Posted by Eugene Volokh:
"'I Am a Red-Skin': The Adoption of a Native American Expression (1769-1826)":
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2009_05_10-2009_05_16.shtml#1242432409
An interesting [1]article from Native American Studies (2005). The
opening paragraph:
One need not accept Harjo�s unfounded claim that the word redskin
�had its origins in the practice of presenting bloody red skins and
scalps as proof of Indian kill for bounty payments� to accept that
many find the word objectionable in current use. But the actual
origin of the word is entirely benign and reflects more positive
aspects of relations between Indians and whites. It emerged at a
specific time in history among a small group of men linked by joint
activities that provided the context that brought it forth. Before
its documented history can be traced, however, the false history
given for it in standard reference books must be expunged.
Thanks to [2]Bill Poser (Language Log) for the pointer; he has more on
the subject, including on the specific history of the term as the name
for the team. I stress again that one's views of whether the
Washington Redskins should keep or change their name need not be
dictated by this history; but it struck me as interesting history
nonetheless, especially given that the critics of the term have relied
in some measure on their own accounts of the history as well.
References
1. http://anthropology.si.edu/goddard/redskin.pdf
2. http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/archives/002961.html
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