I am embarrassed to tell you that I had no idea that the term “Squaw” in reference to Squaw Bread (a classic brown bread made with wheat, rye and molasses) is a derogatory term. So for any and all who I offended by naming my new grain-free brown bread recipe with that term, I sincerely apologize. It was not meant to offend anyone, but was simply my own ignorance in not being aware of the true, original meaning of the term.
I am of course SO thankful that a kind reader took the time to let me know in such a loving and grace-filled way, so I could apologize to you all and also change the name of this grain-free bread to Classic Sweet Brown Bread.
It’s particularly embarrassing to me since my own heritage includes my dear great-great grandmother who was a beautiful Cherokee woman from West Virginia. I fondly remember her daughter (my great grandma) telling me so many wonderful stories about her. And in fact, I am the only person in my family with brown eyes, which I attribute to my great great grandma.
So please accept my sincere apologies for using this term in ignorance. I also apologize for the extra step for those looking for the recipe, but I simple had to rename this bread, including the URL, so the links I provided previously in my emails to readers would instead lead to this page where I could offer both a heartfelt apology and also a way to redirect you to the recipe, which now has a more appropriate name.
With lots of thanksgiving for your grace and forgiveness, and of course the mercy and grace of Our Savior who’s blood continually cleanses us! In Him, Kelly 🙂
Oh good gracious! It seems that every word we use can be derogatory to someone,it is pathetic how we have become. We must quit walking around with such thin skin. We know you and we all know that you would never be offensive to anyone! I am so sorry you got caught up in the political correctness that is destroying our country. There is a time and a place for all words. I wish people would think a little before becoming “offended” your use was NOT offensive.
I appreciate your support and you thinking the best of me. Just to clarify, the meaning of this term was actually pointed out to me by a very kind and loving person who wasn’t upset or offended, but concerned. She was looking out for me because not everyone who may happen upon that recipe may realize that I of course would never use a term that is offensive like that. Once I realized that many Native Americans may feel offended by it, I of course wanted to change the name because people are far more important to me. 🙂 Thank you again for thinking the best of me. Blessings, 🙂 Kelly
Also lot of American Indian blood here….I don’t care how lovingly and concerned fashion it was said, being PC is going to kill us.
It seems that any word that is used to describe someone else is derogatory, defamatory or racist…unless you are a white, Christian of European (and everything else) descent…and God forbid that you be a male.
I understand your gracious request for forgiveness, but this is getting ridiculous.
Wow, I never would have considered that an offensive word… like… EVER? When we were in grade school the girls dressed up like an Indian squaw and the boys like Indian chiefs for Thanksgiving. I think the whole world of PC is just ridiculous. I NEVER would have ever thought you would have anything but a genuine heart… if you received flack — people need to get over themselves!
–a fan… now and always….
I appreciate your support and you knowing my heart. Just to clarify, the meaning of this term was actually pointed out to me by a very kind and loving person who wasn’t upset or offended, but concerned. She was looking out for me because not everyone who may happen upon that recipe may realize that I of course would never use a term that is offensive like that. Once I realized that many Native Americans may feel offended by it, I of course wanted to change the name because people are far more important to me. 🙂 Thank you again for thinking the best of me and for being such a loyal fan. 🙂
Good grief!! I really dislike that we have become a society who apologizes over the use of words such as squaw!! How about some Anadama Bread? LOL. I appreciate your sincerity. Love your blog!
I appreciate your support and as I mentioned to the other readers who commented, the meaning of this term was actually pointed out to me by a very kind and loving person who wasn’t upset or offended, but concerned. She was looking out for me because not everyone who may happen upon that recipe may realize that I of course would never use a term that is offensive like that. Once I realized that many Native Americans may feel offended by it, I of course wanted to change the name because people are far more important to me.
I have never heard the term Anadama Bread. You learn something new everyday (apparently I have learned more than one new thing today – LOL!) Thanks for sharing!
