Insulting is most likely the meaning of degrading as it is used in the excerpt. The correct answer is option B.
In the given excerpt from "An address to the whites," the term "degrading" is used to describe the ideas associated with the term "Indian" when viewed by those who are unacquainted with the manners, habits, and improvements of the indigenous people of the country. Let's break down the meaning of "degrading" in this context:
The author is pointing out that the term "Indian" carries negative connotations and is associated with ideas that are repelling and insulting. The use of the term is said to be based on "infant prejudices," indicating that these negative perceptions are often formed in early stages of life and are not based on a fair understanding of the indigenous people's ways of life, culture, and contributions.
So, in this context, "degrading" means that the ideas linked with the term "Indian" are demeaning and unjustly lower the status of the indigenous people. The author is suggesting that these negative impressions are a result of uninformed biases and do not accurately represent the true nature and value of the indigenous population.
Therefore the correct answer is option B.
The complete question could be
Read the excerpt from “An address to the whites.”
To those who are unacquainted with the manners, habits, and improvements of the aborigines of this country, the term Indian is pregnant with ideas the most repelling and degrading. But such impressions, originating as they frequently do, from infant prejudices do great injustices to many of this race beings.
What is most likely the meaning of degrading as it is used in the excerpt?
A. Neutral
B. Insulting
C. Overwhelming
D. Primitive