RossKean
Well-Known Member
a.k.a. Red Indian Lake
I understand what they are trying to do and I don't entirely disagree with the sentiment behind it. However, I don't think established place names should change for the sake of political correctness. I am sure that many places in NL (and elsewhere) have traditional indigenous names but I would not be in favour of reverting to these.
I guess "Red Indian" is now considered to be a derogatory racial stereotype but it came from a time when it was a description, not an insult. I think we have become a little too sensitive to these things.
(What about White European or Black African as a descriptor?)
Do people really find the old name to be offensive? Personally, I don't but I am not part of that culture. Maybe I'm just out of touch with modern society. (The article should have at least included a pronunciation guide.)
How long before you start calling it Wantaqo'ti Qospem - at least without qualifying it with "It used to be called "Red Indian Lake"?
I understand what they are trying to do and I don't entirely disagree with the sentiment behind it. However, I don't think established place names should change for the sake of political correctness. I am sure that many places in NL (and elsewhere) have traditional indigenous names but I would not be in favour of reverting to these.
I guess "Red Indian" is now considered to be a derogatory racial stereotype but it came from a time when it was a description, not an insult. I think we have become a little too sensitive to these things.
(What about White European or Black African as a descriptor?)
Do people really find the old name to be offensive? Personally, I don't but I am not part of that culture. Maybe I'm just out of touch with modern society. (The article should have at least included a pronunciation guide.)
How long before you start calling it Wantaqo'ti Qospem - at least without qualifying it with "It used to be called "Red Indian Lake"?
Last edited:
