Did you find republican party chairman Michael Steele's 'Honest Injun' comment offensive?

Injun" is not racist, it's just Old West dialect. However, the phrase "honest Injun" is somewhat dated and was probably originally some sort of insensitive stereotype. It dates from 1870-1875.

Still, it is generally used by kids and humorously; I've never heard it used in a deliberately negative way. I'd say this rates pretty low on the scale of offensiveness, even the modern dictionaries only say "sometimes considered offensive. " However, a politician worth his salt would avoid even the appearance of insensitivity to a minority group.

Especially if he is a member of another minority group which complains about stereotypes a lot! I think this calls for another Beer Summit. Michael Steele should invite Sarah Palin and some conservative Indian maybe Rod Van Mechelen of the Cowlitz tribe (there aren't many conservative Republican Indians to offend or apologize to).

Or maybe Bobby Jindal?

Notice that Steele paused for a split second after he used the word "Injun". To me, it's an indication that he realized his minor gaffe. It wasn't racist; it was just impolitic train-of-thought that derailed him for a moment.As for the seemingly "Indian" hand gesture (which, BTW, is a TV and movie stereotype in and of itself; you've never raised your hand to say "hi" or "bye"?

), he used other, inconsequential, hand motions afterwards, which, again, to me, indicates that he was simply gesticulating in a manner similar to the Boy Scout salute, or when making an official swear/affirmation (e.g. , "Raise your right hand.Do you solemly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, . . .").

I'm sure Steele will get 15 seconds of unwanted fame for his use of the phrase, but, none of it was racist. Besides, how do you know he wasn't referring to Asian "Injuns"? ;).

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