1926 : "white boys jeer at me in school and call me distasteful names, Redskin and Injun, and it hurts."

 In 1926, a boy named Blue Arrow writes into an advice columnist with a problem: He says he is an Indian, and "white boys jeer at me in school and call me distasteful names, Redskin and Injun, and it hurts." (Source: 1926, March 28   The Los Angeles Times ) 

A lot of people today claim that the term Redskin has always been benign, but this letter - from 91 years ago - proves that for some, and possibly for many, it's always been hurtful and distasteful. 

Here is his letter: 
Dearest Aunt Dolly:
          I am an Indian boy going to school in Los Angeles .... I have a problem, although mine should not be listed as such; it is merely my stupid pride that hurts, and I should be able to solve this trouble myself.
          Now, dear Aunt Dolly, as you know I am an Indian, very dark skinned and consequently the butt of much gossip. The white boys jeer at me in school and call me distasteful names, "Redskin" and "Injun," and it hurts. They are all brothers to me, but I suppose I am different. I have a pride they know nothing of I can run faster than any of these plump comrades, but perhaps intellectually I am not to be classed with them, yet I would not hurt their feelings. I know much about hunting, and the open spaces, animals and endurance. I could easily put them to shame in such matters, but I will not. Now my problem is this, how should I handle them? ....
          Sincerely yours, Blue Arrow

1926, March 28   The Los Angeles Times 

Blue-Arrow: You are of the race of the true Americans, therefore I should hold my head high and pay no attention to your spiteful comrades. It is hard, I know, to keep love in your heart while being persecuted but it pays in the end. Why not quietly show these boys your superiority in matters of racing, hiking, etc? I think it would end your problem. They would have a deep-grounded respect for you and probably you would become a leader among them. The modern American boy respected a good sport, and idolizes physical perfection. Yours is an old hurt, and oft-repeated problem, but, dear pal, I know Indians well, have lived closed to them and they certainly have my respect. No one will be as loyal a friend, as stanch and true as the Navajo, therefore, glory in your tribe, be proud of your blood and the knowledge of the great outdoors. I only wish more of us could live close to nature, away from this silly sham of civilization, that has only vanished over the wickedness of the world. It has not removed an iota of its wrong doings.
          And now, Blue-Arrow, I feel I have found a precious friend, so won't you extend your hand in greeting some day day soon? I should love to meet you, and to know you, one of the few remaining Navajoes of America.
          Devotedly yours, Aunt Dolly