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question [m]
in reply to a message by Array
what if someone has no connection to Native Americans but has knowledge, or particular amount of respect for their culture to use a name from a certain tribe or a tribal name. I have a few friends who are part, or full native american, and they have no problem with people using their names [I asked because I like certain names [my friends are: Cherokee, Hopi, Cheyenne, and a few others]. As long as they have a knowledge, and respect for them in general. Then again it can go for any culture if you *really* think about it. People use names from different cultures all the time without even thinking that it could be offensive or disrespectful to that culture. When it comes to Native American names the names are off limits to most (I could understand a bit of it though, in not using the names) but why is not not disrespectful in other situations?I guess it depends on the actual person though. To each their own.

This message was edited 1/20/2007, 8:24 PM

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differences...(m)There are differences between names more commonly associated with a certain country or region and names that are labels for groups of people. I think that is why the question comes up, otherwise it would be a different matter.
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what if someone has no connection to Native Americans but has knowledge, or particular amount of respect for their culture to use a name from a certain tribe or a tribal name.If that person has such a great connection to Native Americans in general, why would they use Dakota? Dakota's a name for the Santee Sioux. It's the name for a language. Do you realize that most people who identify as a part of the group known as the Dakota wouldn't actually refer to themselves as Dakota?I have a hard time believing someone has such a deep and significant bond to Native peoples and would choose a generic, tryndee designation rather than a Native name with meaning, heritage, and history of use. "I use Dakota because I'm so into Native American heritage!" strikes me as a lame way of saying "I like a tryndee name but need an excuse to make myself feel better."Array
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Personally while I like Dakota, and Cheyenne, I would be opt to using an actual name from the culture rather then the actual culture as a name. I have a friend named Lakota, and she's Native American :).
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...So, uh. What's your point?ArrayETA: A better explanation of my reaction to your response:This threadlet of sorts is a discussion on the use of Dakota as a name and whether it's disrespectful and ignorant or not. It is not a discussion of what Sabrina Fair thinks of the name Dakota, or whether Sabrina Fair would use it. Quite frankly, I don't care. Do you have any relevant arguments left?

This message was edited 1/20/2007, 8:37 PM

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it answers your question in this postmy point is, as long as someone has respect for the people, and culture (regardless of what culture it is) then it's fine to use it.ETA: I don't care that you don't care what I think, however why should people care what other people name their kids, it's their children not anyone elses. Even if it's considered 'ignorant, and rude' to someone or a Native American, it doesn't mean it's offensive to all Native Americans, or even other people. That's just my opinion though. If people dislike Dakota, that's their opinion everyone had dislikes, and likes or is offended by certain names, and some others are fine.

This message was edited 1/20/2007, 11:00 PM

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I agree that anyone can use a name from another culture, but most people don't use the name of the other culture.I would rather see Pocahontas used than Cherokee.
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I get your point, and I do agree (however I do like Dakota & Cheyenne more as GP names though) I was just trying to make a point :).

This message was edited 1/20/2007, 8:25 PM

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