How long will it take to admit and correct the injury and insult that is piled on by the continued use of Native American Nicknames and Mascots by high school, college, and professional sports?
Haven’t we as a nation done enough to Native Americans? First, we came to this country pilfered, pillaged their villages, women and children. We ultimately took the land and herded them off to reservations. They continue to be subjected to sub-standard education and poor healthcare.
As if this wanton and utterly disenfranchisement was not enough, we continue to reduce their culture for our entertainment by using Native American nicknames and mascots – from the genre of western film (The Lone Ranger and beyond) to our national pastime of sports, baseball and football most notably. Worse, we pass this on to our children.
Recently, the cry of “enough” grew louder. The Smithsonian Museum of Native American History held a day-long symposium about whether the pro football team, the Washington Redskins, should consider changing their name and mascots. The mayor of Washington, D.C., sensitive to the issue, has begun to use the “Washington Football Team” instead of the Washington Redskins.
During that day-long symposium, many attendants became sensitized to what Native Americans must feel when they see fans dressed as Indians and performing moves and dances that they haven’t a clue of their sacred meaning. There were many converts during that symposium, many vowing never to wear war paint, don an Indian feathered headdress, and mockingly perform an Indian dance, “the Tomahawk Chop,” again. Such use of Native American nicknames and mascots show racial and ethnic insensitivity and ignorance of history.
A few weeks ago, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, requesting that all Michigan high schools be barred from using Indian nicknames and imagery as their school mascots.
An editorial appearing in a Michigan paper, The Holland Sentinel, says it well: “…White Americans who blithely adopt for their own entertainment images from a minority group, especially one as persecuted through history as Native Americans, are likely to offend that group. The portrayals are almost inevitably one-dimensional caricatures, perpetuating old stereotypes. Too many people who would never dream of wearing blackface or a serape and sombrero abandon their good judgment when it comes to Native Americans, reducing an entire culture to war paint and feathered headdresses. If you wouldn't flaunt these images on a reservation, then they're not appropriate in a Michigan high school either.”
As a nation, a day-long symposium or a filed complaint, and other actions here and there are starts to take corrective actions. But, they clearly are not enough.
The pervasive, persistent, and insensitive use of Native American Nicknames and Mascots in our most endeared sports at every level only reinforces the need for a public dialogue in communities across America.
Not to have these honest dialogues is to continue to perpetuate our attitudes toward race and ethnicity in this country, which we all can acknowledge are still in need of major, major, major adjustments.
What do you think?
This article originally appeared on RaceReport.com and is reprinted here with permission.
Comments
A change is needed
I think this author makes a very strong argument and valid point. There have been several sports teams, school mascots and other organizations that have used these types of "ethnic" references. The problem with this usage, is not only insulting, but most of the time a mascot is seen as something like that of an animal, one that is vicious and will attack such as lions, panthers, bears, etc. This use devalues and de-humanizes the actual group it is referring to. The other issue is that not only some people view it as inappropriate, but it is said that when taking a poll by Native Americans, 81% voted against the uses of these types of names and there have been over 500 petitions to retire them. They telling this country that these are insulting and wish them to be changed. I feel like it is more of an issue of money than anything else that these teams refuse to change. If there was a team with a reference to African slavery, wouldn't this be seen as a major insult and be challenged to change? I am pretty sure it would, so why don't we do the same with these?
Something New to Think About
I'm not a big sports fan, but I know that my grandfather is part Native American and a die hard Washington Redskins fan. He had never expressed any type of offense to me. Why can't our using Native American figures as mascots, show pride from who we share our country with? Im sure people who play the mascots wouldn't mind getting properly educated on the way costumes are worn and the actual meaning of them. I think we should embrace the fact that we still have Native American around to learn from, and to praise.
Iconic Symbol of America
I agree with you and feel that the rich beauty of their costumes, traditions, and culture should be embraced and acknowledged. The fact that their imagery has often been utilized by sports teams suggests an acknowledgement of that culture and was probably not intended as any form of disrespect.
Assumptions
"Why can't our using Native American figures as mascots, show pride from who we share OUR country with?" (All caps added.)
Don't forget that this country was theirs before WE stole it and nearly exterminated them.
Now they are supposed to feel honored because we stereotype and trivialize their appearance and culture for our entertainment?
