Reader comments
'Squaw' still Utah moniker
74 comments | Read story
- Page:
- < Previous
- 1
- 2
changes meanings | 12:52 p.m. May 12, 2008
It's only recently that this has become an issue. While growing up in AZ
with a lot of Indians, they used the word all the time to call their little
girls. Nothing was derogatory and it was commonly used.
This is a far fetch of the speak police to conjure up something like this and then attach something to it.
I'm tired of this stuff. If this word was so offensive and correctly came from the other word mentioned, then why did it take until the last couple of years for this to be an issue?
I mean, if we named a new subdivision with the same meaning they are inferring, do you think it would go through? Would it be allowed? Would people speak out and say, sorry, that's a little strange to be calling it that...could you come up with a different name?
Time to move on folks....I'm offended that.....
This is a far fetch of the speak police to conjure up something like this and then attach something to it.
I'm tired of this stuff. If this word was so offensive and correctly came from the other word mentioned, then why did it take until the last couple of years for this to be an issue?
I mean, if we named a new subdivision with the same meaning they are inferring, do you think it would go through? Would it be allowed? Would people speak out and say, sorry, that's a little strange to be calling it that...could you come up with a different name?
Time to move on folks....I'm offended that.....
Athabascan | 12:57 p.m. May 12, 2008
We have features named Molly's Nipple and you are worried about the use of
the word Squaw. Let the Native Americans's take care of this one. We saw
how "offended" they were when the NCAA tried to force the UofU into
dropping the Utes as their moniker. The Ute tribe backed the University, not
the NCAA. We need to get the extreme far left whiners to shut up and let the
Native Americans file their own complaints for things that actually offend them.
Comments continue below
Language changes | 1:05 p.m. May 12, 2008
I am like those who associate squaw with beautiful Indian women but i
didn't grow up around men who used the term any other way. Maybe those who
define the term squaw as I do are saying the meaning of the word has changed.
English is a living language afterall and we don't have to reside in the
past.
Offense | 1:08 p.m. May 12, 2008
You just can't win. They'll always be a group of people offended with
one word or another. Where's the outcry to change the name of Dick's
Peak in Lake Tahoe? Now that really offends me.
FSC | 1:47 p.m. May 12, 2008
We American Indians did not assign these names to the geography. If we did, we
would have named them as MHP explained. American Indians, as with myself, have
expressed displeasure over use of the term, "Squaw." No one would
listen. Perhaps this matter can get the attention it deserves now... let make
the changes and MHP has a good suggestion althought I doubt it will be
considered based upon my experience living in this state.
douglas | 3:07 p.m. May 12, 2008
I can't help but notice that the ill-conceived humor on this forum about
using the word "Squaw" is by mostly white folks. Natives Americans in
my state would ask me to clean out my mouth if I used it in their presence. It
is a derogatory word to the vast majority of Native Americans.
Many white folk on this forum today have shown extreme insensitivity. Now the joker in all of this is that many are probably members of a relgion that prides itself on being related to the Indians through some kind of history. Ironic, isn't it.
Or maybe hypocrites are wide spread in the religion than I thought.
Many white folk on this forum today have shown extreme insensitivity. Now the joker in all of this is that many are probably members of a relgion that prides itself on being related to the Indians through some kind of history. Ironic, isn't it.
Or maybe hypocrites are wide spread in the religion than I thought.
Richard Long | 3:18 p.m. May 12, 2008
What about Donny Osmond's song "Puppy Love" now that really
offends me.
wow | 3:49 p.m. May 12, 2008
douglas@ Where did you get your computer...the one that allows you to see the
color of posters by reading their email? I gotta get me one of those...maybe at
the store over in squaw valley?
The day after ... | 3:55 p.m. May 12, 2008
Should we be offended by the word mother? It can be said to mean quite different
things. Like "my mother", or "you mother", (and I could use
more examples, but it would most likely be considered abusive or offensive and
wouldn't be printed).
See, it takes on different meanings just by the tone you use and the context it is used in.
So next year, instead of "Mother's Day", someone needs to come up with something more PC, right?
See, it takes on different meanings just by the tone you use and the context it is used in.
So next year, instead of "Mother's Day", someone needs to come up with something more PC, right?
ron | 4:00 p.m. May 12, 2008
It is a very interesting thing that goes on with words and names of the past.
