I am sensitive to pejorative names, but I wondered about "squaw"
enough to look it up on the net.

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000317.html

Sensitivity to the word "squaw" may be a bit of politically
correct over-reaction, based on its true origin in the
Massachusett language (Algonquian family of languages) meaning
"female" or "younger woman".  Still, I support the new name
replacing Oldsquaw, "Long-tailed Duck", to allay confusion and
hurt pride.

Remember the unfortunate PC over-reaction to an innocent use of
the word "niggardly"?

Bill Ellis
Eldersburg - but we are not all "elder" people nor "church
elders" here!
Carroll County


-----Original Message-----
From: Patricia Valdata
Sent: Monday, December 13, 2004 8:32 AM
To: 
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] White-winged Scoter at Triadelphia
reservoir

.. Whatever you all may individually think of the name change, I
would
like to see it respected on this list. There are many people in
this country
who acknowledge that the word 'squaw' has a pejorative meaning
for
many other people. ...