Team Jacob

I did not watch the 2013 Miss America pageant.  I happened to pass it on t.v. for a few minutes while channel surfing, however, it was not long enough to take in all the contestants.  So when I first heard an Indian-American won, I (sarcastically) wondered if the winner was Native American or actually Indian-American.  Turns out in this instance, she was actually of Indian (roots from the country India) descent.  Cheers to Nina Davuluri!

What does that have to do with the price of tea in France? You ask.  Well, all too often, I read or hear someone refer to an Indian or Indian-American when the person referred to is of Native American heritage.  When I attempt to recommend a change in the reference, I have been told, well "you know what I'm talking about."  No, actually, I don't.  I don't know.  If I hear Indian, I think of India.  Is there two Indias?  Why are we still perpetrating Christopher Columbus's mistake by using Indian to describe people who's heritage is native to America?  And I recognize that many Native American created websites, articles, books, and what not also use the Indian reference.  I am not saying the use is somehow insulting, in and of itself, but it seems archaic.

As for me, when referencing part of my heritage, I prefer Native American.