Maybe I live in the wrong part of the state, but your article is the first time
I have seen the word squaw in print or spoken for twenty years. Am I in the
minority here? As far as I am concerned that word has slipped from the minds of
most people because it has been used in a derogatory way in years past. I am
sure there are some people who may still use the term and they are the same ones
who use negative words for the Chinese, Japanese, Negros or other people.
Don't let those few people take from you your american heritage. Did this
word come from Indian culture or from white culture? If it came from Indian
culture and the whites mistreated it, then don't let them take it from you
just because they don't understand you. Keep your heads up high and look to
God on high and let those who degrade you follow in their own miseable ways. If
all this is political then chuck it in the round file.
What about dog names? | 5:05 p.m. May 12, 2008
How come there are diesel trucks that say English on them? They don't look
like an kind of Englishman that I have ever known... And a English springer
spaniel, English bulldog, dogs that don't even resemble the English people.
To include as well, German Shepard, Mexican chihuahua dogs, and many other dogs.
How dare someone name all these dogs after these different nationalities.
I'm totally offended!
Word games? | 5:36 p.m. May 12, 2008
The word comes from history. Why must we rewrite history based on current
trends or even enlightenment? Historically it was probably used in a
descriptive as well as derogatory way depending on who used it, the context in
which it was used, just as one might say "woman" and mean it for good
or ill. Do we pretend everyone has always been politically correct and
consistent by changing the names now?
There are those who would change all history books. We would do better to educate regarding the problems from history as well as the successes, based on values that great people held rather than the words they may have used which change over time.
There are all kinds of words that evolve over time and we don't need to change the world because of it. Teach the children the history and the evolution of words. Use it as a lesson; not as a way to be offended.
Many old songs used "gay" to mean happy, but over the course of time, the meaning has become different. This does not mean that it no longer means happy, however, and we don't need to change the dictionary to reflect that.
There are those who would change all history books. We would do better to educate regarding the problems from history as well as the successes, based on values that great people held rather than the words they may have used which change over time.
There are all kinds of words that evolve over time and we don't need to change the world because of it. Teach the children the history and the evolution of words. Use it as a lesson; not as a way to be offended.
Many old songs used "gay" to mean happy, but over the course of time, the meaning has become different. This does not mean that it no longer means happy, however, and we don't need to change the dictionary to reflect that.
The Name Game! | 6:21 p.m. May 12, 2008
Shirley!
Shirley, Shirley bo Birley Bonana fanna fo Firley
Fee fy mo Mirley, Shirley!
Lincoln!
Lincoln, Lincoln bo Bincoln Bonana fanna fo Fincoln
Fee fy mo Mincoln, Lincoln!
Come on everybody!
I say now let's play a game
I betcha I can make a rhyme out of anybody's name
The first letter of the name, I treat it like it wasn't there
But a B or an F or an M will appear
To word Game...Y'all can join in on here....
And then I say bo add a B then I say the name and Bonana fanna and a fo
And then I say the name again with an F very plain
and a fee fy and a mo
And then I say the name again with an M this time
and there isn't any name that I can't rhyme
Arnold!
Arnold, Arnold bo Barnold Bonana fanna fo Farnold
Fee fy mo Marnold Arnold!
Shirley, Shirley bo Birley Bonana fanna fo Firley
Fee fy mo Mirley, Shirley!
Lincoln!
Lincoln, Lincoln bo Bincoln Bonana fanna fo Fincoln
Fee fy mo Mincoln, Lincoln!
Come on everybody!
I say now let's play a game
I betcha I can make a rhyme out of anybody's name
The first letter of the name, I treat it like it wasn't there
But a B or an F or an M will appear
To word Game...Y'all can join in on here....
And then I say bo add a B then I say the name and Bonana fanna and a fo
And then I say the name again with an F very plain
and a fee fy and a mo
And then I say the name again with an M this time
and there isn't any name that I can't rhyme
Arnold!
Arnold, Arnold bo Barnold Bonana fanna fo Farnold
Fee fy mo Marnold Arnold!
Lost in translation | 6:45 p.m. May 12, 2008
I haven't heard it mentioned yet, but I think the Grand Tetons has quite
the translation also.
Anonymous | 6:49 p.m. May 12, 2008
Oh brother!
From Wikipedia:
Squaw is the phonetic spelling of an Algonquian Indian morpheme, meaning "woman," that appears in numerous Algonquian dialects variously spelled as squa, skwa, esqua, sqeh, skwe, que, kwa, ikwe, etc. As an English language loan-word, used as a noun or adjective, its present meaning is a native-American woman of North America, regardless of tribe.
