What is the New Name for Eskimo? Understanding the Shift

Why the Change in Terminology?

Well, if you've been hearing more about the term "Eskimo" being replaced lately, you're not alone. It’s actually been a topic of conversation for a while now. So, why the change? The term "Eskimo" has long been used to describe the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, but it has come under scrutiny due to its colonial roots and its negative connotations in certain contexts. Over time, these communities have expressed that the term is not only inaccurate but also disrespectful.

To understand why this change is important, I had a conversation with a friend, Jessica, who's worked in the field of anthropology for years. She told me that for a long time, researchers and even mainstream media continued using "Eskimo" without much thought about its historical context. It wasn't until the communities themselves started pushing back that the discussion really gained momentum.

What is the Correct Term Now?

So, what should we be calling them now? Well, it depends on the specific group. In general, the term "Inuit" has become the preferred term for many of the indigenous peoples who once were labeled as Eskimos. Inuit, which means "the people" in their language, is widely accepted by these communities, particularly those in Canada and Greenland. But here’s the tricky part: not all groups in the Arctic are Inuit.

Inuit vs. Other Arctic Indigenous Groups

Inuit is the term for those who inhabit the northern regions of Canada, Alaska, and Greenland. However, there are other groups, like the Yupik in Alaska and parts of Russia, who also fall under the broader "Eskimo" label, but they don't identify as Inuit. It's important to note that using Inuit to refer to all Arctic peoples is incorrect and oversimplifies the diverse cultures of these groups.

I remember my first trip to Alaska, where I met a group of Yupik people. At the time, I was still using the term "Eskimo," and honestly, I had no idea that it might offend some people. They were kind enough to explain how the term doesn’t apply to them, and since then, I've been much more careful and informed.

The Historical Context Behind the Name Change

Colonial Origins of "Eskimo"

Honestly, this whole debate around the term got me thinking about how language evolves. The term "Eskimo" itself is believed to have been coined by outsiders, possibly derived from a word that referred to the people’s method of snowshoeing (which, to be fair, isn’t how these communities identified themselves). Over time, it became a catch-all term for various Arctic peoples, despite their cultural differences. As you can imagine, using a name that was imposed from the outside never sits well with the people it's meant to describe.

There’s also the issue of the derogatory nature of the word in some contexts. While "Eskimo" was used without malice in many parts of the world, it became tied to colonialism and dehumanization, which is why the push for change is so strong.

How the Shift Is Impacting Language Use

Okay, so let's talk about how this change is actually affecting us in everyday life. It’s not just about what we call these people—it’s about respect, and how the language we use can either affirm or erase their identities. Now, when I catch myself using the word "Eskimo," I pause and ask if I’m being mindful of the terms people prefer. It's something simple, but it shows a lot of respect for their history and identity.

In schools, for example, there's now more emphasis on teaching students the difference between Inuit, Yupik, and other indigenous Arctic groups. It’s a shift that, although small, has long-lasting impacts on how we view and respect these communities.

What Does This Mean for You?

So, how does this change affect you personally? Well, if you’re traveling to the Arctic regions, working in anthropology, or simply engaging with media that covers indigenous peoples, it’s crucial to use the correct terms. Misusing terms can alienate people and reinforce harmful stereotypes.

Actually, just last week, I was reading a popular travel blog about Alaska, and the writer casually used the term "Eskimo" to describe the local communities. It irked me, and I couldn’t help but think how much more appropriate it would have been to use "Inuit" or, when necessary, "Yupik"—or simply to reference the specific community by name.

Conclusion: A Small Change with Big Impact

Honestly, the shift from "Eskimo" to "Inuit" or "Yupik" isn’t just about the words we use. It’s about acknowledging the autonomy of these cultures and respecting their wishes. While it may seem like a small change, it has a deep impact on how we engage with and understand these communities.

So, the next time you’re talking about Arctic peoples, remember: it’s not just about knowing the new name—it’s about being respectful and aware of the history behind the change. It might take some getting used to, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.