Beyond the Name of Native Americans

The Political Correctness (PC) movement, which gained momentum in the 1980s, has reshaped societal perspectives on human rights. As we’ve learned to listen to the voices of marginalized groups—including those facing gender discrimination, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and immigrants—the terminology used for Indigenous people in the  Native USA has also come under scrutiny. The term “Indian” carries the painful history of colonization, leading to calls for its replacement with “Native American.” But can a change in name truly heal such deep-seated wounds?

The Irony of the Name ‘Native American’

The emergence of the term ‘Native American’ is rooted in an effort to shed the shadows of colonialism, especially since “Indian” originated from Christopher Columbus’s mistaken belief that he had reached India. He started calling the inhabitants of the new continent “Indians.”

Yet, ironically, the very continent we inhabit, “America”, derives its name from Amerigo Vespucci, who documented Columbus’s voyages. So, even as we strive for a term free from colonial history, the term itself still carries a trace of that same past. British and Spanish colonizers later cemented “Indian” as the standard term. After U.S. independence, Indigenous people were forcibly moved to desolate lands called “Indian Reservations.”

‘Indian Reservations’: A Never-Ending Tragedy for American Tribes

Following the founding of the U.S., countless Indigenous people were massacred and forced onto barren reservation lands where agriculture was difficult. Poverty became an inherited condition, and the isolated environments, lacking transportation and basic amenities, sometimes led to illicit activities like drug trafficking to survive.

Areas outside government oversight often became havens for crime, and children born on reservations grew up witnessing violence and illicit acts. Many parents suffered from depression, alcoholism, or drug addiction. While the U.S. government has since provided some support, such as minimum living expenses and food vouchers, decades of entrenched problems aren’t easily solved. A 2019 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted severe mental health issues among Native American youth, underscoring how critical it is to improve their quality of life. This continues to be a profound challenge for many American tribes.

More Than Just a Name: The Path to Real Change

Many believe that using “Native American” instead of “Indian” is an act of  “Political Correctness” that benefits them. While choosing respectful terminology is a good start, many North American tribes prefer to be called by the specific names of their 574 distinct Native American tribes.

More crucial than a name is addressing the deep-rooted socioeconomic challenges they face: poverty, inadequate education, and mental health issues for Indigenous people on their ancestral lands.

Despite these hardships, hope remains. Many Indigenous communities are actively working to revive their ancestral languages, traditions, and arts. Younger generations are proudly embracing their heritage and continuing their cultural practices. American tribes are also initiating self-sufficient economic ventures and striving to improve their education and healthcare services. These efforts play a vital role in restoring their identity and pride.

True Political Correctness must go beyond changing names. It means focusing on genuinely improving their lives and providing hope for the future for Indigenous people in the Native USA. It’s time we acknowledge the reality beyond the names and **find ways to support the distinct cultures and identities of diverse American tribes, empowering their self-driven efforts.