It’s been pointed out that Spirit Animals are not unique to Native American culures, but feature in tribal cultures from across the world, including pre-Christian northern Europe. Had Wil Wheaton used a specific term from a specific Native American nation, it might have been problematic. But he didn’t do that.

Far from apologising in the wrong manner, his mistake was to apologise at all, when the accusations against him were being made from a position of ignorance.

Perhaps the real lesson is “Just stay the hell away from Tumblr”.