What do you think of Native American mascots in sports? (suspect, racism)

[Martin Karadagian]

I realize that in some cases where a college has a local or regional Indian tribe as a mascot, that the local tribal leaders and/or majority from that tribe may not disapprove, or actually approve usage of their name. But in many of the cases of professional sports teams, names and caricatures used on uniform clothing are extremely offensive to many Native Americans.

It's somewhat ironic that it's the schools themselves (high schools, colleges) that sometimes honor protest of various Native American nicknames by removing images and changing nicknames, when it's the pros (and some major universities) that exploit the names the most by honoring marketing schemes over offenses to an ethnic group.

With most pro sports team owners, local/civic tradition has nothing to do with refusing to change a nickname. It's all about marketing. They don't want to lose money. But they will abandon their community by moving the team, and change their nickname at the drop of a hat, once ticket sales drop at a significant amount.

I think teams like the Washington Redskins (possibly the most offensive nickname), Cleveland Indians, KC Chiefs, and Atlanta Braves should all change their nicknames.

[GuyPinestra]

Like I said in another thread, people who are offended by the spoken, or written, word should grow a skin and get over it.

[Martin Karadagian]

Originally Posted by GuyPinestra

Like I said in another thread, people who are offended by the spoken, or written, word should grow a skin and get over it.

I don't think this is a sticks and stones, may broke my bones scenario. Neither do I think that way about racist remarks by shock jocks. These types of racism and stereotype have negative affects on entire ethnic groups.

[CelticLady1]

Originally Posted by Martin Karadagian

I don't think this is a sticks and stones, may broke my bones scenario. Neither do I think that way about racist remarks by shock jocks. These types of racism and stereotype have negative affects on entire ethnic groups.

Thank you. Well said. My great-grandmother was Seminole, and although Florida State University and the Seminole Tribe of Florida seem to have a good relationship, there are many other tribes who do not appreciate the names that are used as mascots. This is very sensitive for many Indian people, across this country, and I believe that each tribe's wishes, on this matter should be followed. Is it really so much to ask, that a little respect be given, to people who have had so much taken from them? It doesn't even begin to make up for it, by any stretch, but it would be a gesture of some decency, to extend.

[chloedog]

Go Braves!!!

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by GuyPinestra

Like I said in another thread, people who are offended by the spoken, or written, word should grow a skin and get over it.

I wonder if you'd say the same, if it was YOUR heritage being ridiculed and turned into a caricature... let's say there were teams called the Washington Crackers, San Antonio Gringos, and so on (or similar, if you're something besides White). As others said, this is a matter of respect and common decency - not Political Correctness.

[GuyPinestra]

It's ALL political correctness. How can you confuse that? I get called all kinds of names in my life that people use with MALICE, and the INTENT of causing duress, yet I don't get offended. Why? Because THEIR ignorance has NO BEARING on me.

Making a Supreme Court case out of sports nicknames, which have NO malice or intent, is nothing more than playing the 'victim card' to the bloody hilt.

Grow a skin, you're WAY TOO 'sensitive'.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by GuyPinestra

It's ALL political correctness. How can you confuse that? I get called all kinds of names in my life that people use with MALICE, and the INTENT of causing duress, yet I don't get offended. Why? Because THEIR ignorance has NO BEARING on me.

Making a Supreme Court case out of sports nicknames, which have NO malice or intent, is nothing more than playing the 'victim card' to the bloody hilt.

Grow a skin, you're WAY TOO 'sensitive'.

Why are you addressing me, as though I complained?? I'm simply explaining how it could be offensive, and how it's not always an issue of political correctness... I am not Native American, so cannot speak from their perspective or "grow a skin" over this issue. But as a Jew, I've been called all sorts of hurtful names too, and yes - it HURTS. I'm not suing anyone over it, or even letting it bother me, but I do understand how others could find certain things offensive. And what's the big deal about changing them to something more respectful? Or could you not "get over" that?

[CelticLady1]

Originally Posted by GuyPinestra

Grow a skin, you're WAY TOO 'sensitive'

I suspect there would be quite an outcry, if the Washington Redskins were changed to the Washington Blackskins, or worse yet, the Washington N*****s, and rightfully so, (apparently you didn't catch that example given by Gizmo ) Why is it such a problem for you, that these teams and corporations show a little respect to folks that have had very little given to them, since Columbus landed? As I said before, each tribe should be given due consideration, for their wishes.

[midnightbirdgirl]

I am a Native American, I I wish they would just leave it alone and shut the heck up abut it...It is political correctness gone wrong!!


MBG