"The continuing argument over Piestewa Peak can be settled with just one question.

Is "squaw" a racial slur?

Forget the history lessons about the word's origins. Here's the test for those who are surreptitiously making a pitch to get the peak renaming reversed by again attacking the process.

If they were making a speech to (and I'm making this group up) the Native Americans of Arizona Association, would they say, "Thank you for inviting me to speak today. Squaws and gentlemen, let us now discuss the weighty topic of. . . . "

Of course they wouldn't. It's a slur. You know it. I know it. They know it but will never admit it."

Get the Story:
O. Ricardo Pimentel: 'Squaw' isn't fit for use even in casual talk (The Arizona Republic 1/15)

Related Stories:
Column: Republicans want to restore 'Squaw Peak' (01/14)
Debate rages over renaming of park at Piestewa Peak (01/09)