LGBTQ news and entertainment
After several controversial passages in South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s new memoir came to light, seven Native American tribes in SD banned Noem from their reservations. That prompted some serious foolishness from conservative commentator Matt Walsh. Continue reading “Matt Walsh: “The Whole Indian Reservation Thing Is Absurd””
In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s crass reference to “Pocahontas” during a ceremony at the White House yesterday meant to honor Native American veterans of WWII, the leader of the Navajo Nation said he found the reference to be an ethnic slur and inappropriate for the occasion.
During an interview with CNN, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said Trump’s political attack on Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren during a ceremony honoring Navajo code talkers was “uncalled for.”
“This was a day to honor them, and to insert something like that — the word ‘Pocahontas’ as a jab to a senator — you know, that belongs on the campaign trail,” Begaye said. “That doesn’t belong in the room when our war heroes are being honored.”
Sonny Skyhawk, the founder of American Indians in Film & Television, told CNN that Trump deliberately held the ceremony in front of a painting of President Andrew Jackson who signed the Indian Removal Act. That legislation led to thousands of Native American deaths due to over 60,000 being forced to relocate.
Skyhawk said there’s no way Trump didn’t know the history, noting, “Andrew Jackson is one of his heroes.”
Watch the interview segment below.
I. Just. Can’t. With. This. Guy.
Today at a White House event honoring the three surviving Navajo code talkers from WWII, Donald Trump joked about calling Elizabeth Warren “Pocahontas.”
“We have a representative in Congress who has been here a long time – longer than you. They call her ‘Pocahontas!'”
The comment took place in front of a portrait of President Andrew Jackson who signed the Indian Removal Act.
According to reporters present, the comment was met with abject silence.
Here’s the video: Trump calls Elizabeth Warren ‘Pocahontas’ while honoring Native American code talkers: “You were here long before any of us were here. Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas.” pic.twitter.com/hjZ5MInDDf— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) November 27, 2017
Trump, at event with Navajo Code Talkers at WH, makes “Pocahontas” crack about Senator Warren. There was silence in the room. Per pool.— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 27, 2017
Despicable. At a ceremony meant to honor WWII Navajo code talkers, @realDonaldTrump cracks a crude Pocahontas joke. pic.twitter.com/RagMJKhmsF— Bridge Project (@BridgeProject21) November 27, 2017
Deplorable treatment of these veterans who played a crucial role in WWII:Trump slings racist slur at event to honor Navajo code talkershttps://t.co/xsLcZB2d9S via @shareblue
— leah mcelrath (@leahmcelrath) November 27, 2017
Why are people getting SO UPSET about me using the “Pocahontas” indian slur in front of the WWII Navajo Code Talkers veterans? My racist friends and I think it’s SO FUNNY! #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/YB6QTvaODv— Donald J. Trump (@RealDonaldTrFan) November 27, 2017
Elizabeth Warren responds to Trump's new 'Pocahontas' remark on MSNBC: "It is deeply unfortunate that the President of the United States cannot even make it though a ceremony honoring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur." https://t.co/2EiILol15V— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) November 27, 2017
A California tribe is voicing it’s support to see the Washington Redskins change the team name as the word continues to be a slur on Native Americans.
From ABC News:
“In my opinion, the ‘r’ word is just as derogatory a slur as the ‘n’ word,” Marshall McKay, chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, said in a video about the “Change the Mascot” campaign.
The minute-long commercial, called “Proud to Be,” is a shortened version of a similar ad that was posted online earlier this year. In it, a narrator lists adjectives that could describe Native Americans — “Indian,” “Navajo, “Sioux,” “Spiritualist,” “strong” — before the camera zooms in on a Redskins helmet, “the one thing they don’t” call themselves.
The ad is set to air in seven major markets during the NBA finals.
I think the spot makes it’s point quite succinctly. And when you think about it, why NOT change the name? The owners of the team would make BANK by all the fans going out and buying new merchandise to support a newly adopted mascot/name.
(h/t JMG)