Red Native American Indian Natives

An interesting tidbit, which I will try to remember to verify later.

Fact: Virtually everyone so far has been Indian. They're proud to be Indian, and their communities and businesses are Indian.

Almost nobody has even mentioned the term "Native American." It's just not part of the vocabulary, and a few people have scoffed at it each time it has come up.


Unverified Fact: One guy said that "Native American" comes from a specific group on the East Coast, and they're the primary supporters of the term. As for himself, I quote: "Native American? Pffft! I'm INDIAN!" (Fist hits table).


When I make it to the East, I must remember to listen carefully to see if "Indian" starts fading out. Also, as I start heading East, I must remember to listen carefully on each reservation to see what the appropriate phrase is. That could land me in some hot water if I mess it up, potentially.

I seem to remember being taught in school that "Native American" was the only correct term; I wonder if that was just some 1990s-era political correctness nonsense rearing its carefully-groomed head.