Defending”pow-wow” in sports headline
October 2, 1997
Regarding the letter by Kelly Welch concerning the use of the word “pow-wow” in a headline about baseball, he has taken offense for no reason.
Native Americans don’t have a copyright on the word “pow-wow.”
In fact, my Webster’s Dictionary tells me that “pow-wow” can mean many things.
This includes, but is not limited to, a Northern American Indian ceremony, a Northern American Indian medicine man, a noisy gathering or a meeting for discussion.
While no one can dismiss the fact that racism exists, looking for it in places such as this is ridiculous.
I have no doubt the baseball playoffs will be a noisy gathering and, with this in mind, the word “pow-wow” is appropriate.
Gary Youngberg
Ames