Topic > The Debate Over the Use of Native American Mascots

Teams in every sport, at every level of competition, have a mascot. It is the mascot that represents the competitive spirit and identity of the team, motivating players and fans. Does the symbol chosen as a mascot have any impact on a team's victory or defeat? Unlikely. But the choice of a Native American mascot continues to spark debate and controversy among athletes, fans and former students, as well as among those people who might otherwise be disinterested in the sport. Why all the controversy? The dispute over whether or not to use Native American mascots as team symbols dates back to the 1970s (Price 2). There are those who are passionately against Native American mascots. These advocates insist that Native American mascots are degrading to the Native population and that the mascots do not represent the true identity of Native Americans. What they fail to understand is that this argument focuses entirely on the perception and predetermined judgment that any Native American mascot is discriminatory and dehumanizing. This is simply not the case. Supporters of the use of Native American mascots believe that tribal mascots show honor and respect towards the Native American people. They rejoice that the inclusion of Native American iconography in the athletic arena serves to pay continued admiration and tribute to the identity of Native American culture. In most cases, this vision is even sanctioned by the tribes themselves (Morrison). Rather than extinguishing Native American mascots as a symbolic reference for schools and sports teams, the choice to sensitively use such images should be sanction-free. The restriction and permanent elimination of the Native American mascot also does not abolish the historical vision of the Native nation. ..... middle of sheet ...... Library, Wausau, WI. November 16, 2014. Morrison, rich. “Special Interview: Rich Morrison Speaks Out in Support of Native American Sports Mascots.” Issues and disputes on file. March 29, 2002.Problems and controversies. Facts on file. Wausau East Library. Wausau, Wisconsin. November 10, 2014..“Native American Sports Mascots.” Issues and disputes on file. April 12. 2002. Problems and controversies. Facts on file. Wausau East Library. Wausau, Wisconsin. November 10, 2014..Price, SL “The Indian Wars.” Sports Illustrated March 4, 2002: 1-5. SI.com. November 16, 2014..Wieberg, Steve. “NCAA mulls future of Indians nicknames.” USA Today May 15. 2005. SIRS Researcher. SIRS knowledge source. Wausau East Library, Wausau, WI. November 16, 2014.>.