Native American Mascot Controversy

              There has been much controversy over whether or not someone should be identified by the color of their skin or by other characteristics. This also pertains to the sports teams who use Native American Mascots for their American teams and it has been called offensive. The word "Mascot" defines a person, animal, and/or object that symbolizes the respect for a certain team. Suzan Shown Harjo compares the R-word (of the Washington Redskins) to the N-Word. Harjo has been spending most of her time trying to get the Washington Redskin's to change their mascot.She can't even bring herself up to saying Redskins because it has been given to people who don't care about the word and how offensive it is. CNN.com has also searched the word Redskins on Merriam-Webster dictionary and revealed that it has a very offensive meaning and when referred to Native Americans, it is very derogatory.

               Harjo had petitioned repeatedly to change the Washington Redskin's name because it was so offensive and in the end, nothing happened. However, she got many people riled up about the name and the different opinions. Of course, NOT EVERYONE THINKS ALIKE! Many have said that the mascot for the Washington redskins is an offensive slur and the Native American community is also shaken up by it as most mascots used in sport teams can be quite similar. Also, Dan Snyder, the team's owner commented a while back that he will "never" change the name because of how it shows tradition and pride he wants to share with others.What he doesn't understand is that even though the the mascot is symbolic, it causes discomfort for most Native American people.
Is having a Native American mascot honorable or ignorant because Native Americans have always been on the other side of where the Americans stand. With American teams using Native American's mascot, it seems a little inappropriate. The Washington Redskins has a name that is insensitive towards Native American people; it has been said that "Redskins" stands for a time when Indians had boundaries and it is extremely insulting. The Redskins is a simple caricature that represents stereotypes against Native Americans and it seems as though the American teams are honoring the Indians for their traditions and pride but really, it is as offensive as anyone calling another person a stereotypical and racial name right in front of their faces. There was an example of a pep rally in Minnesota where students and teachers dress in cowboy and Indian costumes and yell at each other; the phrases they would say are the most offensive, such as "go back to your reservation", etc. People calling other people  certain offensive name is harassment, especially if they are of the same race. But is it okay if American teams say it is "honoring" and "flattering" towards Native Americans and their backgrounds? It is not okay for American teams to use the Indian as a mascot when it is clearly dehumanizing and very racial for the Native American community.