You may want to check your assumptions.
GRAVER MATTERS AT HAND
This seems a trivial matter when compared to serious and significant issues that befall so many tribal members. Alcoholism, diabetes, and substance abuse are but three pressing matters that debilitate many members of our Indian Nations. Native American women suffer physical violence at three times the rate of non-Native American women. I think these matters take far greater precedence than the controversy over sports mascots.
A very good point, but...
I agree with you. However, creating awareness about the offensiveness of these sports mascots could be used as a foundation to further awareness regarding the more serious issues. Just a thought.
This is a great point.
This is a great point. Sometimes you need a little sign to capture the bigger picture. Hopefully this will open the eyes of the public.
I fully agree that there are
I fully agree that there are more serious issues that need to be covered and handled in a perspective manner. Such problems as bad job conditions at the reservations, the lack of education and poverty these Native Americans suffer, the exploitation of women and the health conditions of these people.
Current Problems
I fully agree that there are more serious issues that need to be covered and handled in a perspective manner. Such problems as bad job conditions at the reservations, the lack of education and poverty these Native Americans suffer, the exploitation of women and the health conditions of these people.In all reality the concern with sports mascots is a very small subject.
Other mascots-gladiators
I think this is an issue that offends some and doesn't offend others. If some people express disgust at their culture being represented as a mascot, then they should make it known, and the mascot should be changed. If the mascot isn't offensive, I think it should be left alone. The rival high school of mine had gladiators as mascots; is that offensive? Gladiators were basically forced to fight and they were generally spoils of war, therefore they were slaves basically. Does anyone find the gladiator mascot offensive?
Gladiators
I agree with what you have said. This is certainly an issue that proves itself to be sensitive to some and not to others. I personally do not find the gladiator mascot to be offensive. Although the gladiators were basically slaves, they are portrayed today as a symbol of fearlessness, strong will, and great warriors. The mascot of a gladiator is not used to dehumanize or mock the "gladiator culture." On the other hand, the Native American mascot seems to be used to belittle Native American culture by means of exaggerated stereotypes. As the article said, the Native American mascot does not encompass all aspects of their culture, but reduces it to nothing more than a mockery of sacred dance, face paint, and feathered head-dress. If we were to examine this idea from a racial or ethnic standpoint, it might be useful to note that while the gladiators were considered to be one group of people, they were not all of the same race or from the same ethnic background. The Native Americans comprise one racial group. I certainly understand why they would find the use of the "Redskin" mascot and others like it to be offensive. America belonged to them first, and then we brutally took what was theirs.. and today, they are still considered an oppressed people due to no fault but that of the wealthy elitist conquering American.. I honestly don't think that we have any right to make a simplistic mockery of their people. Can you see where I'm coming from?
I can see where you are
I can see where you are coming from, and I can understand the gladiators aren't being dehumanized or mocked. The way I view it, is a school is basically saying they want to have the strength of gladiators, or redskins, or bears, or whatever mascot is theirs. Gladiators gained their strength and only utilized it because they were being oppressed.
Privileged Mascots
You make a good point there are the "Celtics" and the "Vikings" as well and no one seems offended by them. But of course these groups represent those that are seen as privileged in this country today (meaning white). I think the title "Redskins" may be the most offensive as apposed to the "Chiefs" or the "Braves" due to the fact that is it directly references skin color while the others reference a group or title of someone within that ethnic group. The hard thing to stomach is the use of these names with the history behind them. The fact that most sports teams were created by and solely employed all privileged people in the very beginning used these names as mascots like they were their own. Was it seen as something to be proud of? Because the "white man" in America doesn't have a very good history with Native Americans to say they are proud other than the conquering of them and taking their land. It would be like creating a mascot with African Americans as a theme. They are people, NOT themes for sports.
could go either way
I think this is a sensitive subject to some and I would have liked to see the argument from the other side. I do not think it is right to make a mockery out of another group of people, such as doing the Indian tomahawk chop, or dances during halftime - if that's what the team mascot does. Anyway it isn't right and the image of Native Americans gets lost and skewed in the spirit of sports.
On the other hand, I can see why sports teams choose mascots like that to represent their team ethic. I mean, some team names can get ridiculous but at the same time, team names can also represent something unique about where the team is located (e.g. 49ers, Avalanche, Patriots, Grizzlies, etc.).
