No Mascots Are Offensive

“Go, team, go!” Cheering, representing, and maybe even dancing at halftime is Chief Illiniwek. He was the former mascot of the University of Illinois, but the “81-year tradition ended after years of threats, lawsuits and NCAA sanctions against the university's athletic teams. Chief opponents said the mascot was culturally insensitive to Native Americans, while supporters said it was an honorable tradition.” A mascot is defined as a person or a thing that is supposed to bring luck and represent a particular organization. Critics are saying that these Native American mascot names are offensive and it should be changed. Why should anyone be offended by that? The use of Indian Americans as a symbol for a team should be taken as a compliment.

In central Michigan, a tribe called the Saginaw Chippewas Indian Tribe actually supports Native American mascots. Saginaw Chippewas public relations director Frank Cloutier says, “Every year I go in and address every freshman athletic student about our culture and what it means to be a Chippewa, and about the proud, competitive nature of our people. We explain that it's not about war paint and fake feathers. It's about honoring the triumph of these resilient, competitive people.” Critics have forgotten about the Indian American culture. Yes, many years ago they were forced to leave their lands but they did put up a fight in attempt to keep their land. This shows that Indian American mascots, like the Chippewas, symbolizes competitiveness which is a reasonable name for any sports team. The Central Michigan Chippewas does not have a reason to be an insult, but the term “redskin” does in some way. Although the Saginaw Chippewas Indian Tribe supports Native American mascots, they only support the names such as “Warriors” or “Braves.” The Washington Redskins is considered highly offensive to many people, even to the tribe. But what people don't understand is that there is a difference between directly calling someone a redskin and having a mascot that is representing a popular team with thousands of fans! I understand it being offensive if there were racial slurs being thrown directly at someone, such as “yellow” or “negro” but in the case of team mascots, I don't understand. It shouldn't be considered as a violation. Thousands of fans are supporting that team by buying merchandise and paying extra money to sit in the front row to watch that team play. Not only should I mention there are tons of sports team with an Indian American mascot. Going to a football, basketball, or a volleyball game, there will be fans on each half side of the stadium supporting their favorite team. The Washington Redskins have over one million fans so imagine all of them wearing the team's mascot on their torso to bring luck to the team. There is nothing offensive about having a Native American mascot. It is there to bring positive things to the team.

A Washington Redskins fan

When we think of a mascot, we think of our school's mascot. It represents our school and the pride we have for our school. A mascot is someone or something that represents a team. No one should change their mascot because it was no one's intentions to hurt anyone in any way. Representing a team should be an honor and there are many people who support it. It is the year 2013 and people should calm down on how a Native American symbolic figure is insulting because to me, it isn't.

Native American Mascots

Braves, Chiefs, Indians, Hawks, and Seminoles:  all are names of some of our oldest and most beloved sports teams.  These mascots represent their team identity and bring success that has dated back to 1912.  So why should teams with Native American mascots be forced to change their names now?

Louis Sockalexis

The origins of professional teams with Native American nicknames began with baseball.  Founded as the Boston Red Stockings, the team became the Braves for the first time in 1912.  The story is that the team is named to honor Louis Sockalexis, the first Native American to play major league baseball.  Their owner, James Gaffney, was a member of New York City's Tammany Hall, one of the societies originally formed to honor Tamanend, a chief of the Delaware. The success of the Braves in the 1914 World Series was the reason for the Cleveland team to become the Indians in 1915. 

Teams like the Braves and the Indians were originally given their names through the permission of Native American Elders who wanted their names to be used to keep the tradition and identity of their tribe and its people.  Mohawk Chief Jacques Boulerice is one of many Native Americans who feels that the use of Native American mascots is not disrespectful.  “Anything that brings more Native culture to the forefront is OK by me,” said Boulerice.  “If a college teams calls itself The Mohawks, I’m damn proud that they would choose my people to be the symbol of their team.”  Boulerice is not the only Native American to weigh in on the controversy.  According to Sports Illustrated, 83 percent of Native Americans who responded to a poll feel pro-sports should not stop using Indian nicknames, characters, symbols, and mascots. 

