A Native Injustice

   Racism has been a recurring theme for this nation for many centuries. It is a topic that is still being discussed to this day. There is a group that has been shunned and silenced since the formation of this country. Unlike many racial groups that have marked their equality with authority, this privilege has not occurred for Native Americans. Despite their small population percentage, their culture survives and so does the racial prejudice. There are many racial slurs against Native Americans that are in use today and should be brought to a hault. The biggest, most recent example of this use is the National Football League's Washington Redskins'. The term Redskin is a reference to the general color of Native Americans. Why has there been so little outrage over this discrimination? The Redskins franchise pride themselves on their name and show it in a lightheartedly sense of the word. The derogatory sense of the word is scrambled in the image of ferocity and pride that the team upholds. This does not obscure the true connotation of the reference. The owner of the Redskins, Dan Snyder, states "we'll never change the name... It's that simple. NEVER." His bigotry is what is keeping the term alive. The problem is that his view is what matters most since he has the sole ability to change the team's name. If the fervor of an entire race, with a nation of support, cannot change the mind of this one man, then the name stays.

     The Washington Redskins are not the only sports team that has demonstrated a prejudice towards Native Americans. Major League Baseball's Cleveland Indians have a mascot known as, "Chief Wahoo." The chief is characterized by his red skin, pronounced nose, and a feathered hat. The Indians' Vice President of Public Relations has defended the use of Chief Wahoo, saying that team is no longer trying to "animate or humanize the logo." In his attempt at reducing the humanization, he adds more stereotypical features rather than lessening the blow. However, the Indians organization is at least making an attempt to disprove their prejudice towards the group; unlike Dan Snyder and his group.



It's a shame that racial subjugation is still a burden in modern society. Native Americans have been deprived of racial equality for many years and their sense of ownership is blossoming. Groups like the Oneida Nation are marching towards equality and are gaining ground; such is the case in the Redskins controversy. They are fighting for their social justice. How would the views on these names change if they were slurs directed at your particular lineage? I doubt they would be accepted by society nor yourself. Once we as a species realize the harms we do when we segregate into groups, then we can work towards removing those walls that we put into place.

 

   

Mascots Aren't Here to Demean

​A mascot is an animal, person, or even an object thought to bring luck to a school, sports team, or society. There is much controversy in the United States when it comes to mascots concerning Native Americans. Some people Native American Mascots as being offensive towards the culture. Mainly the names are seen as demeaning and racist. On the other hand, some admire the heroic sense of these mascots of the classic Native American image. The argument has caused institutions to change the name of their mascot and also the image. An example of someone possibly seeing a Native American mascot or team name as racist is with the Washington Redskins football team. 

The Redskins use the slang term “redskins”, which can be seen as derogatory as opposed to the Florida State Seminoles whose use of the word “Seminole” relates back to the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

 There are many sports teams who use Native American figures as their mascots that could come under scrutiny, depending on the name and history of their Native American mascot. 

​I grew up in a community and schools which used Native American mascots. I went through four schools as a child, starting at primary, then elementary, middle, and ending at high school. My primary school’s mascot was a Chief, and as I moved up in schools, the mascot became more significant. My elementary school’s mascot was an Indian, the middle school’s was a Brave, and then the high school mascot was a Warrior. I did not see my community’s mascots as being racist or offensive by any means. With the mascot becoming more important, when we went to the next school for the next grade levels, we felt we were becoming more important as well. Our mascots are used to glorify the Native American culture.

​Opponents against the Native American mascots mention the fact there are no other mascots based on any other types of Americans, such as African Americans or Asian Americans. People who do not have an issue with Native American figures being mascots could also argue back saying the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish symbolizes a historic figure of the Euro-American culture. The United States Commission on Civil Rights has put an end to Native American mascots, but not for native schools.

​When I am watching football or any other sport whose team mascot is a Seminole or a Brave or an Indian, I would never think of the mascot as being offensive; a mascot is a mascot. A mascot is there to bring luck to the team, to represent the school, and even get the crowd fired up during a sporting event. I feel in this day and age, if we wanted to demean Native Americans, we wouldn't want them as mascots, as a positive figure. When I see a Native American mascots in sports today, I see them as respectful and giving credit to the Native Americans.

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.

