Indians, Redskins, Chiefs and Apaches
When is a Mascot Name Racist?
If you've ever watched any type of sport, you've seen them -- mascots and team names derived from Native American culture. Recently, these names and mascots have been under fire in all sports. Just this year, the NFL made the decision to release the copyright of the Washington Redskins name. Names like this have even prompted the President of the United States to say, "I would suggest a name change if I were [the] owner of the team" (1).
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| Helmet of the NFL team Washington Redskins with the likeness of an Indian "Redskin" |
As seen above, some of the mascot logos can be extremely racist. Calling a Native American a "Redskin" is akin to calling a black person the "N-word". So, why is it socially acceptable for a multi-billon dollar team that is located in OUR NATION'S CAPITOL to have an NFL team that has a blatantly racist logo? Short answer -- it isn't, and Americans are letting them know.
Another professional team, the Cleveland Indians (MLB) have taken steps with their mascot and logo to become more sensitive to the Native Americans. They no longer use the "Chief Wahoo" logo on any of their uniforms, opting instead for a red "C". However, they are still selling merchandise with the Chief Wahoo logo.
Thankfully, most teams are becoming more culturally more sensitive to Native Americans, a movement that is long overdue. I understand that these teams have been using these mascots for decades, but that doesn't make it right. Sports teams (from junior high to the professional level) should be taking more steps to ensure that racism is squashed in their organizations, despite the loss of profits. You can't put a price on being sensitive to a groups' race, color and origin -- all ideals that the United States was founded upon.
There are a few things I agree with here first the name "redskin." I can understand and empathize that this name may be offensive to the indigenous people. However where do we draw the line. Other sports teams such as The Fighting Irish and the Vikings can be deemed offensive to certain groups. The Cleveland Indian logo of "Chief Wahoo" is certainly offensive however, feathers, arrow heads, and hatchets are simply cultural symbols.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important to take into consideration the origin of these names. I do not believe they were intended to be insulting but rather a compliment. Teams choose names that invoke fear, courage, speed they were chosen to signify winning and playing hard ... All qualities wanted in a successful team
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ReplyDeleteSorry didn't proof read it very well, so I had to delete it.
DeleteThis topic is still being discussed as recent as a couple of days ago in my local paper. I do understand why the name "redskin" is offensive, but I wonder if all these team names were used negatively, rather than being used as a word of strength and being a strong warrior for the team. I agree with Darren that I don't think that the original purpose was to put down the native people, but our society has become one of over-sensitive towards everything. Merry Christmas has become Happy Holidays, so not to offend someone. I think it is in the intent of using the name that makes the team name offensive, not just the name. Darren hits a good point on where do we draw the line? Any team that shows a negative portrayal of the native people, should be changed. Great discussion. I was thinking of doing the exact one.
ReplyDeleteDouglas,
DeleteWhile I agree with you in some aspects, the term "Redskin" just rubs me the wrong way....to me, it's like calling someone the "N-word" or other derogatory terms based on their skin color.
While I agree with you that we (a Nation) have become culturally sensitve to the point to where it can be annoying, but I can see how some of these names (and mascots) could be considered racist.
Thanks for the post!
This goes back to the use of cultural sensitivity. I agree with your points, believe it or not but this is a great win for many Native American's. Unfortunately the misuse of 'cultural symbols' does not stop here. Over the summer, the misrepresentation of native headdresses was a big deal. Just to name a few; Victoria's Secret fashion show blunder, Lalapalooza, Coachella, etc. Most recent news; BC's Bass Coast Music Festival banned the use of native headdresses.
ReplyDelete"For various reasons, Bass Coast Festival is banning feathered war bonnets, or anything resembling them, onsite. Our security team will be enforcing this policy.
We understand why people are attracted to war bonnets. They have a magnificent aesthetic. But their spiritual, cultural and aesthetic significance cannot be separated.
Bass Coast Festival takes place on indigenous land and we respect the dignity of aboriginal people. We have consulted with aboriginal people in British Columbia on this issue and we feel our policy aligns with their views and wishes regarding the subject. Their opinion is what matters to us".
Raeann,
DeleteThanks for the reply. I also agree that this can be considered a "win" for Native Americans. I believe that the Redskins, Indians, and other major teams can still have successful franchises without being racist, even using Native Americans as mascots.
Here is a comedian's response to the racial insensitivity that surrounds the Redskin's name. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwe6gwcT8Iw. He makes a point to ask if it would be socially acceptable to approach a person of color and refer to by the color of their skin? He goes on to suggest severely sun burning a white person until their skin turns red and then using them in the head shot of the team logo. While only a comedian's take on the controversy, it does put things into a different perspective.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult in today's society to be cultural sensitive, so it definitely is necessary. I agree that efforts need to be made by sports teams to be more sensitive to Native Americans. Progress is being made and more progress will be made in the future.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to share a video (not sure how the link it though). I work with the Red Circle Ad Agency that recently produced a commercial on this issue. It has gone viral and has been featured on various news and sports segments all within the last week. It's extremely well done and I think it represents a strong argument for those who are against the change. I'd like everyone to view it, it goes hand in hand with your post.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXZeELeE7cc
if you are unable to open it, you can find it on You Tube - No Honor in Racism