Letters to the editor: 'Eskimo' is not a slur

Concerning the Eskomo controversy, I believe it is a total misconception that the term “Eskimo” is in any way a racial slur. Even the group you quote does not say that. My Alaskan cousin is married to a lovely Eskimo woman who identifies as such, much like my Native American friends refer to themselves as “Indian,” even though we all know they aren’t from India, which is the original meaning of that name. He refers to his children as “Norskimos” for obvious reasons.

“Eskimo” is a form of a French term, which I am told means “those who string snowshoes.” That is hardly insulting. If the logo were a caricature of an indigenous person, that would be racist. The igloo is a marvelously designed temporary shelter for Alaskan hunters while they need to rest far from home. I would be hard put to think of a reason this would be racist, unless someone thinks the igloo is a person’s “home.” The Eskimo’s home in most cases would be hard to distinguish from your own.

Since the name “Eskomo” is derived from the Finnish name “Esko,” perhaps the Finnish consulate should be queried to see if they regarded it as a Finnish slur.

Kenneth Johnson, Cloquet