Stereotypes Of The American Indian Mascot - 1206 Words

The United States of America has over two-thousand sport organizations that portray the American Indian people as a mascot. Ninety-two percent of these sport organizations are high schools, which means roughly around eight percent of high schools have the American Indian mascot in some form (FiveThirtyEightSports). Frankly, this is an unacceptable statistic.This promotes racist mental images from a young age, and can lead many generations to recycle this outdated representation of Natives. One might ask if an American Indian mascot is really that harmful, but there is an overwhelming amount of evidence that supports the motion that such a mascot is disastrous to the Native community. The imagery that the American Indian mascot perpetuates is negative stereotyping, generalization of the race, and is inaccurate in its portrayal, which can lead to dangerous consequences for the American Indian population. One of the biggest issues that Natives face when it comes to mascots, is that the American Indian mascot is demeaning and harmful, which leads to damaging stereotypical representation of the American Indian race (Minnesota Daily). The Atlanta Braves, a professional baseball team in the United States, has a logo that depicts an American Indian with his mouth wide open as if he is yelling; this image is named â€Å"The Screaming Savage† (Yahoo!Sports Canada). â€Å"The Screaming Savage† is just one of the many professional logos that use slurs or detrimental imagery to represent itsShow MoreRelatedThe Washington Redskins Name And Mascot1089 Words   |  5 PagesThe Washington Redskins name and mascot represents one of the most recognized American Indian figures in the United States. The controversial team name has been used since 1933, ever since changing from its original name â€Å"Boston Braves†. It has sparked a nationwide outcry among the remaining Native Ame ricans who reside in the United States. Indians are forced to be reduced to cartoon savages, ferocious warriors, and animal like heathens. After centuries of rampant dismissal, removal, and destructionRead MoreEnvironmental Impact On The Native American Community Essay1643 Words   |  7 Pagesundeniably disparaged against but none as much as the Native American community. Not only did we take their lives and their land but we continue to disrespect the entire community every single day. Our negative attitudes, misconceptions, and offensive stereotypes that we direct their way are not only hate induced but have an extremely negative impact on the Native American Identity. Our poor media representation of the Native American community is overwhelmingly harmful to its citizens and does notRead MoreAmerican Indians And American Indian Indians1403 Words   |  6 PagesIndian students, â€Å"American Indian respondents tended to view the Fighting Sioux nickname/logo as not honoring Un iversity of North Dakota or the Sioux people† (LaRocque, McDonald, Weatherly, Ferraro, 2011 p. 3). This proves that there is a huge negative connotation associated with these school mascots and according to American Indians themselves, they are not pleased with the current situation. It is important to realize the majority of people claiming that they are honoring the American IndianRead MoreThe use of Native Americans as mascots or team names has developed an issue that has been drawing600 Words   |  3 PagesThe use of Native Americans as mascots or team names has developed an issue that has been drawing controversy in today’s society. The question that must be asked then is: Why do we as a society quietly permit such disrespectful and hurtful conduct towards Native Americans continue, without taking any affirmative action to restrict it? Having people who run around in war paint and headdresses whooping it up at the sport games doesn’t honor anyone’s culture. It just praises racism and encourages peopleRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie Reel Injun774 Words   |  4 PagesWhen the subject of Native American characters comes up in conversation, most picture Tonto from the film The Lone Ranger. However, many don’t realize how the film industry has created a stereotype that has affected generations of Native Americans. From mascots to logos of tobacco and other products, the early westerns have help mold minds into placing Native Americans into something they are not. The documentary Reel Injun help shed light on the subject as well as raise awareness to how these filmsRead MoreThe Washington Redskins Name Controversy1106 Words   |  5 Pagescontroversy with Native Americans? That has been the questions since the 1980s. There are many different views on the issue. Some people believe the name should stay, some insist it should be changed, and others are ultimately indifferent. In the end, changing the name is the definite rig ht choice, the Washington Redskins name is offensive to the Native American people and therefore it must go. The name is not only offensive to the Native American people, but people outside of Native American s find issueRead MoreNative Americans : Native American People, Supports Nostalgic Feelings, And Saves1068 Words   |  5 PagesNative American people, supports nostalgic feelings, and saves funding. The opposing sides believes that if these images are kept then they are being offensive and degrading Native Americans since perpetuates negative stereotypes about Native Americans. One thing we do not pay much attention to is the way the Native Americans feel due to this. They obviously are not okay with the idea of them being used through logos and mascots and has caused a negative self-esteem effect on Native Americans. NativeRead More The Debate Regarding the Use of Native American Mascots Essay1353 Words   |  6 Pagescompetition, have a mascot. It is the mascot that repres ents the competitive spirit and team identity, motivating players and fans alike. Does the symbol chosen as a mascot have any impact on whether a team wins or loses? Unlikely. But the choice of a Native American mascot continues to ignite debate and controversy among athletes, fans and alumni, as well as those people who might otherwise be disinterested in sports. Why all the controversy? The dispute over whether Native American mascots should beRead MoreMascots : An Honor Or An Insult?1352 Words   |  6 PagesMascots: An honor or an insult? The idea of using Native American names and images in sports has been a topic of public controversy in the United States since the 1960’s. Sports mascots that continue to promote racial, cultural, or bias slurs should be changed so that racial discrimination can be stopped and everyone can be treated equally/fairly. In today’s society, there is no room for racism or stereotypes especially in sports; an activity that is supposed to bring people together to supportRead MoreNative American Mascots Should be Banned1253 Words   |  6 PagesIt was the seventh inning stretch at a Cleveland Indians baseball game and the crowd, in a somewhat inebriated state, cheered wildly at the team’s mascot. This mascot was not a bull or a bronco, or a giant or a jet, but rather, in my view, was a mean-spirited stereotype of a proud and noble people. In this age of political correctness, what minority in this country would allow itself to be portrayed in such a demeaning manner? African-Americans, as well as other minorities who have a strong political