[001sky]

actual historical correctness

This is silly and trivial. Two reasons:

[1] The phrase is the analog of an idiom. It is shorthand for "hierarchy" and used as such. The parent is explaining its use.

[2] There are many tribal organizations. This cuts both ways. Provided there is a single one that was historically rank-hierachical, the data is not even a counterfactual.

[3] Provided [2] is ok, so is [1]. We know [2] is ok. Hence, the comment is logically ~gratuitous.

See, for example:

http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/too+many+chiefs...

[kibibu]

Besides, my Grandma used to say it all the time! I'm bringing it back!

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I don't think the correct response when called out the use of a racist stereotype is to claim it's silly and trivial.