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It is not for the Tribune’s editorial board to decide what might be offensive to Native Americans. While it is common for non-affected groups to make such proclamations–denying racism, insensitivity or offense, using the defense of good intentions–to do so is patronizing and reflective of feelings of entitlement.
It would be a shame if the lesson children learn is that they need to “placate every potentially aggrieved party,” as the Tribune asserts, rather than gaining a deeper understanding of what oppressed groups in the United States face.
Native Americans have long suffered a history of appropriation of images, spirituality, land, resources and even children. Perhaps it is time to return what we have taken.
