Indian Mascots, Symbols, and Names in Sports: a Brief History of the Controversy

Of all the issues facing the American Indian today, I honestly think that the use of Native images for professional sports mascots has gotten the most attention recently. SportsCenter debated the topic back and forth and comedy shows South Park highlighted the issue. The idea of using native images for sports teams is one of our last enduring openly accepted racist acts. People would not stand for an offensive image portraying any other race, yet we seem to be desensitized to the idea of being offensive to Native Americans. In this country we hold professional sports in an amazingly high accord. More people watch the Super Bowl then vote for President. Just in America alone we have the Kansas City Chiefs, the Washington Redskins, the Atlanta Braves, the Cleveland Indians, and the Chicago Blackhawks currently appropriating Native names and symbolism. The fact that two of those names are racial slurs (Redskins and Braves) is frankly absurd in 2016. Many people argue that there is history behind those names but I think that is such a weak argument. Historical significance should never be an excuse for overt racism. The only argument I've heard that could potentially hold some weight is the idea of respectful use of native symbols. I think that there is an argument to be at least heard that symbols like that of the Chicago Blackhawks are done with admiration and respect for the American Indian. I think that it is a touchy subject but that the best thing that we can do is keep an open dialogue as a nation.

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