Aida's US History: Native American Mascots

Aida Moradi

Mascots are used in all sorts of events, especially sports related. There are many different images, symbols, and meanings to these mascots. Native American mascots seem to be the most controversial of the bunch. There is much opposition to the usage of anything related to Native Americans for mascots now. People used to just trample over the feelings of Native Americans, but now many changes have been made to not offend the Natives. There is a small group that supports the Native American mascots. I believe we should all just forget about using race as a symbol and use things that have no chance of being offended, like plants and animals.

Many Native American are obviously offended by these false images of their people and the way they live. They believe it spreads insensitivity and misunderstanding about their culture. They are also offended that they are the only race being ridiculed. It is a double standard that African Americans, Asian Americans, etc. don’t have mascots because it is culturally understood that that is offensive and racist. It wasn’t until 1978 that it became legal for Native Americans to practice their religion. But non-Natives can prance around using sacred objects mimicking Indians at sports events. In Massachusetts, there are teams that burn an Indian figure the night before a game for good luck. This is an extremely offensive and vulgar thing for people to do. Some students dress up in “traditional” Indian clothing and perform a dance routine that has no relevance to a powwow. An actual Native American man said, “This is no honor. We lost our land, we lost our languages, and we lost our children. Proportionally speaking, indigenous peoples (in US) are incarcerated more than any other group, we have more racial violence perpetrated upon us, and we are forgotten. If people think this is how to honor us, then colonization has really taken hold.” This very true statement is heartbreaking in a way. People are very ignorant to the Native American culture. People who are even partially Native American get offended with things like name calling. A partial Native American man had an African American acquaintance who constantly called him "chief." Thinking he didn't know better, he decided to tell the man he was offended by this term. The African American was unmoved and continued to do it. This just shows that it isn't just the white people offending Native Americans, but the United States as a whole. It is appalling.
There are the rare few that actually support the Native American mascots and symbols. They believe it focuses on their bravery, courage and fighting skills instead of anything derogatory. They believe the mascots are respectful and full of honor to Native American people. Karl Swanson, the Vice President of the Washington Redskins believes their teams name represents "courage, dignity, and leadership. Redskins symbolizes the greatness and strength of a grand people." In my opinion, I think that is a bunch of bologna to try and seem like they care about the Natives, when all they really want is just to use the name.

The United States is slowly trying to change things for the Natives so they aren't offended. In the 1960s the National Congress of American Indians created a campaign to end negative Native American stereotyping in the media. Cartoons and movies were a partial focus, but the most popular were the mascots. Luckily many of the team names and mascots have been changed to not offend the Natives. Up until spring 2001, Parsippany High School were known as the Redskins. Before a game, a team member would carry an eagle feather spear replica and throw it into the ground for good luck. Another ludicrous "tradition" done by many teams. Their mascot was Chief Wahoo in a red and white feathered headdress along with fringed pants. But finally the United States Commission on the Civil rights issued its recommendation to end the horribly offensive Native American mascots. I just think people are very insensitive when it comes to these things and don't care very much unless it is directed towards them. It is sad to see that our country is extremely hypocritical in how it shows "equal." It is obvious the whites take the lead, and that will never really change. It is so set in our systems, that no matter how hard we try sensitize, whites will always find their way back on top. It is unfair, and cruel, but it is how our society works.