The Use of Native American Mascots In America

Over the years many sports teams around America have formed their team name, or mascot around the Native American culture. Some people, especially Native Americans themselves, have taken great offense to these symbols that misrepresent their heritage.  There are thousands of teams across the country with Native American inspired names. From as little as elementary schools up to professional    leagues, common mascots like Seminoles, Warriors, Indians, Redskins, etc., have been used. The controversy over these names and logos have begun to surface in the media. The mascots stereotype the Native American culture and highly offend people within that race. If it is not okay to stereotype other races such as African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, etc., why should we do it to the Natives of this country? The NFL team Redskins is probably one of the most offensive considering that it is a racial slur towards the color of Native Americans skin tone. If there was a team called the Niggers and they used a mascot that misrepresented people of the African American race, there would obviously be a huge issue with this. In the United States history people have fought to have African American people have equal rights and stop racism. Yet we still are being racist towards Native American through sports teams. Some may argue that the mascots are a tribute to the Native Americans because they represent "strength" and where we have came from. Although, that is completely false. The names and mascots show no respect to the Native American race. One lady who is Native American draws attention to the fact Most Americans seem only to be familiar with Southwestern indigenous culture and fail to recognize the diversity that exists within native communities.  So stereotyping all native tribes under one  category and myths that are not true is unfair to them. Others teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks, who's name derived from a tribe leader, is a little less offensive.  Even though it isn't as offensive as the Redskins, the Blackhawks logo is still an issue. Native Americans believe it is mocking their ancestors since it as used for fun, entertainment, and recreation purposes. Joe Podlasek, executive director of the American Indian Center of Chicago, argued that the team's name should change. He said, "For us, that's one of our grandfathers. Would you do that with your grandfather's picture? Take it and throw it on a rug? Walk on it and dance on it?"

 

Now the real question is how do we fix the issue of the use of Native American mascots in America? It would be easiest to start with all elementary, middle, and high schools. However when it applies to professional sports teams it will be much harder to change. Many of the names have developed into tradition and have become  important to the team's fans. Many have spent a large amount of money on merchandise with both the teams name and logo on it. But the change is absolutely inevitable.The use of these Native American mascots have been degrading, disrespectful, racist, and morally wrong. The United States should continue to move forward and make efforts towards the end of racism and stereotyping.