Opponents of Native American mascots argue that the mascots breed insensitivity, racism, and misunderstanding about native people. They also highlight the double standard for human beings as mascots where there are no mascots based on African Americans, or Asian Americans depicted in sports. This argument is invalid because Native Americans are not the only group who are represented by so-called "negative stereotypes."  The Notre Dame Fighting Irish has a scrappy leprechaun as their mascot, and the Irish were once a marginalized group of people in the United States.  Also, the University of Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns admits their mascot is based on a term considered slang for the people who live in the area.  If legislation is trying to outlaw culture-offensive mascots, any logo could be forced to change.  For example, if animal rights get involved, teams such as the Bears, Eagles and Falcons should be forced to change their names too.

Teams with Native American mascots were established to honor and represent tribes, traditions, and people of Native American heritage.  Their names have been a part of their team identity and have helped them create success, bringing positive recognition to the Native American people.  To change their mascots now would remove all of the good intentions and only serve to diminish the rich heritage of these proud people.

#ChangeTheMascot

So you get on your car and turn the radio on, the first thing you hear is news about the Washington Redskins Football Team, but the word “redskins” slips through without you giving a second thought to the fact that the word “redskins,” which is now most commonly used to report the American football team, has a background of being used to address a race in very offensive manner. Nowadays, most of us can use the word “redskins” with no shame because we’ve grown accustomed to it, but when it comes to nigger, we might say the “N-word” or something relative to that but not the exact word because of its racist background. But why is that? Shouldn’t it be the same thing? Yes, it should. There should be no difference because both of them have a racist background.

The Washington Redskins, along many other different sports teams such as the Florida Seminoles or the Chicago Blackhawks, should change their mascots’ names to ones that do not offend any kind of race. It does not matter if the owner of the team does not believe the name is taken as an insult like Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Footballl Team. If there’s people out there that get offended because of this, something must be done.

The problem with this or, better said, one of the main issues is that the Native American population is very, very small to the point of their voices not being heard when they try to speak up against the use of offensive terms to describe different sport teams that are not even related to Native American tribes in any way whatsoever. This is the reason why each day more and more take a stance on this social issue.

Many are against the racial slurs that are used for different American sport teams to the point of starting online campaigns such as #changethename and #changethemascot on social networks. As the days go by, more and more join this side of the issue, the side that is against it; even famous people have taken a stance on this and even President Barack Obama.

It should be a sense of morality to know that it is incorrect to use historical derogatory nicknames to represent sport teams of any kind. To make sure that these racist terms are not used for the fun and profits of sport teams, there should be a national law passed prohibiting the use of racial slurs to represent these teams. If something is not done soon, more and more teams will continue to use these offensive names and the Native Americans will completely be ignored even though they are the ones that are affected and hurt by the use of such words because of the horrid history behind them.

But this should not only be the Native Americans fighting against the usage of such terms that are a harmful form of ethnic stereotyping, it should be everyone. We should all join the side that is against the use of those hurtful, offensive, and inappropriate words to symbolize American sport teams and speak up, so that those powerful teams give in to the fact that using such terms is in no way showing pride of a team and end up changing them to terms that do not offend anybody.

Le Redskins Controversy

Redskins, Blackhawks, Braves and Chiefs…what do these all have in common? Before anyone makes the witty comment, “They’re sports teams, durrrrr,” these teams actually have a shady secret behind the famous façade. Whether it is in the name or the logo, these teams have racism rooted deep in their history that is still strong today. I guess you can say that in professional sports, some sort of Native American representation in the team is pretty mainstream. However, in the past many teams have jumped out of the bandwagon and changed their names or logos to something less offensive like the Kansas City Chiefs and their arrowhead logo, which was formerly an Indian chiefrunning with a tomahawk and football across the Midwest. So, if the Kansas City Chiefs and many other teams were good sports and changed their representation to be less offensive, why haven’t other teams changed?

The Redskins’ racist name controversy has been a popular topic recently and it seems as though Dan Snyder is hell-bent upon keeping the team’s name because “it stands for strength, courage and respect – the very values that are so intrinsic to Native American culture.” I can understand strength and courage for having the gal to keep such a controversial name but respect? Unbelievable, what this man is doing is not out of respect, but the complete opposite. Keeping the name ‘Redskins’ out of respect to the Native Americans, who were here long before we colonized and befouled their sacred grounds for our own gorespect. Basically we are just insulting them by magnificently rubbing in the fact that we stole much more than their land but their cultural dignity.

od, is like some guy flaunting around your wife after he stole her from you just because he wanted to show you some

In an era of change and understanding, we do not need any culture or anyone being ridiculed anywhere, especially in America. The African American community used to be labeled with the title nigger, stereotyped as a cotton picker, and ostracized in the past. The LGBT community was stuck with a bunch of derogatory terms like fag or dyke. Even women were once ridiculed and labeled with stereotypes from “the only place for you is the kitchen,” and many more. If African Americans, women communities have had civil rights movements and the terms that stuck to them were relinquished and the LGBT community is continuing their fight for civil rights, then the same should go for the Native American community. Since derogatory words toward women, African Americans and the LGBT community are no longer accepted, then words targeting Native Americans should not be accepted either.

