Is "Cowboys and Indians" offensive?

[SinCitysCold]

In an FB group I'm in, someone has asked for recommendations about holding a party, and has mentioned in passing that the theme of the party is "cowboys and Indians". Someone else has come on to tell them that the theme is really very offensive.
The Someone Else is white American, whereas the OP is European, and the party will be held in Europe. I'm inclined to think the American should naff off with their post-colonial hang-ups, but obviously I am not native American so I can't know how they would feel.
What do you think?

Really? I see several reasoned and thoughtful replies to your comment, plus one which unfortunately ended with an unfounded personal attack which really ought not to have been made.

However, in fairness to that poster, she's probably beyond fed up of people like you saying it's okay to be racist towards people of her ethnicity.

I corrected the leader of an organisation on FB about this.

They hold outdoor stuff and advertised an event were they were making 'Indian headdresses', complete with a picture of a Native American.

I asked them if it was an Indian headrests or a Native American one. They got defensive and racist, but eventually apologised and retracted it.

I'm a Sioux descendant. Ironically l, If it wasn't for the persecution and needing to flee, I might not be here. I wouldn't have fantastic cheek bones.

The history of the Native Americans is one that has been completely rewritten to suit a narrative. The genocide aspect was ignored until recently. There's still a massive issue with the murder of First Nation people in Canada. The Police do as little as possible in regards to crimes committed against First Nation People. If you Google it, it's quite shocking.

So yes, the whole Cowboys and Indians isn't just a bit of fun. It feeds into racial stereotypes which lessens the history, exploitation and plight of First Nation People.

I should have added that I'm in the UK.

I’ve just done a quick google and the residential school issue has me totally shocked.

I didn't know about the residential schools until I moved to Canada a decade ago. My partner comes from a really small town (about 3,000 people) which neighbors a reserve. There's a whole graveyard dedicated to the victims of the local residential school. I'd estimate 50 graves. Several of them are marked 'Baby' or similar, because the actual identities of the dead are unknown. It is devastating.

The responses to my comment are disgusting. Really awful and absolutely no need for any of them. You're a disgusting bunch who should be ashamed.

The shame is all yours. Whilst there were some emotional responses you've had well reasoned explanations as to why your expressed opinion was offensive and unacceptable. Your ignorance might have been excusable before people took the time to educate you but now you have no excuse whatsoever. Yet not an apology from you, no acknowledgement that you had perhaps not fully understood the full gravity of the situation, no humility whatsoever. You are so blinded by your own self-importance you have lost all sense of empathy.

@SaltedPretzel the fact that you aren't apologizing after reading subsequent posts shows that you were entirely worthy of what was said to you.

YOU should be hanging your head in shame.

You're a disgusting bunch who should be ashamed.

I should be ashamed that the Brits murdered my people?

Look up the Beothuk Salted. Tell me how ashamed I should be.

unfortunately ended with an unfounded personal attack which really ought not to have been made.

I'm sorry but it absolutely should have been made, and seeing that MN's hasn't deleted it I'm guessing they agree. I answered an offensive statement with an offensive statement.

How is this different to the pirate thread? Why is one ok and laughable and this is any worse

Because one is a racial, ethnic cultural group, not a group defined by behaviour.

A Nation subjected to genocide, theft of land, cruelty and injustice.

A people more likely to be seen in the news STILL fighting for their land in the face of fracking etc than as the targets of police violence and discrimination, etc.

Offensive. Imagine a "White settlers and Aboriginals" party set in Australia!

No different.