Native Mascot Images in Sports

Problems:1. The dominant group is using a subordinate

group’s ethnicity for their own entertainment.

2. Images negatively misrepresent an entire race of people in mainstream media.

The Problem is Widespread

Eight of the ten most common nicknames for college sports teams are animals.

1. Eagles  2. Tigers  3. Cougars  4. Bulldogs  5. Warriors  6. Lions  7. Panthers  8. Indians  9. Wildcats10. Bears

Native Mascots Have Many Forms

1. Warriors

2. Indians

3. Apaches

4. Fighting Sioux

5. Fighting Illini

6. Chiefs

7. Chieftains

8. Braves

9. Redskins

10. Redmen

11. Tomahawks

12. Savages.

Symbolic Meanings Attached to Racist Images in Sports

Symbolism #1 These images are Acceptable Everywhere

Symbolism #2 People Don’t See the Difference

Example

Q. What's wrong with Indian mascots? They honor Indians... don't they?

A.  Would you paint your face black, wear an afro wig and prance around the football field trying to imitate your perceptions of black people?  

Symbolism #3 Historical Meaning

The word Redskin derived from the practice of skinning Indians for easy transport when collecting bounty.

Example of Historical Meaning:

"Chief Osceola" was killed under a flag of truce. His severed head was then kept in a medical museum for 30 years.

To native people the logo of FSU is seen as a present day representation of that severed head.

Sociological Effects Caused by Images

Effect #1 Sociological Meanings of Images

Distorts Native American children's' cultural perceptions of themselves.

Shapes non-Indian attitudes Diminishes Native culture. Hurts Stereotypes Dehumanizes

Effect #2 It Affects Self Identity

Video Clip:In Whose Honor?

Embarrassment

Sadness

Anger

Problem #5 It Affects Native Religions

Feathers, paint & dances are all part of their religious imagery.

By using objects considered sacred by Native people for sports events, in this land based on religious freedom, it mocks the religion itself.

Example of How Religious Mimicking is offensive:

Q. Shouldn't we then protest the New Orleans Saints because they are offensive to Christians?

A. No. They are not selling toy crucifixes as souvenirs and a little mascot dressed as the Pope doesn’t run around.

Effect #3 Violent References in the Media

"Cowboys finish off Redskins“

“Kill the Indians” shouted by opposing teams

“Cougars scalp Sioux 31-24"

“Orioles gun down Indians”

Intentional or Unintentional, Native Mascot Images are

Negative

"We don't view it as looking down on their race..."  - Athletic director, Ohio H.S. which has an

"Indian head" doormat in the hallway.