End of the Stone Age

Evidently “Stone Age” is now considered offensive, at least in anthropological circles when describing primitive peoples. Oh, wait, can’t say “primitive,” either.

The phrase “stone age” has been labelled offensive by anthropologists who say it should not be used to describe living peoples. In particular, the Association of Social Anthropologists highlights the way the term has been used to describe tribal and indigenous people. It also says that “primitive” or “savage” are no longer acceptable terms for such groups of people. Such terms damage the welfare of tribal people, say anthropologists

“All anthropologists would agree that the negative use of the terms ‘primitive’ and ‘stone age’ to describe [tribal peoples] has serious implications for their welfare,” says a statement from the anthropologists’ professional association. Such language has been used “as a pretext for depriving such peoples of land and other resources,” says the association.

It’s not clear to me that coming up with a warmer, fuzzier term is going to do much to keep such folk from being deprived of their “land and other resources.” Nor is it clear what labels are now preferred, unless it is just the terms “tribal” and “indigenous.” This particular lingual refinement is part of the Survival “Stamp It Out” program, which site is similarly unhelpful.

(via J-Walk)