So reports a post entitled “U.S. board approves naming of Piestewa Peak” posted at the Ojibway Migisi Bineshii blog (via), and it makes me really happy. Using trademark law as a doctrinal launching place, I argued in this article that public naming acts are often undemocratic and unfair, privileging wealthy white men and carving their names into the public landscape to broadcast and reify their cultural and political hegemony. It’s nice to see Piestewa receive this honor, and also great to see a derogatory name erased from the physical public domain.
–Ann Bartow
Very interesting — and timely for me, as I’m giving a talk on “Law & Geography” at UNC-Greensboro next week. I’m looking forward to reading your article. I presume you’re already familiar with this book?
I was not aware of that book – thanks for bringing it to my attention!