Circle the wagons is an English language idiom which may refer to a group of people who unite for a common purpose. Historically the term was used to describe a defensive maneuver which was employed by Americans in the 19th century. The term has evolved colloquially to mean people defending each other.

Etymology

Further information: Wagon fort

In America during the mid 1800s many pioneers traveled west by wagon. Typically these were Conestoga wagons and they traveled west in a single file line known as a wagon train. At night the wagons would form a circle around their encampment and livestock for defensive reasons.[1][2]

"Circling the wagon" is still an idiomatic expression for a person or group preparing to defend themselves against attack or criticism.[3]

English language uses

In contemporary English the phrase Circle the wagons is often used figuratively and idiomatically to describe members of a group protecting each other,[4][5] for instance when political parties and groups defend their own views and chastise those outside of their group.[6][7]

Cultural insensitivity

The term frequently describes rival factions banding together to support one another.[8] Some Indigenous people view the term as offensive based on its literal meaning stemming from the manifest destiny era.[9] Some critique the term on the basis that it is culturally insensitive and evokes racist images of Native Americans.[10][11]

See also

References

  1. ^ McCarthy, Pat (2009). Heading West. Chicago Illinois: Chicago Review Press. p. 25. ISBN 9781613741993. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  2. ^ Peavy, Linda S.; Smith, Ursala (1998). Pioneer women : the lives of women on the frontier (Oklahoma paperbacks ed.). Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. p. 35. ISBN 9780806130545. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  3. ^ Killblane, Richard E. (2006). Circle the Wagons: The History of US Army Convoy Security. Combat Studies Institute. ISBN 9780160770340.
  4. ^ "circle the/one's wagons idiom". Merriam Webster's Unabridged Dictionary. Merriam Webster's. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  5. ^ Pearson, Carol Lynn (2007). No More Goodbyes Circling the Wagons Around Our Gay Loved Ones. Chicago Illinois: Pivot Point Books. ISBN 9780963885241.
  6. ^ West, Darrell M. (2019). Divided politics, divided nation : hyperconflict in the Trump era. Washington, D.C.: The Bookings Institution. p. 175. ISBN 9780815736929. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  7. ^ Randolph, Lewis A.; Tate, Gayle T. (2003). Rights for a season : the politics of race, class, and gender in Richmond, Virginia (1st ed.). Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press. p. 137. ISBN 1572332247. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  8. ^ Thompson, Jessica L.; Houseal, Ana K. (21 April 2020). America's Largest Classroom. Oakland California: University of California Press. p. 24. ISBN 9780520340633. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  9. ^ Stollznow, Karen (2020). On the Offensive. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9781108791786. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  10. ^ Logan, Shawn (2 November 2017). "Calgary Circle the Wagons festival strikes racist chord as organizers vow rebranding". Calgary Herald. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  11. ^ "'It's the right thing to do': Circle the Wagons festival changing its name". CBC Radio Canada. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2021.


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