Trump’s 'Pocahontas' slur 'carries as much weight as a physical assault', says Native American activist
The reaction to President Donald Trump’s calling Senator Elizabeth Warren “Pocahontas” in front of Navajo military veterans has been swift and unforgiving.
After the President, speaking at an event at the White House honouring Navajo code talkers, used a racial slur to refer to Ms Warren, critics of Mr Trump’s were quick to point out that he had crossed a line.
Faith Spotted Eagle, a prominent Native American activist, said that the use of the word in that setting amounted to “emotional assault” that “carries as much weight as a physical assault,” according to a reporter for the Toronto Star.
“He can phrase it and twist it and distort it any way he wants, the fact remains: That name does not belong in his mouth,” Ms Spotted Eagle said.
Ms Warren herself, during an interview just after the comment, was among those with harsh words for the President and his joke as well.
“This was supposed to be an event to honour heroes. People who put it all on the line for our country and people who because of their incredible work saved the lives of countless Americans and our allies,” Ms Warren said during an appearance on MSNBC. “It is deeply unfortunate that the President of the United States cannot even make it through a ceremony honouring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur. Look, Donald Trump does this over and over thinking somehow he’s going to shut me up with it. It hasn’t worked in the past. It is not going to work in the future.”
Ms Warren was joined many members of her own party in denouncing what appeared to be meant as a “joke” from the President. Donna Brazile, the former chairperson for the Democratic National Committee, called the remarks “insensitive and wrong”. Democratic Senator Tom Udall, who represents New Mexico, said that the ceremony showed just how low Mr Trump could go.
“This moment in history won’t overshadow the contribution the Code Talkers made and continue to make to our nation,” Mr Udall wrote on Twitter. “But at what should have been a solemn ceremony to honor Native veterans, Donald Trump took low even lower.”
The Navajo Nation, which is situated predominantly in northeastern Arizona and New Mexico, also released a statement.
“In this day and age all tribal nations still battle insensitive references to our people. The prejudice that Native American people face is an unfortunate historical legacy,” Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said. “As Native Americans, we are proud people who have taken care of this land long before there was the United States of America and we will continue to fight for this Nation.”
Code Talkers helped the United States and allied countries during the second world war by using their native language to discuss sensitive issues, which the Germans and axis countries were unable to decipher.
