I don't think the etymology of "Eskimo" is the problem. The Inuit just 
wanted to use a word from their own language. "Inuit" ("Inuvialuit" in 
some parts of the Arctic) apparently means "people".

Personally, I agree they're being oversensitive, but it's only polite to 
use whatever word they would like us to use. My own pet peeve, is the 
forced use of "Beijing" instead of "Peking", when the Chinese use 
"Duolunduo" for "Toronto", "Mandike" for Montreal, and "Nyouyue" for New 
York. But I still use "Beijing", out of politeness.

Brett Robson wrote:

> 
> 
> Musashi wrote:
> 
>> "Clint" <pepmax@videotron.ca> wrote in message
>> news:z4%%c.10275$FX3.116071@weber.videotron.net...
>>
>>> If you are doing any type of business in Japan, here's some really nice
>>
>>
>> gift
>>
>>> ideas for your customers or associates in Japan;
>>>
>>> http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca
>>>
>>
>>
>> You know, I don't think people in Japan are aware that the word "eskimo"
>> (which is the same in Japanese) is derogatory.
>> At least I didn't.
>>
> 
> Sounds like people looking for a reason to be offended. "German" means 
> those bastards on the otherside of the river who can't talk properly, 
> Seppo is rhyhming sland from septic tank - no one takes offence at those 
> terms.
> 
> "The claim that Eskimo is offensive is based primarily on a popular but 
> disputed etymology tracing its origin to an Abenaki word meaning “eaters 
> of raw meat.” Though modern linguists speculate that the term actually 
> derives from a Montagnais word referring to the manner of lacing a 
> snowshoe, the matter remains undecided, and meanwhile many English 
> speakers have learned to perceive Eskimo as a derogatory term invented 
> by unfriendly outsiders in scornful reference to their neighbors' 
> unsophisticated eating habits."
>