Native Americans Mascots BY sarah6060600606 Native American Mascots Imagine yourself at a sporting event.
You are enjoying the last bite of your foot- long hot dog, anticipating the moment the half time show will begin. Out comes the shoe-less, plaid-shirt wearing, ripped and dirty blue Jean sporting mascot. His name is "Billy Bob-- the wildest hillbilly in the boondocks. " He goes running around, chugging down his fake moonshine and spitting tobacco.
Being a native of Appalachia, you find yourself upset, and state this to be extremely offending.However, your sister who is attending the game with you casually laughs it off, stating hat it is Just hilarious. The disagreement between siblings from the same background can be compared to the discontent many people face when concerning the use of Native American Mascots. We will be reviewing the varying opinions and beliefs on the matter of using Native American symbols at sporting events. There are many people who believe that it is very disrespectful towards Native Americans. Not only is it demeaning the values that they believe in, but it is also poking fun at their image in a very negative way.
However, there are also the people who feel that using the names of Native Americans and their image is not only very onorable, but is a helpful reminder to people of the fight that they once went through. We are going to take a look at some of the different standpoints on the matter, some statistics, and even some cases that have resulted from this dispute. Honoring Native Americans is what many believe the mascots do. Those who support the use of these symbols and identities are convinced that they show their admirable characteristics and reflect them positively.In June of 2007, there was a law signed by Governor Phil Bredesen, for the state of Tennessee to be able to "continue to honor ertain persons or cultures through the use of symbols, names and mascots" (Holliday. ) However, the bill stated that it would be void in the circumstance that these Native American symbols were being portrayed as demeaning or in an obscene way.
If the school is actually recognizing the positive qualities of the Native Americans, then the use of their symbols as mascots should not be an issue. Of course, there are those who are easily offended and oppose this idea.On this side of the debate, there are other issues that come into view. For the schools that are not sing Native American mascots appropriately, they would be required to not only have their traditional name change, but require new uniforms and gear. This could result in the fans holding prejudiced opinions towards the Native Americans, which in return could be more harmful than before.
Many cannot see why using Native Americans and their images as mascots or logos could be considered negative or even disrespectful. What they do not understand is the potential stereotyping that is associated with these images.Coming from a place such as Appalachia, I can concur with these stereotyping insecurities. A study published in Basic and Applied Social Psychology states, "If American Indian mascots are regarded as negative stereotypes then their psychological effects will also be negative. For example, activating negative stereotypes is associated with disengagement, lower self-esteem, the potential for positive stereotypes, but that does not always guarantee a positive outcome. There is also a mention of how positive stereotypes can lead to negative consequences.
An example of this is a woman who is considered warm and affectionate, and how she is in return believed to be weak, basically less competent. The offensive repercussions from these mascots have some people hoping and working towards a change. Arguers against the use of Native American mascots believe that teams could Just as well play under a different team name. The offensive cartoons or taglines that are associated with a team's merchandise could lead to the negative stereotypes of Indians as savages, which is said to be the starting line on the path to racism.
In 2005, the NCAA took a stand for what they believed was right and what they thought the public wanted; they banned the images and nicknames of Native Americans in post season tournaments. They removed any nicknames and images that could be seen as "hostile" or "abusive. " Starting in February of 2006, mascots would not be allowed to perform at halftime shows, and their cheerleaders and band members would not be able to wear American Indians on their uniforms. One school in particular believed that this was wrong and very quickly complained and even threatened legal action.The president of Florida State, home of the Seminoles, T. K.
Wetherell said in a statement, "l intend to pursue all legal avenues to ensure that this unacceptable decision is overturned, and that this niversity will forever be associated with the 'unconquered' spirit of the Seminole Tribe of Florida" (The Florida State University. ) While the NCAA officials admit they can't force the schools to change their nicknames or logos, they are making a statement they believe is long overdue.In some states, such as New York and Maryland, there have been similar courses of action taken in order to resolve this debate. The Commissioner of Education of New York, required schools to discuss the issue with the directive that "the use of Native American symbols or depictions as mascots can become a barrier to building safe and nurturing school. " The Maryland Department of Education decided that the schools in Maryland must deliberate the issue.
In result, approximately half of its schools decided to change their logos.
