Native American Mascot Images in Sports

D2L OnlineSession 4

Native American Mascot Images

in Sports

www.nativevillage.org/.../Mascots2.ppt

D2L OnlineSession 4 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

http://www.nativevillage.org/.../Masco ts2.ppt

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Benedictine University

http://www.nativevillage.org/.../Masco




D2L OnlineSession 4


3The Problem is Widespread Eight of the ten most common nicknames for

college sports teams are animals, by implication classifying Native Americans as such

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






D2L OnlineSession 4 Native Mascots Have Many

Forms1. Warriors2. Indians 3. Apaches 4. Fighting Sioux5. Fighting Illini 6. Chiefs 7. Chieftains8. Braves 9. Redskins 10.Redmen 11.Tomahawks12.Savages

4Benedictine Universityhttp://www.nativevillage.org/.../Masco ts2.ppt





D2L OnlineSession 4

Symbolic Meanings Attached to Racist Images in

Sports

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Benedictine University http://www.nativevillage.org/.../Masco ts2.ppt





D2L OnlineSession 4

Symbolism #1 These images are Acceptable

Everywhere

6Benedictine University http://www.nativevillage.org/.../Masco ts2.ppt





D2L OnlineSession 4

Symbolism #2 People Don’t See the Difference

7Benedictine Universityhttp://www.nativevillage.org/.../Masco ts2.ppt

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

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





D2L OnlineSession 4 Symbolism #3 Historical

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

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Consider this in terms of Jews and the Holocaust …no one would choose a sports team’s name using this context





D2L OnlineSession 4 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 Florida State University is seen as a present day representation of that severed head


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D2L OnlineSession 4

Discussion about Sociological Effects Caused by Images

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D2L OnlineSession 4

Argument #1 Sociological Meanings of ImagesDistorts Native American children's'

cultural perceptions of themselvesShapes non-Indian attitudes Diminishes Native cultureHurts StereotypesDehumanizes

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D2L OnlineSession 4


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Video Clip:In Whose Honor?

Argument #2 It Affects Self Identity

EmbarrassmentSadnessAnger






D2L OnlineSession 4


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Argument #3 - 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






D2L OnlineSession 4

Argument #4 - 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

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D2L OnlineSession 4Argument #5

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”

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“Creative” sports writers use metaphors with historically negative implications for/about Native Americans; i.e., these acts actually occurred.





D2L OnlineSession 4


16Argument #6 - Intentionally or Unintentionally, 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.

What are the implications about proper respect when the symbol is in a doormat?

Do these arguments reflect Hypersensitivity among Native Americans or

Lack of sensitivity by others?

(What would Christian reaction be to a “Jesus” doormat?)http://www.nativevillage.org/.../Masco ts2.ppt





D2L OnlineSession 4Native American MascotsNow that you have viewed the Native American

Mascots slides reflect on the information presentedWhat are your thoughts, opinion, what you learned, what

surprised you, connections to your classroom or life experiences?

This topic can be a more heated discussion with people feeling strongly one way or another

It is also an eye opener for many…a new perspective for many

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Native American Mascot Images in Sports

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