Please Stop Using #Savage
Start writing a post
Student Life

Please Stop Using #Savage

"Savage" is not a nice word to use.

2136
Please Stop Using #Savage
disney-racism.tumblr.com

For me, it all began with the movie "Pocahontas" when I was a little kid. It started when Ratcilffe, Wiggins and the other colonizing men started singing, "What can you expect from filthy little heathens? Here's what you get when the races are diverse. Their skin's a hellish red, they're only good when dead, they're vermin, as I said, and worse. They're savages! Savages! Barely even human. Savages! Savages! Drive them from our shore! They're not like you and me which means they must be evil, we must sound the drums of war! They're savages! Savages!" This undiluted disdain subsided, but fast forward 15 or so years and suddenly the phrase "savage" or "that's savage" became a popular term for when someone says or does something sassy or feisty. My hate of that word got instantly more intense the more commonplace that word became.

It's hard to describe the feeling that I, and some of my friends feel when people say "that's sooooo savage". It's a mixture of anger, frustration, and sadness. It's not too too bad when it's said in my vicinity to a person other than me, but when that kind of "compliment" is directed towards me, it really gets my blood boiling.

"Why you mad bro?"

Well, being Native American, you get a lot of ignorant slurs directed towards you. Savage has been one of those slurs directed towards Native Americans since the beginning of colonization. Just as those above Disney lyrics have shown, the attitude towards Native Americans has been demeaning to our people since 1492. We were called "backwards", "barbaric", and "savage", among other things. We were made out to be inferior peoples since we were not Christian. "Savage" is what we get called in the grocery store when we are just out doing errands. "Savage" is what we get called when we use our Status Cards in the stores.

"But we meant no harm."

I get that and I personally do appreciate it, but please, just stop saying it. You have to understand that there's something you should just not say. "Jipped", "Jewed", "Slave", etc. are all words that should not be used to describe actions. I know that people do not mean to offend sometimes, but ignorance should not be used as an excuse.

Please, please, please refrain from using the term "savage", or any other term stemming from racist comments, such as "jipped" or "jewed". It's not cool. It's not nice. It's just sad really.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70718
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132341
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments