The use of the word “savage” in modern America is in a new context that aims to portray a positive image but remains an unacceptable word for American natives who consider the word to be an insult. The country’s origin and use of the word “savage” were during colonization. The Europeans resisted their occupation of the land and used various methods to undermine the local communities. Part of their interactions with Native Indians entailed abusive and derogatory words to describe the locals who consistently opposed their rule (CBC Listen, 2021). Savage was a word that they used to create a negative image for the natives, and its systemic use during and after colonization represents the dark period for the communities. Generations of non-natives have learned and used the word to refer to the Native Indians without considering its actual meaning and what it represents.
The current use of the word savage does not consider what it means for Native Indians and should be addressed to ensure that people know its impacts. Savage is used in different contexts in current society. Its most recent use in Megan Thee Stallion’s song aimed to portray the image of an independent woman. In fashion, it is being used in sportswear to promote exercise and athleticism. However, these contexts do not consider the word’s history and meaning to the natives. The use of the word has also led to a fear of being identified as a member of a Native Indian community because of the negative perceptions people have developed about them through the word (CBC Listen, 2021). Addressing the use of savage in modern society is essential because the word has a painful history for the natives, and people should use it with knowledge of its impacts.
Reference
CBC Listen. (2021). Savage. Telling Our Twisted Histories. Web.