So now the term is derogatory, even though it's a word that comes from native americans?
I'm offended by the following sports teams:
the vikings, the cowboys, the patriots, the saints, the 49er's, - all mascots which are derogatory towards whites. I'm also offended by the term, white and I want it eliminated from the english language. I want to be referred to as northern european american. No wait I want to be referred to as northern european native american. The terms caucasian and white are highly offensive to me, even though my skin is white. Oh and while we're at it, the term husband is offensive - since there is so much more to me than simply being identified as belonging to a woman. Oh and...
From Wikipedia:
Squaw is the phonetic spelling of an Algonquian Indian morpheme, meaning "woman," that appears in numerous Algonquian dialects variously spelled as squa, skwa, esqua, sqeh, skwe, que, kwa, ikwe, etc. As an English language loan-word, used as a noun or adjective, its present meaning is a native-American woman of North America, regardless of tribe.
So now the term is derogatory, even though it's a word that comes from native americans?
I'm offended by the following sports teams:
the vikings, the cowboys, the patriots, the saints, the 49er's, - all mascots which are derogatory towards whites. I'm also offended by the term, white and I want it eliminated from the english language. I want to be referred to as northern european american. No wait I want to be referred to as northern european native american. The terms caucasian and white are highly offensive to me, even though my skin is white. Oh and while we're at it, the term husband is offensive - since there is so much more to me than simply being identified as belonging to a woman. Oh and...
Anonymous | 7:11 p.m. May 12, 2008
FYI, Jared Farmer's new book, ON ZION'S MOUNT: MORMONS, INDIANS, AND
THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE, includes a chapter on Indian and pseudo-Indian
place-names, including "Squaw" names. The book discusses Provo's
Squaw Peak as well as the history of the word "Timpanogos."
DBlack | 7:18 p.m. May 12, 2008
This paragraph from the article speaks volumes:
�Naranjo disagrees with Cott's assertion that the name is honorary. He thinks the name was originally meant to mock the Piute woman for falling off the peak.�
So in Naranjo�s mind the evil white people actually named a beautiful peak as some kind of exercise in pioneer trash talk. It appears obvious by that small statement that Naranjo is an activist not worried about actual truth but rather hell-bent on conjuring victimhood at every turn to fit some agenda he champions.
This all begs the question: How much tax revenue goes towards paying bureaucrats to cater to the whims of Mr. Naranjo and his crusade to V-chip names on maps to protect the innocent?
�Naranjo disagrees with Cott's assertion that the name is honorary. He thinks the name was originally meant to mock the Piute woman for falling off the peak.�
So in Naranjo�s mind the evil white people actually named a beautiful peak as some kind of exercise in pioneer trash talk. It appears obvious by that small statement that Naranjo is an activist not worried about actual truth but rather hell-bent on conjuring victimhood at every turn to fit some agenda he champions.
This all begs the question: How much tax revenue goes towards paying bureaucrats to cater to the whims of Mr. Naranjo and his crusade to V-chip names on maps to protect the innocent?
rdb | 8:10 p.m. May 12, 2008
Yeah? And California has Squaw Valley Ski Resort. Good luck getting them to
ever change the name. It�s big business and been well
recognized for many years.
This is much (politically correct) ado about nothing. Just think how often names and titles tend to lose the intricate meanings when they are used frequently. It just becomes another name. Someone, somewhere is always going to be offended about something. It�s high time we took a reality check, tried a little some common sense, and stopped seeking out insignificant and trivial matters to provoke our sensitivities.
This is much (politically correct) ado about nothing. Just think how often names and titles tend to lose the intricate meanings when they are used frequently. It just becomes another name. Someone, somewhere is always going to be offended about something. It�s high time we took a reality check, tried a little some common sense, and stopped seeking out insignificant and trivial matters to provoke our sensitivities.
Cam | 9:30 p.m. May 12, 2008
Too many people forget that it takes two to tango. People choose to offend and
people choose to be offended.
If no one is intentionally trying to piss you off then why be offended. You're just making life hard on yourself.
If no one is intentionally trying to piss you off then why be offended. You're just making life hard on yourself.
no 2 sqaw | 9:34 p.m. May 12, 2008
It is interesting that people who have denied the native of this country any
respect are the same ones that cannot comprehend the offensiveness of their
actions. I being an outsider to Utah many moons ago found it very hard to
listen to the so called good Christian people be so demeaning of the native of
this state and raise their children with the same mentality. Shame on you
people. Time to recognize the ugly truth about Utah history and see what you
can do to make amends to those living today
Native American | 11:40 p.m. May 12, 2008
As a native americian origionally from back east it never occured to me that
"squaw" was a negitive term. I'll bet that many of those posting
here about being offended because they are native american (and using
sterotypical "names" and speach patters) are really narrow minded pc
liberals with an agenda and who have never stepped foot on a reservation.
We can choose to be offended or we can ignore the narrow minded who either thourgh mis-information or ignorance my occassionally say something stupid. Forgive the igonarance and ignore the offence. Let's not re-write the maps for the sake of a few who choose to be offended when no offence was intended.
We can choose to be offended or we can ignore the narrow minded who either thourgh mis-information or ignorance my occassionally say something stupid. Forgive the igonarance and ignore the offence. Let's not re-write the maps for the sake of a few who choose to be offended when no offence was intended.
Full blood Native American-Utahn | 9:14 a.m. May 14, 2008
Well, Well, its always good to read honest and enlightening comments from people
who reside in the state of such a brotherly loving dominant religion.
I dont think the term "squaw" is "PC" or is culturally unsensitive, its just wrong. And there's no dwelling on "PC" or culturally insensitive rituals which were committed against the American Indians, which will never be corrected or even compensated for.
But its so cool that one small word (squaw)can give so many people from so many walks of life ...so much to think about and to comment about is truly amazing! Thanks for the amusement.
I dont think the term "squaw" is "PC" or is culturally unsensitive, its just wrong. And there's no dwelling on "PC" or culturally insensitive rituals which were committed against the American Indians, which will never be corrected or even compensated for.
But its so cool that one small word (squaw)can give so many people from so many walks of life ...so much to think about and to comment about is truly amazing! Thanks for the amusement.
Dean | 1:18 p.m. Aug. 21, 2008
I understant that squaw means young native american lady.What's wrong with
that?
- Page:
- < Previous
- 1
- 2
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
There are no formal proposals to rename Squaw Peak, the prominent peak at center left, on the south side of Provo Canyon.
- It counts, even if it's 'business' 5:42 p.m.
- Biblical verses traslated differently 5:42 p.m.
- Christmas movies with a message 5:42 p.m.
- Blessed are the conservatives? 5:42 p.m.
- Religion briefs 5:42 p.m.
- Working to feed the multitudes 5:42 p.m.
- World religion briefs 5:42 p.m.
- Exhibit celebrates sacred art 5:42 p.m.
- There's no one to root for on 'Race' 5:42 p.m.
- Don't guess at marital problems cause 5:42 p.m.
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- 5A high school football All-State
- Expert paid $500K for Mitchell report
- Miller predicted Tiger's rough road
- Utah Jazz going green with unis
- Harpring's NBA career is over
- 4A high school football: All-State
- Nutty Putty Cave to be sealed today
- MVPs wrap up stellar prep careers
- Jazz: Miles, Kirilenko to play Friday
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
408 - Max Hall issues apology393
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal362
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?293
- Utes won't respond to Hall278
- BYU says Hall incident resolved247
- Letters: Liberal because LDS229
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game188
- Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry181
- Aggies shoot past Cougars179
AP biz writer Chip Cutter offers tips for people who have picked up...
That does it — I'm having an affair! Thanks to Tiger Woods, David...
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
Latest comments
Wow. 500000 dollars for a report of 200 plus pages. No wonder psychiatry...
Mitchell is not going away for life, folks. Get real.
I've been to Antelope Island many times and always respect the rule that says...
Could every one tell their kids to stop? Thanks!
It's gotta be the end of the world!
Tate never had cancer....get your facts straight! He transferred after his...
The Oregonian says Oregon State will most likely go to the Vegas Bowl against...
Re: What?! I love how you think only pregant women live in SLC--and that...
Thank God the mother And child are doing welk
@The dozen or so Muslims... "I've known have been, to a person, better humans...
Advertisements
Medicine hat: Physicians and hat makers
Spanish fork: People of Spanish origin
American Fork: Offensive to Americans who speak with a forked tongue!
Christmas City: Offensive to non-Christians and atheists
Clinton: Offensive to conservatives
Dividend: Offensive to people not interested in finances
Geneva: Offensive to people from Switzerland, who do not want their city name used so frivolously!
Mutual Dell: Offensive to Mr. Schanze
Nunns: Offensive to Catholic Sissters
Gomex: Offensive to member of "The Addamx Family"
Mexican Hat: Offensive to Charros and Mariachis