Native American Mascots

     The term mascot originally derives from French and Portuguese words which refer to a an object or talisman that brings luck to a person or family member. These items were looked upon as great assets, which were held in highest regard. Somewhere along the line though the translation has been lost to the racism which has corrupted systems of society for centuries. This is the issue at hand. The use of Native American mascots is outright racism. Although it may seem harmless, this is where all issues begin; with a spark to set the chain reaction, which leads to racial profiling, segregation, and mistreatment of the race and culture in itself. Every major catastrophe not brought upon by nature has started with this minute trigger. For example, while assassination is not exactly minute, the murder of Franz Ferdinand by the Black Hand, Serbian member brought upon one of the largest wars in human history, World War I. In comparison to the massive damage it caused, the murder was minute. There is a reaction which occurs, a cause and effect which would leave me to question this not-so-important issue. Perhaps this is the spark which would cause the start of a new era of slavery with a new race. This potential oppression and dehumanization is not something worth risking. It seems extreme to believe such an event could occur simply from the use of Native American mascots, but the possibility is there.

     When considering the issue of using Native American mascots, I sincerely believed there is a decent argument for the usage. Such a symbol could be seen as a paid homage to the trials and mistreatment the culture had to endure as they had their home stripped from them (I guess "finders-keepers" did not apply to the explorers of the New World). So these mascots could be seen as honorable. Linell Broecker writes in "Opinions" of The Washington Post, "Teams choose Native Americans as mascots and role models because people admire these people. We view them as strong and courageous with many other positive qualities, not as negative stereotypes." Unfortunately, as I considered even more, I came to realize I have been in these shoes. Being Hispanic, I have had my share of derogatory terms and slander which were personally offensive. I understand what the implications of the use of these mascots is and I would not appreciate the situation whatsoever. While I have never had to deal with a sports team mascot insulting my heritage, I know the unfairness of unequal, unnecessary, and racial mistreatment. If the circumstances were flipped to naming a team the "Beaners", "Rafters", or "Spicks", I would be absolutely furious. Although harmless at first glance, Native American mascots are simply causing unnecessary controversy when clearly the use is unjust. This country is founded on equality. This is not equal. Change is necessary.

Mascot Controversy

Change the Mascot

If you don’t like to be called a racial slur, then what makes you think that the Native Americans do? From national sports teams to middle school mascots, Native Americans have been used as a symbol to represent that team or school. With the Native American mascot comes the racial term, redskins. The term, redskins, comes from a universally accepted color for Native Americans. It is so, because the color label of Native Americans was deemed, red. Redskins, has now been defined as offensive and insulting, is not used in public with the exception of sports teams and school mascots. It probably takes a lot of money to change the name of a sports team so I can see why it would be an issue of changing it. I think that sports teams and school mascots should be banned from having something so offensive representing their school or team.

            Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter said, “We do not deserve to be called redskins.” I absolutely agree with what he is saying. Why should the Native Americans be called a racial slur? What have the Native Americans done to deserve that? The Native Americans has not done anything to deserve being called that and I think it should be banning from being a mascot in a school or sports team. Calling Native Americans, redskins, is equivalent to calling any other race their racial slur. It is offensive and anybody who uses it is frowned upon, but why is it not the same with the Native Americans? Why is it that Americans can use the term, redskins, so freely and not be criticized? I think because it is used in a sports team name people think it is ok, but it is still a racial slur and it is unacceptable for those teams that use it and display it the way that they do. Not only does these teams use racial slurs to represent their teams but they also use a mascot that reflects the name as well. For example some sports teams with Indian or Redskins in their name also has a red-skinned Indian mascot.

            Daniel Snyder said, “We’ll never change the name.” Daniel Snyder is the owner of the NFL team, Washington Redskins. Daniel is referring to the name of his team and the fact the he is not going to change it anytime soon. I can see why he would not want to change the name of his team. That team has been known as the Washington Redskins for a while and it would cost him a lot of money to change the name. With that being said I think he should still change his team name simply because it is offensive to the Native American race. No one want to be called a racial slur, it makes a person insecure about his or her race. For a racial slur to be representing a sports team is very offensive and it is critical for to be banned from using it.

Top Movies of 2013 (So Far)

Top Movies of 2013 (So Far)

Top Movies of 2013 (So Far)

5. Side Effects

      I am a big fan of Steven Soderbergh and his films, so this was no different. This psychological thriller had me at the edge of my seat throughout its 106 minute runtime. Soderbergh does an excellent job of concealing the true identity of the nature of the movie. There are so many twists and turns that kept me engaged through the movies’ monotone, but necessary, dialogue. Rooney Mara gives another outstanding performance. Mara’s acting differs with every drug she takes and really proves her place in the acting world. The film effectively shows the dangers of prescription drugs; meanwhile, it examines the extent a person would go to for money. There are points, early on, where the film drags, but it ultimately satisfies with parts of intensity. Soderbergh always uses a subtle yellow filter that accentuates a scene in a major way. It’s the little things like the filter that accents the screenplay perfectly to make for a great time watching this movie.