My opinion is that the founding of the colonies was the founding of racism. The deepest roots were back when the colonies were founded and the way we, as Americans, treated Native Americans, foreigners and slaves have is can only be described as humiliating. Racism is still growing strong, whether it is in sports or in songs like Alison Gold’s ‘Chinese Food,’ but we should not be proud and allow it to grow into a weed that will cause the downfall of America. We should take action and concentrate on changing the way we are to respect other cultures; like the way Dan Snyder should take action and change the Redskins’ name to properly respect Native Americans.

Lets Get Back to Football

Since owner Mr. Snyder has been so adamant that as long as he is in power over the Red Skins, the nickname “Redskins” will never change. Though it seems the more The Redskins organization tries to fight this issue, the more it becomes a controversial distraction. During Cowboys week for the Redskins the controversy surrounding the team’s nickname grew to the peak of a sports media head light topic of discussion. 

Even President Barack Obama with all he has on his plate right now, couldn’t help but to chime in on this issue. But the focus should     be on football for the Redskins, not politics. Something needs to be done to bring the focus back where to it belongs.  On football.

                                                                                                       

Being a fan of the Redskins I understand Snyder’s reasoning for not wanting to change the name. Many Redskins fans do not think of the word as a racial slur, but view it as a word that means victory and invokes positive feelings.  When fans hear the name it reminds them of the days of glory gone by.  Like when the great Joe Gibbs led the team to its three Super Bowl wins in the 80′s and 90′s, and so keeping the name helps them to hold on to those feelings.

 But I will admit when I became a Redskins fan as a child, I didn’t know the word began as a racial slur, it was just the name of my favorite team.  But times change, and what may have been acceptable years ago isn’t necessarily acceptable today.

Now I would believe that logic suggests that you don’t choose to name a team after something you don’t admire.  That wouldn’t make sense, would it?  But the fighting spirit of Native American tribes instilled an admiration of that spirit into their enemies. This is the original idea behind the name of the team. This is why so many football teams adopted American Indian names, to try to emulate that fighting spirit on the football field.  But it all seems a little misguided now.  Native Americans are no longer warriors, and there is so much more of their culture that should rise to the forefront of interest for all Americans besides this idea that they were great warriors.

But you can’t always make changes on a whim of political correctness simply because someone doesn’t like something about your product.  However, this controversy is much more than a whim.  It’s become a major thorn in the side for the franchise, and it’s time to pull the thorn out.  By changing the name, Daniel Snyder can bring positive feelings and reverence to the franchise, and lift the weight of negativity that’s engulfing it. It’s hard enough fighting for victory on the football field, but with this issue, the Redskins organization has to constantly fight a public relations battle off the field as well.  A battle to justify the use of the Redskins name.  Is money the justification?  I’m sure re-branding could cost the team and the NFL $millions, which more than likely adds to owner Daniel Snyder’s reluctance to change.

So I ask you what is more important to a team and its fan base, the team’s brand of football, or the brand name of the football team.  In the end, it’s a team’s winning brand of football that defines it.  Along with its owners, its players, its coaches, its history, and most importantly its fans, all work to define and formulate the essence of a team.  Not a nickname.  It’s time to end the distraction and get back to enjoying the game.

Is the term 'Redskin' offensive or respectful ?

Top 5 Controversial Mascot Teams

1. Washington Redskins 

2. Florida State University Seminoles

3. Atlanta Braves

4. Cleveland Indians

5. Chicago Black Hawks

With the Washington Redskins opening their season Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, an American Indian tribe in upstate New York has launched an ad campaign condemning the team's use of what it says is a racial slur as its mascot and name, a news release said. The Oneida Indian Nation is demanding NFL commissioner Roger Goodell "stand up to bigotry" and denounce the team's "obviously wrong, insensitive and unacceptable" name, according to the radio ad. 

