http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/06/26/indian-yet-not-indian-155490
It’s a subtlety in language that has the power to evoke varying degrees of respect. The indefinite article (a or an) should of course be used freely when referring to objects - like a candy bar, a book, or an orangutan. But it shouldn’t be used in front of an ethnicity, because it creates a demeaning connotation.
For example:
I wouldn’t say, “This is my friend Daniella and she’s a Jew.” Instead I would say, “This is my friend Daniella, and she is Jewish.”
A tasteful writer wouldn’t say, “I spoke to a Mexican about the event,” they would say, “I spoke to a Mexican man about the event.”
And finally, I would say, “This is my friend Melanie, and she is White,” or “She’s a White person” but never “she’s a White.” (Notice how I did it up there in paragraph one and it sounded disrespectful? Go back and look and tell me you don’t disagree!)
I am Indian vs. I am an Indian (Language has power)
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/06/26/indian-yet-not-indian-155490
Native American Expressions (within the NA community)
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/10/21/going-geronimo-and-other-useful-native-slang-terms-part-1
History of Western Abnaki Language by By Jesse Bowman Bruchac (National Geographic)
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/saints-and-strangers/articles/learning-the-language/
The word "Pagan" is a problem when applied to Native Americans
http://nativeamericanresources.blogspot.com/2011/10/letters-2011-word-pagan.html
Saying "I Love You"in Multiple Native Languages
http://nativeamericanresources.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-do-you-say-i-love-you-in-multiple.html
The Word ‘Squaw’: Offensive or Not?
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/01/31/word-squaw-offensive-or-not-153328
Though several journalists since have supported Harjo, the jury is still out when it comes to the meaning of the word squaw. Most historians and linguists appear to be more supportive of a non-derogatory meaning, use of the word is still looked at as offensive to many others. In the years since Harjo’s appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show, efforts to rename geographical sites swung into full-force. In the first four months of 2008, the U.S. Board on Geographic names renamed 16 valleys creeks and other sites omitting the name squaw.
What's the Most Popular Native American Language in Your State?
Read more at http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/05/17/whats-most-popular-native-language-your-state-154903
Top 10 Things to Say When You Meet a White Person http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/07/25/top-10-things-say-when-you-meet-white-person-156053
10. How much white are you?
9. I'm part white myself, you know.
8. I learned all your people's ways in the Boy Scouts.
7. My great-great-grandmother was a full-blooded white American Princess.
6. Funny, you don't look white.
5. I'm not racist, my best friend is white!
4. Do you live in a covered wagon?
3. What's the meaning behind the square dance?
2. Can I touch your facial hair?
1. Hey, can I take your picture?
22 Things You Should Never Say To A Multiracial Woman
"Which
parent is which?"
"No, I mean where
are you REALLY from?"
"Can I touch
your hair?"
"I thought you
were white."
"Are
you sure that's what you are?"
"You're a mutt."
"What
are you?"
"So which
side do you like more?"
"But you have such
nice hair!"
"You're so colorful."
"Are you sure you're
not Asian?"
"But why are you so
white?"
"You have 'good'
hair... what are you mixed with?"
"So you're not
really black."
"Are your parents still
together?"
"Is that your own hair?"
"Do you wear colored
contacts?"
"Are these really your
kids?"
"You're so exotic!"
"Were your grandparents
okay with it?"
"You're not black
enough."
"Well, you
don't count."
