AAIP Is Critical of Ann Coulter’s Social Media Post for Genocide

The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) joins with Tribal Nations, Tribal Organizations, and allies across the Americas to unequivocally denounce Ann Coulter’s recent online rhetoric toward Indigenous People. Her words are reprehensible, dangerous and morally indefensible.

We are keenly aware that words hurt. Words maim. And words kill. The words by the political pundit are violent and elicit a call for action. The genocidal speech when she callously suggests that the United States “should have killed more Indians” is an indictment of the mind set of far too many, including Coulter.

These words cause real harm to marginalized communities in Indian Country, who already face disproportionate challenges and continue to advocate for justice at the personal cost to their health and well-being. Coulter’s rhetoric adds fuel to the fire, keeping the violent legacy of “Kill the Indian, save the man” ideology alive and inflicting further damage on those who have already endured so much.

When prominent figures speak of genocide or erasure of an entire race, those words are often internalized by the communities targeted. Hearing your existence dismissed or threatened can having serious consequences, including lasting impact on spiritual, mental and physical health.

AAIP stands firm in condemning hate speech. AAIP joins others in demanding a full, unequivocal retraction and public apology. Far too many American Indian and Alaska Native people have been killed, injured, and traumatized throughout this country’s short history. It is time to acknowledge that harm, reject hateful rhetoric, and move forward with respect and truth. Keep in mind silence is complicity.

The Association of American Indian Physicians