Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2003

Publication Title

medium

Volume

1

Issue

2

First Page

80

Last Page

80

Abstract

I hereby re-christen thee ..

The slate of Nebraska recently witnessed a controversy surrounding the names of several geophysical features, like rivers or creeks. According to a February 191 2001, Omaha World-Herald article by Todd von Kampen and Nichole Aksamit, the push was to change all the place names that contain the word "squaw" to more appropriate, less offensive names. The movement was strictly voluntary; no law required the changes. However, there was a good deal of resistance, even from some lawmakers. According to the article, Bellevue City Councilman John Stacey said, “I don’t have any problem with the name Squaw Creek. It's not derogatory..." Similarly, Councilman Hastings Banner said "Sometimes I think this 'politically incorrect' goes a little too far."

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From the column, Frankly Speaking: A Discussion of the English Language.

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