Reply #43: Not to start a flame war but what is the correct term for Native American? [View All]

[wuushew]

I got into a big argument with one of stupid and slightly conservative friends with the definition of that word.

My contention is that anyone born on the continent of North or South America is a "Native American". When referring to what most people call "Native American" or "American Indian" would not a more correct term be to call them a member of ____ (fill in the blank) tribe or nation. Since this would be an appropriate term for both tribal affiliation and most likely ethnicity/genetic makeup as well?