And thank you again for thinking the best of me and for your support. I am so glad you’re enjoying this site. 🙂 Blessings, Kelly
Please know that I wasn’t offended and I’m sure many weren’t. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Marcia! Blessings to you for your kind heart. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a sweet note of encouragement. Blessings, Kelly 🙂
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/legal/squaw.html
Squaw is a native american term meaning “The whole of woman” It is very beautiful, in fact. There is even a ski resort in California called Squaw Valley. It is a very beautiful place.
Thanks so much for sharing that link, Margo. I am learning so much today. Of course, I never want to hurt someone’s feelings and if simply changing the name of a recipe will avoid hurt feelings, I am certainly going to do it. There are certain things I will never compromise no matter who is offended – such as proclaiming Christ as Lord, but on issues like this, it’s certainly more important to care about people than a recipe name. 🙂 I so appreciate your support and the time you took to leave a kind note. Again, that is really interesting link. Thank you for sharing it! Blessing to you, Kelly 🙂
Using “Native American term” is erroneous. There are tribes that have used or allowed “squaw” as a derogatory term for a woman’s identifying parts. I’m Native American and refrain from using that word, as I find it insulting. Other ndn women might not, and that’s fine for them.
Have you ever used the term ‘fanny’? British euphemism (derogatory term) for lady parts.
Appreciate your support, Susan. It’s one of those instances where I felt it best to change the name in light of living out Phil 2:3-4 and the fact that there wasn’t a compelling reason to ignore someone being hurt to defend a bread name that really isn’t as important. But I get what you and other readers are saying and again, do appreciate your support. Many blessings, Kelly 🙂
To be honest, I was kind of upset that you changed the name. I thnk a word should not be considered offensive unless used offensively. You were using a traditional name for bread. I understand why you apologized and appreciate that but, I think its a shame that we have to be so careful what we call things. That said, I am super excited to try this recipe!!!!
Thanks for your support CO! I want to be sure I am living out Phil 2:3 and in the case of a bread recipe name, I’d much rather err on the side of not hurting someone’s feelings. People are far more important to me than what I name a recipe. I know you get that and I so appreciate your kind words of support! Hope you enjoy the bread as much as we do! Blessings to you, Kelly 🙂
Kelly, that was such a beautiful example of humility in carrying out our Savior’s instructions to love others. I have been in similar situations and did not handle them with nearly as much grace. I love your heart and am so grateful to have witnessed the way you handled this.
Thank you, Dana. I am so happy that the Lord is being glorified – that is certainly my heart’s desire. Appreciate your sweet encouragement! Blessings to you, Kelly 🙂
Interestingly, you can do a google search and come up with thousands of recipes for “Squaw Bread.” recipe squaw bread
No one is apologizing for the name. I can understand you’re not wanting to be offensive to your readers, maybe we need to change the names of other recipes so as not to offend anyone. Angel Food Cake, Devil’s Food Cake, Deviled Eggs, etc.
I didn’t think it offensive – my old cookbooks have the names of recipes passed down. Squaw Bread was probably one of them. I would think it more of a tribute of sorts …holding on to a legacy; a heritage in fact, rather than using it as a derogatory term.
I think it depends on the user and that this word isn’t derogatory in all uses. And you for sure didn’t mean it that way. But I appreciate your trying to bless the reader.
Thanks, Adrienne! Love to you, sister! 🙂
And this is why I love you so much. Your heart is always in the right place.
Thanks, sweet friend! DITTO! 🙂
Never would have even thought of such.
BLESSINGS!!!
Thanks for your sweet blessings! Same to you! 🙂
You handled the issue with such grace and no one should be offended. We sometimes use a term not knowing its definition or history. Before complaining about having to be “PC” please understand that fanny is no where near a comparable word. I am sure most mothers here would not allow the English term to be spoken by their children. It is a word I don’t tolerate in my home. Again, in this case, I don’t think you offended anyone. In fact, I think you have educated those who are open to education. Bless you.
Thank you for your grace and words of encouragement. It’s sweet reader-friends like you that make sharing my heart for healthy living and walking closely with God a true JOY! 🙂