I think above all, if the group that is represented by a team chooses not to have their identity as a logo, then the team should respect and honor those wishes and change their name. In terms of using Native American mascots, I do think it skews the history. As children, we are taught about Manifest Destiny and the western expansion of American Settlers. The rights of the Native Americans are practically non-existent in our kids' history books until we learn the real deal in college.
Two sides to every story
I too wished I could have gained a little insight into the opposite side of the story. I raised the question in my post as to what the percentage of for/against in the Native American community would be, and that could be applied to any distinctive identity group. I agree that this is something that really isn't taught to the potential in which it should be. I feel like this is something that really wouldn't find itself in the public eye, so it can be difficult to raise awareness.
Colors of the Wind
The suggestions and insights made before me are all valid and provocative. I don't know if it will sound like I'm reading into stereotypes or not, but I think that everyone should take another listen to Colors of the Wind from the movie Pocahontas. Here's a link http://video.disney.com/watch/colors-of-the-wind-4bb39d4da4824a8833003b15.
I think it really puts me in the mood to talk about diversity, and I'm not making any suggestions about Native Americans in an way. I find their culture to be beautiful. This article makes me wonder what percentage of the Native American population is offended by our nation's stereotypical behavior. There are two sides to every story, after all.
I doubt any disrespect was intended in its usage for competition based activities, but then again I always assume the best of people, so who knows. I think what can really be taken from this article is a reminder to be constantly aware. That is to say, raise awareness for issues that really aren't in the public eye. Awareness is the first step to reach a resolution.
Things I Never Thought of
I had never thought about the use of ethnic groups as mascots before. I can see why that would be offensive to Native Americans. To see people who don’t understand your customs or rituals openly mocking them would upsetting. It is outrageous that this is acceptable in today’s society. You would never see a team mascot depicting African Americans or Mexican Americans, but for some reason it is acceptable to use Native Americans. It really is mind blowing!
Things I Never Thought Of
I agree with you completely that it is mind blowing that our society is degrading and openly mocking these Native Americans and their heritage. Whether or not they are meaning to offend them isn't the point, like you said there is no other American that have their heritage and culture being used as a mascot or school slogan. I think that something needs to be done, and if someone steps up its going to take a lot of work and a lot of supporters to change this type of stuff because they would have to deal with changing NFL names such as the Washington Redskins. Not only would it be hard to go through the NFL to change the name but the fans would be their worst critic. Overall this is just something that no one thinks about and how much of a problem it is and how offensive it is to the Native American culture and heritage.
Never thought of it like that
I guess I have never really read much into Indian heritage being used as our mascots and team names in America. I always just wrote it off like any other team name or mascot. Now that I read this I think of it in a new light. I mean, yes it is degrading and angering to some, but maybe some would take pride in an effort to remember Natives and their struggles? I don't know I am just playing devils advocate, but maybe it could be seen as a good thing in a way. They were here first, and we as Americans are not letting them be forgotten. I am just trying to see it from both sides, because obviously Washington was not looking to purposefully hurt or disrespect Native people by choosing their teamname. I also see though how it is disrespectful, and dressing up in war paint and feathered headdresses without knowing the meaning behind the ritual is degrading. We have an indian reservation not too far from my hometown in Bloomington, MN, so would it still be just as disrespectful to have a school near them have a native mascot or team name? Or would it be okay because it is near a reservation? This is just a question I ask myself. But I see what you are saying, and just wonder if everyone is on the same page with this.
Redskins, offensive or not to the Native American people?
There appear to be arguments around the actual definition of the term redskin from what I have read. Ultimately, I think that Native Americans should be consulted to make any determinations regarding what they perceive to be offensive or not. Additionally I would suggest that people consider what comes to mind what you hear the word. I think that the word, as well as the lack of authenticity to the Native Americans based on the dress, dance and mascots are all to be considered. As a society do we not spend enough time and effort oppressing other races, cultures, backgrounds? Do we really need to use derogatory names for any team? If we labelled another race in the name of a sports team would that be acceptable or argued that the intent was not to offend? We contribute to the oppression of others when we say and do nothing.
