Today in discussion we talked a lot about how Indian mascots are a form of racism. I wanted to say just a little more about this. I do believe that by using Indians as mascots it is diminishing the values and beliefs of the Native American culture. Not only is this act wrongfully imitating Native Americans, it is making a mockery of their culture. When an Indian mascot dances and jumps around during sport events, it is insulting to Native Americans. After listening in discussion today, I realize how angry and hurt Native Americans must feel.
After thinking about this topic, I researched how Native Americans really feel about their culture being used as a mascot. In 1992, the Oprah Winfrey Show was the first major talk show to allow Native Americans to openly discuss why they do not appreciate there culture being used as mascots for sports teams. They explained that they do not understand why Americans do not see the blatant conduct as racism. The Native Americans on the show had even challenged the legality of the logo of the Washington professional football team, but the judge ruled against them.
(Here is the link to the story) http://ndnnews.blogspot.com/2008/11/mascots-ignorance-and-racism-stumble.html
My last comment on this issue is that I do not believe that people’s initial thoughts are to mimic or mock Native Americans. But as time goes on, mascots end up all over tee shirts and other apparel, and the Native American culture gets turned into a mockery. There have been attempts to stop the use of such mascots, but with little success. I believe that it will take a long time before we see any change in mascots.
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I read the blog that you attached to your post and I was quite surprised that this issue of using the Native American culture as the theme around which schools formulate their mascot identity was not further addressed. It is sad that, even after appearing on Oprah, this issue still goes, not only unaddressed, but unacknowledged. Thanks for the link, it was an interesting read and a thought-provoking statement about the way we think about race in America.
ReplyDeleteThis issue is one that needs to be addressed. I agree, that the initial intentions are not to make fun of Native American tribes or traditions; in fact, the first thought and followed intentions were for the mascot and dress to portray strength, success, and pride in one's team--all admirable attributes. However, the context in which the mascot is used--at rowdy sports games with drunk audiences--places the mascot into a position as a joke, a mockery, and a way to insult the other's team. Nationalities, ethnicities, and other forms of personal identity should not be permitted to be used in professional, college, highschool, community or other sports teams.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about this issue before discussing it in discussion and don't know why it is not addressed more often. While Native Americans as a mascott may have started out as a way to remember or recognize them it has been turned into a completely racist act I am shocked that this has not become a more prominent issue especially today when people are fighting for rights of many things. Even though the Native American population might not be very large in the states I feel that people are much more willing to fight for one another when they know something is wrong.
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