. "It's like asking someone from
Europe what they are. They would answer
'French' or 'German.' It's the same idea here. When someone asks me what I am, I
give them my tribal reference."
Societal concerns over the proper
way to address American Indians are not new. You may hesitate over calling
someone an American Indian rather than a Native American, though our sources
prefer American Indian (after their tribal identification). But what else might
you say that would be offensive? Take a look at these 9 things you should NEVER
say to an American Indian colleague.
"Hey, Chief"
Unless the person you are addressing
is actually chief of a tribe or nation, and you are aware of that fact, calling
an American Indian "chief" can be insulting. "When you reference someone who is
Indian and use the term 'chief,' out of context, it's like saying the same thing
as referring to a Black person as 'Hey, Sambo,'" says Waters.
"Squaw"
While there are different opinions
as to the exact meaning and origin of the word "squaw," that doesn't give you
free license to use it with American Indians, male or female. The word is
believed to have come from the Algonquian Indian term for "woman," but it began
taking on derogatory meanings as early as the 19th century, and many now see it
as a reference to a woman's sexual organs. "Squaw, with most Indian males and
females, is offensive," says Waters.
"How Indian are
you?"
Just as you wouldn't ask a Black
person how "Black" he or she is, it's insensitive to ask how Indian someone is.
"This is something you don't ask people in general, but for some reason, people
feel they have the license to ask Indians, 'How Indian are you?'" says Waters.
"Hold down the
fort"
In a general context, "hold down the
fort" simply refers to leaving someone in charge. But when said in reference to
American Indians, it may be interpreted to mean "watch out for the Indians."
"Historically, forts in
America were built to hold back the
Indians," says Waters."This implies that Indians are always on the 'war path.'"
"Do you live in a
teepee?"
There is a misconception that all
American Indian tribes once lived in teepees. But different tribes lived in many
different types of structures. Tribes such as the Pueblo Indians of the
Southwest lived in a complex multi-residential structure made of adobe. In fact,
Indians still inhabit the Taos Pueblo, estimated to be about 1,000 years old. As
for teepees, the tribes that did live in them haven't done so for generations,
for the most part. And while it would seem outrageous that someone would
consider asking the question "Do you live in a teepee?" even in jest, apparently
this does happen.
Click here to hear Norwood's recent
experience.
"Pow-wow"
Waters describes a pow-wow as a
social gathering for ceremonial purposes, and many tribes still hold them on a
regular basis. Using this out of context to refer to a meeting or a quick
get-together with an American Indian coworker trivializes this tradition and
could be taken as offensive.
Click here to find out more
about what a pow-wow entails.
"Climbing the totem pole" or "Low
man on the totem pole"
In corporate America, the phrase "climbing the
totem pole" may be used to refer to someone who is advancing in his or her
career. But it's a myth that there was a specific hierarchy in importance to
images carved in totem poles, which were vertical sculptures mainly associated
with tribes along the Pacific Northwest. "When
saying that someone is on the top or bottom of the totem pole, this can be
perceived as insensitive because there is no 'bottom' in the same sense," says
Waters. "This comment isn't necessarily offensive; it is however, insensitive."
"Indian-giver"
"Indian-giver" is a derogatory term
for someone who gives something away and then asks for it back. It was coined
during the struggle for land when settlers came to the new world. Many tried to
"buy" land with trinkets from various tribes of American Indians, who at the
time "had no concept of land ownership," according to Waters. "[American
Indians], in their conversations with settlers, did not understand that they
were signing over the land."
Click here to listen to Waters
explain the historical context of the term Indian-giver.
"That's a nice costume"
Traditional
American Indian regalia is very expensive and also bears heavy religious
significance. "A costume is something you wear when you are portraying something
that you are not," says Norwood. "But when you wear traditional dress,
you are making an expression, you are expressing who you actually are and who
your ancestors were. So first, to call it a 'costume' is to misrepresent what it
is. Secondly, it lessens its significance to the point that anybody feels like
they can put it on."
Readers' Comments
Posted: Sunday, Jun 14, 2009
Things NEVER to Say to American Indian Coworkers
Some of those I can see the reasoning behind: comments that twist another person's culture are insensetive. However, I think getting offended over "hold down the fort" is a little much. Sure, two hundred years ago, I can see it, but nowadays I very much doubt anyone is imlpying that the office needs to be defended against murderin' injuns: it's a common saying, and I don't think it's quite the same thing as using someone's sacred beliefs or cultural beliefs as jokes.
Tricia Persi
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Posted: Monday, May 04, 2009
Things NEVER to Say to American Indian Coworkers
I am offended by white man's ignorance of Native American people period. They need to learn more and interact with us.
robbi yohn
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Posted: Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008
Things NEVER to Say to American Indian Coworkers
I understand your annoyance when people try to label you...my situation is the opposite whereas I am native american and african- american; people dont see any of this, but they think I am from the middle east or from mexico...which has its own problems in itself.. you know either you are a terrorist or an illegal immigrant....but i was wondering why do you say "sadly all anyone can see is the indian" are you ashamed of having "indian" features....why is it important to you for people to know that you are german, french, and english? Is it because their is more of a social status to these identifications...just asking a question and I appreciate your post....
Victoria Toussaint-Hill
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Posted: Sunday, Aug 03, 2008
Things NEVER to Say to American Indian Coworkers
Why can't we all work together instead of labeling each other??? is there a reason why we can't get except everyone, even when they are asked, a simple question: " what nationality are you?" I am of german,french english and indian deccent. But sadly all anyone can see is the indian. I had thought that i was more than that. Am I not in the process of educating myself the same way my coworkers were educated?? What someone may say to me does not bother me as much as the lack of education given to this individual towards his fellow man. which shows thought his questions, ideas,and their ignorance.
jamie cordray
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Posted: Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008
Things NEVER to Say to American Indian Coworkers
I am glad this article is here. People do not understand how one feels after racial comments have been made to them. You have to remain silent because you don't want to look like you are a complaining when someone higher up says a racial comment to you. They try to hide it, and say things when you are by yourself, so there are no witnesses.
Phyllis Tiger
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