Human Beings Are Not Mascots

I read the chapter beginning on page 149 entitled "Human Beings Are Not Mascots" by Barbara Munson.  It is disturbing to me that there remains any debate over the use of "Indian" logos and nicknames for sports teams but indeed there is.  The author of this chapter is Native American and she simply and effectively uses a question and answer format to explain why such mascots and logos constitute institutional racism.  She presents the most common queries and statements she hears as a way to educate the reader about the issue.  Essentially, it is a FAQ sheet for readers who may be wondering how such longtime and often beloved symbols "separate, marginalize, confuse, intimidate and harm Native American children and create barriers to their learning....In addition, the logos teach non-Indian children that it's alright to participate in culturally abusive behavior."

I see connections between this issue and our classroom discussions about depictions of females and gender stereotypes in general.  Supporters of the status quo try to trivialize the issue to dismiss advocates of change and they are often emotionally attached to established norms, however outdated or harmful.  It also connects to the idea of thinking critically about the lens through which we view American culture and how that is reflected in the media.

http://www.indianmascots.com

The author's thesis is that when cultural abuse is supported by society institutions, it constitutes institutional racism.  Some of the statements she gently but pointedly counters:

"We have always been proud of our 'Indians.'"

"We are honoring Indians; you should feel honored."

"We never intended the logo to cause harm."

"This is not an important issue."

"This logo issue is just about political correctness."

Munson contends that fans are proud of athletic teams even where the team's name and logo don't stereotype a race of people; native people feel mocked, not honored, when sacred symbols are used in another culture's game; that while there may have been no intention of harm, in fact the logos are harmful to a culture and especially to children; that the issue is an important one from a legal perspective (pupil harassment and equal access to education) and to the positive identity and self-esteem development of Native American children; and that calling this an issue of political correctness trivializes the stereotypes and ignorance that have destroyed lives and whole cultures.

  

http://www.tolerance.org/author/barbara-munson

The author worked with other advocates in Wisconsin for nearly two decades to pass the first "Indian Mascot Bill" barring the use of race-based team names in public school settings.  In educating Americans about the logo issue, she often hears questions like these:

"Why is the term 'Indian'as a mascot name offensive?"

"Why is an attractive depiction of an Indian warrior just as offensive as an ugly caricature?"

"Aren't you proud of your warriors?"

Munson answers by noting that "Indian" is not the name that indigenous people prefer to be called; that both a caricature and an attractive depiction are stereotypes that place Native Americans in the past and keep them marginalized; and it is because they are proud of their warriors that they don't want them demeaned in a sport on a playing field.

The author concludes by acknowledging that it may be difficult to respect a culture different than the one in which you were raised and expresses gratitude to everyone who stands with Native Americans in protest of "Indian"logos and mascots.  When we come together in the spirit of tolerance and justice, Munson writes, we model for all children thoughtfulness, courage, and respect.  By following the link below, you will see that she found allies in former President Obama and the company Adidas.

/us-news/2015/nov/05/obama-supports-effort-native-american-mascots-redskins