 4. Mud

     Going in, I had low expectations for this film since Matthew McConaughey was leading the charge. I was sorely mistaken for doubting Mr. McConaughey’s abilities as he gives an outstanding performance. This tale of a poverty-stricken town shows how the citizens within the city deal with hardships. This movie is a slow-burner and emotionally gratifies in a physical way. Although McConaughey gives the best performance of his career, it is Tye Sheridan who steals the show. The young sixteen year old actor gives a gut-wrenching performance that will bring you to tears. The movie is a mixture of different aspects of life at different ages. It is a coming-of-age tale, a mature love entanglement, and the story of a broken family. All of these pieces create a whole that meshes perfectly into a gritty drama. The combination of these stories makes this movie enjoyable to a wide-ranging audience, and that is what I was satisfied with the most.

3. Disconnect

            The best cautionary tale I have ever seen. What makes this account so real is the depth of human sorrow explored. Disconnect does a brilliant job of presenting individuals and their human failings. The believability of the situations involved is high which makes you more attached to the storyline and the characters within it. This attachment makes this movie so moving and emotional; it is certainly a tear-inducer. Jason Bateman definitely gives the most serious performance of his career as he leads an excellent ensemble. It is the acting that truly makes this story work. Had the casting been altered in any way, the film would have felt much less satisfactory. The movie is not just visually emotional, but it is auditory as well. The soundtrack to this movie pushes the extravaganza that is happening on-scree over the edge. The perfect combination of visual and auditory make this movie a lasting, emotional thrill ride.  

2. Gravity

       









  





   I have never truly experienced 3D until this movie. I normally dismiss the extra fees for the additional features such as 3D and IMAX. However, this movie was the one exception to this rule; I embrace it entirely. Alfonso Cuaron masterfully uses smoke and mirrors to alter perception while viewing his masterpiece. There are moments when the 
theater feels empty and you are alone in the depths of space. Moreover, every gasp that Sandra Bullock takes, you take right alongside her. The sheer visual mastery of the film will earn it Oscar nominations, the story will only advance that journey. Bullock and Clooney tether perfectly and prove once again why they are academy award winners. To see this film in anything other than IMAX 3D should be a crime and will only dissatisfy the consumer. The breathtaking visuals are unforgettable, the story is uplifting, and the acting is outstanding. These are all measures of a fantastic movie.

1. The Kings of Summer

    The Kings of Summer easily sits upon the throne as the best movie I have seen in 2013. This was not only the funniest movie I saw this year, but the most sentimental as well. This coming-of-age story will have you rolling on the floor with laughter from start to finish. The film had the ability to jump from complete humor to sincerity in a matter of seconds, and with ease. The movie hits all high notes in compassion, humor, cinematography, and acting. The movie is simply about the freedom that kids desire but are not entirely ready to handle, and writer Chris Galletta capitalizes on that. As a growing adult, this film hit me close to home. The visceral reactions from the young collection of characters demonstrate the ignorance of youth in a fairytale-like setting. The alteration from comedy to drama happens so fast that it hits you like a truck. Similarly to Mud, the movie leaves a cringing pain in your stomach that can only be caused by true emotional gratification.

Side Note: Here are some notable feature films that almost made the list.

6. Fruitvale Station

7. This is the End

8. The World’s End

9. Fast and Furious 6

10. Monsters University

Just because it's old doesn't make it right.

 Should the Washington Redskins change their name? Of course. With the fact that the term "Redskin" has  racial connotations that offend natives the name should be changed. Now  Daniel Snyder, the owner of the Redskins will argues saying, After 81 years, the team name 'Redskins' continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come." Which is pretty much playing on the emotional aspect of the situation in terms of it being a familiarity among people? But let's be real a lot of familiar things in this country are insulting to various groups and those things have been changed and furthermore just because something has a long history doesn't mean it should be allowed to continue. I mean seriously what if there was a sports teams called the Cleveland Blacks or the Ohio Light-skins everyone would lose their minds and call it racist. But for some reason because its Native Americans the topic of change becomes debatable as wether or not it should continue.    
'           http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24057400/snyder-pens-open-letter-to-skins-fans-holds-firm-on-nickname