Remember the Bill Clinton defense “it all depends on what you mean by the word—.”
Today words are thrown around and some don’t even understand their usage. American English has a lot of words and new ones are added when they become common place.
Like ginormous really?
When big or bigger even biggest work ok. I know you’re asking what does this have to do with us ndn’s well let me inform you.
Here’s my story of the word (yo-nag) and how it came to be.
Way back yonder that is a word too.
There were these two Cherokee friends. Ok I have to use that word too. Lets’ give them names to make the story flow better. Uh, maybe Hawk and Crow.
Well, they hadn’t seen each other in quite a while and Crow decided to stop by and visit his old friend Hawk. He found him outside splitting some wood. Hawk greeted his friend Crow and they stood outside talking and sharing old stories about friend and relatives. They joked and laughed about their own foolishness and mishaps in life. How they had come to this time and place.
As they talked, Crow looked at Hawk and asked the universal question “you married?” Crow answered with a no while Hawk said “yes.” Looking at the ground in embarrassment time stretched out as if the words had been forgotten. Finally, Crow asked so how is this marriage thing working for you Hawk?
Well, Hawk started it’s ok, at times it can be frustrating and at times makes you wanna run off.
Crow arched his eyebrows as he asked “is littlefeather that hard on you?” Hawk answer of no, I didn’t marry her was met with another raised eyebrow from Crow?
Crow then asked the next question if not her then is it Birdie? Hawk shook his head no. Crow said “surely not that Willow girl?” Hawk answered him with no it’s, it’s not anybody you would know. Curiosity building up in him Crow asked if not them then who?
Her name is Maude she’s a white woman, Hawk sheepishly replied.
Crows’ eyes widened in surprise and said “Really a white woman?”
Before he could ask another question the door of the little cabin opened and out stepped Hawks’ wife. She looked around for Hawk and saw him at the woodpile. He was talking with Crow who she didn’t know nor even met.
She stood there glaring at them or maybe just one of ‘em. The next words extinguished the good natured, fellowship Hawk and Crow had been enjoying. What are you doing talking to that good for nothing, no account, ndn? You know he just comes around when he needs something. Why Crow thought she don’t know me, then again maybe we ndn’s just all look alike?
Crow looked at Hawk sideways and said in a low voice “your nag?” it obviously wasn’t lot low enough as she spluttered what, what, did he call me a “your nag!”
Hawk quick wits took over and his response was “uh, uh, no honey what he said was yo-nag.” Yes yo-nag” That’s it! It’s the Cherokee word for white woman.
Well! She hummphed! As she went stomping back inside. It was time for Crow to leave. After a few minutes both embarrassed by the exchange and nothing more to say nodded to each other as they turned away.
Saying as they separated (donadagohv’i) which means “let’s see each other again.”
Quick thinking had saved this marriage.
This little story is about word usage and it is fictional. We ndn’s and other races are our own worst enemies in making up stories and the words we use. Then again as Bill Clinton said “it all depends on what you mean by the word____.”
What is the word for today Cancel? Racist? Suppression? Aggravation? Neanderthal?
Some may be offended by the characterizations in this afore mentioned story I understand that. These thoughts were and are actually still here today. I live with them day to day but those also were the times we lived through. No one is perfect! Those who show us our mistakes, deeds, sins of the past must be, and have to be, better than us!
Jesus said to the men who brought the women caught in adultery in the very act. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!”
Do you know who cast the first stone?
I know I certainly can’t unless, you can say “it all depends on what you mean by the words____,
____,____,__________________________.”
Oh, come on, don’t be such a nag!