Race
I don't feel it is appropriate to have any school name or mascot that is based on a peoples heritage, race, beliefs and wants. They should not have to provide a good reason in order to have their voices heard. What white people deem as a good reason isn't a good reason to most others. It is their heritage an they should be able to defend it and preserve it with the utmost respect. This is their culture let them decide how they want it represented.
Offensive Mascot Names
I think this is yet another way that white society oppresses minorities, in this case Native Americans. I feel that they deserve respect for their beliefs and traditions. To utilize the Native Americans heritage in these schools and as mascots is blatantly disrespectful. They have had everything taken from them, they have been lied to by the government, and suffered genocide at the hands of the United States government. I think we should respect their wishes, respect their people and find other figure heads to use as mascots, that are less offensive and not racially motivated.
I completely agree. I see no
I completely agree. I see no reason why a specific culture, race, or peoples should be used as a representation that is normally embodied through animals. This implies that certain groups are lower than the human species and more identifiable as animals.
Indian Heritage
I had only heard of this controversy once last year while in an English class and I would have to agree with this article about how offensive it is to use their culture and their heritage as some school mascot or anything that is used outside of their culture. Whites have already oppressed so many people throughout our history and it seems to still be continuing today with Native Americans, and it needs to stop. Whether or not people are meaning to offend their culture, they are and they need to be aware of what they are doing and someone needs to stand up and help change these actions that are offending peoples heritage.
I completely agree! I went to
I completely agree! I went to a high school in which our mascot was the Indians. We had auditions every year for a man and woman to dress up like Native Americans, or our perception of what we thought they should where, and lead rallies in chants and cheers. There was never any sort of formal history taught about the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area, nor any available class to learn about general Native American history. In fact, it was not until after I graduated that I realized the racist implications that permeated through out every aspect of the school identity.
Further Aware
It is good to see the point of view of someone who actually went to a high school with a such discriminating mascot. The word "Redskins" is already offensive enough, as it depicts the red skin color of the Native Americans. Even if the reason for the mascot may be positive, portraying Native Americans as strong and powerful, people still forget that these people still exist, that the reason for their dress and dance is for believes and traditions, not for entertainment of some high school or a football team full of ignorant people who know nothing about the history of their mascots. It adds to my further amazement that this high school with such a "traditional" mascot does not teach their students any history of it. Put yourself in their shoes, how would you feel if someone used your traditions and believes for their own good, and were misrepresenting the truth and reality about your history?
This is not an issue that I
This is not an issue that I ever considered, and I will probably not put much more thought into it in the future. As someone stated previously, some people are offended by this issue, and some are not. I personally don't see the big deal about having team names and mascots concerning Native American heritage. The people naming the teams and determining the mascots were most likely not intending to belittle or humiliate the Indians in any way. When you consider it along with other possible team names such as the "Hispanics" or the "African Americans", sure, it seems a little weird that we would name a sports team "Indians", but I don't really see the point in being offended about it.
Respectfully disagree.
Think about the name, Redskins. That is offensive. The culture is being mocked and degraded. Why would it be weird for there to be a team called the Hispanics but not the Indians? I do not follow that logic. Sure there are some people that are not offended but there are those that are. Those that are, those that feel their culture is under attack should be heard and these mascots should be changed.
A Line Should be Drawn
On one side I think that the mascots and the football team sort of inspire people. On the other side, English settlers took their land and killed their people, so I can see it as salt on a wound. I think one should ask Native Americans, collectively, how they feel about the subject and if the majority thinks that mascots and the Redskins are making fun of their culture then we should stop. I, personally, think that mascots just inspire people to push further (for the win) and inspires people to cheer, but if they're doing ridiculous dances that make fun of something sacred then they shouldn't do that, but I don't think it's all mocking. Then again, I didn't grow up as a Native American so I have no idea how they feel. Walking in their shoes, I think if someone had a mascot called Kunta Kinte, or something I would be offended.
PC
One argument that I do not like when this topic comes up is when people claim that what is currently "PC" is always changing and they can't keep up. As if cultural awareness and human decency is a changing trend to keep up with. I think mascots like this are really offensive and disrespectful. The fact that privileged groups came up with these to me a mascot... a MASCOT, I mean that is so disrespectful. We act as though there are no more tribes, we treat the Native American culture like it is dead or gone. It is not. Even then we are still not being respectful. The redskins?? Blatantly offensive. And it is OUR NATION'S CAPITOL.
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