When Pop Culture Meets Politically InCorrect

It's been hard to escape the Kardashian's these past few weeks with the media all abuzz over Kim Kardahsian's recent divorce announcement to Kris Humphries after only 72 days of marriage. While making the PR rounds to diffuse "rumors" in regard to her daughter's divorce, as well as to promote her own new book, Kim's manager/mother Kris Jenner went on Good Morning America and was asked whether or not Kim would give back her $2 million engagement ring. Jenner responded with a chuckle, saying: “Well, I hate an Indian giver. Don’t you? It’s a gift. Keep your gift.”
In the Sun Times recent article, Native Americans object to Kardashian mom's 'Indian giver' remark, notes that the National Congress of American Indians were outraged and offended by Jenner's comment. Executive Director of the Tribal Advocacy Group, Jacqueline Johnson Pata released a statement saying,“The phrase ‘Indian giving’ is wrong and hurtful. The cultural values of Native Americans are based on giving unconditionally and empowering those around them. Instead this cultural value is forgotten when negative stereotyping of Native people occurs.”

In the article, Pata also notes that November is Native American Heritage Month and invited the Jenner and Kardashian family to “join with the country in learning more” about American Indian culture. To read the full article, click here>>

According to phrases.org, the term "'Indian giver' derives from the alleged practice of American Indians of taking back gifts from white settlers. It is more likely that the settlers wrongly interpreted the Indians' loans to them as gifts. This term, which is certainly American, may have been coined to denigrate of the native race. Historians would now agree that, where deceit was concerned, it was the settlers who were the front runners. It isn't uncommon, and it could be argued that it is customary, for the conquering race to attempt to justify their invasion by dismissing the conquered as dishonest and stupid."