CBS posed a very interesting question, How Many Native Americans Think "Redskin" Is A Slur?

There appear to Native American schools that call their teams 'Redskins'. The term is used affectionately by some natives, similar to the way the N-word is used by some African-Americans. In the only recent poll to ask native people about the subject, 90 percent of respondents did not consider the term offensive, although many question the cultural credentials of the respondents. Tommy Yazzie, superintendent of the Red Mesa school district on the Navajo Nation reservation, grew up when Navajo children were forced into boarding schools to disconnect them from their culture. Some were punished for speaking their native language. Today, he sees environmental issues as the biggest threat to his people. The high school football team in his district is the Red Mesa Redskins. “We just don’t think that (name) is an issue,” Yazzie said. “There are more important things like busing our kids to school, the water settlement, the land quality, the air that surrounds us. Those are issues we can take sides on.”It seems that everyone has an opinion on whether or not the Native American names given to team mascots are right or wrong. 

"We do not deserve to be called redskins," Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter says in the ad. "We deserve to be treated as what we are -- Americans." The ads will run on sports radio stations for the duration of the NFL season in the Washington, D.C., market, as well as in cities where the team will play away games. The lack of reaction from the NFL to the demands of the "change the mascot" campaign has been "quite troubling," Halbritter told ABCNews.com. "As American Indians, we often are treated as a historic relic or mascot," he said. "Sports and politics have a really important intersection. Symbolism really matters." But Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has been firm that he has no plans to make changes, USA Today reported. "We'll never change the name," he said in May. "It's that simple. NEVER -- you can use caps." NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Associated Press that the while the league respects the opposing viewpoints, "the name from its origin has always intended to be positive and has always been used by the team in a highly respectful manner." The Redskins aren't the only team with a name that incites controversy.

CNN posted an article about a woman named Suzan Shown Harjo who has been fighting for the name change of Native American Mascots for decades.  I feel that this issue is racists in the sense that everyone has slanderous names they don't appreciate (cracker, wetback, n-word,...). I don't think other races would appreciate their racial slurs as Mascots nationally, I know I certainly would take offense. It all comes down to your prospective on the issue. If someone made a racial slur against you would you be okay with it? It's one thing for someone of your race to call you a racial slur, but it is a totally different ball game when someone outside of your 'circle' says it! Think about it.... 

What does "Redskin" Really Mean?

             Few people actually know what the word “Redskin” really means. This is itself is the majority of the problem. Not a lot of people understand the origin of the Redskin’s name, so it is hard for them to comprehend the frustration of those pushing for the name change.  The term originates from the Beothuk tribe in present-day Canada. Members of the tribe often painted their bodies using red clay. The Native Americans lived alongside whites, and used the name “Redskin” to distinguish themselves. The term spread and was used abundantly in the 1800’s. However, along with many other monikers, “Redskin” eventually became associated with a negative connotation. Around the same time, sports teams were being commonly named after Native American tribes, sometimes as a sign of patriotism, and other times as a way to honor an important person.

            Nowadays, the average American simply knows the term “Redskins” as the NFL team led by quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Washington Redskins have a long tradition-filled history dating back to the 1930’s. Changing the name would undermine the long of history the team has made. Fans have grown up cheering for the Redskins and they do not see the negative connotation in the name. However, the name should be changed regardless of the fact if the fans turn a blind eye towards it or do not understand it. Had the team name been a racial slur towards a larger proportion of the audience the debate would mean more to more people and most likely be changed. The fans and people of America cannot continue to ignore the Native American identity and the racial slurs that are easily made towards them in today’s society. 

           

            However much the name may mean to the city and the team, whatever the cost may be to rebrand the team, Native Americans living in the Unites States should enjoys the same freedoms and respect as all other races and ethnicities. Native Americans are the only ones targeted by racial slurs within sports teams, and the Washington Redskins are just one of many teams sporting a racially discriminatory name. Although the name could be seen as being intertwined with the history of the team, the fact that the name wasn’t changed earlier in their history cannot be used as an excuse. The American public needs to understand that they are not the only ones that are important, and that there are other groups, ones who have been discriminated against greatly, that are fighting to end yet another form of segregation. These names should have been changed long ago, and the longer we wait, the deeper the roots of the name will become engrained in the image of the team.