Jessica Simpson Offends Native Americans

by Elizabeth Fairview | July 30th, 2009

Jessica Simpson didn't know any better. (AP Images)

Jessica Simpson is in a bit of trouble after using an offensive and dated figure of speech to a reporter. When a reporter asked if she'd take back the boat she bought Tony Romo, Simpson replied "I'm not an Indian giver."

Native American groups are now seriously pissed at the pop country singer.

Jacqueline L. Pata, executive director of the National Congress of American Indians, told Usmagazine.com that many people don't realize that the term is offensive and that Simpson isn't the only person who uses the word in a derogatory sense.

Pata told the magazine that the concept of Indians giving and sharing with one another is where the term originated, but that it has become a phrase that stereotypes Native people as ones who give and then take back.

"Most people flippantly use the comment 'Indian giver' without realizing its true meaning," Pata said.