The Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows ski resort in California, near Lake Tahoe, has announced it is changing its name: “After extensive research into the etymology and history of the term ‘squaw,’ both generally and specifically with respect to Squaw Valley, outreach to Native American groups, including the local Washoe Tribe, and outreach to the local and extended community, company leadership has decided it is time to drop the derogatory and offensive term ‘squaw’ from the destination’s name.”

Last issue, I mentioned how an arbitrary standard about what “offensive” terms need deletion is being applied in newsmaking. I’ve tracked accusations that the names of the Tomahawk missile, the Eskimo Nebula, a “Colony Coffee” shop, the Masters golf tournament, and a host of others are “problematic.” And lately, most demands for a more morally proper language have been met with hasty capitulation. It’s very interesting that this resort was, like the Washington, D.C., football team, denamed before it could be renamed (early signs point to “Olympic Valley” as the eventual replacement).