Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

 

Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

Several sports teams use Native American mascots and names, from high school basketball teams to professional football teams. However, these mascots and gestures could be offensive to Indigenous people. The mascots and chants not only promote Native American stereotypes but also disrespect Native American culture and beliefs. Research done by the University of Michigan shows that Native Americans oppose these names and mascots, and many of them are offended by them. There have also been protests against these Native American mascots, urging for a name change. A few teams have changed their names and mascots to accommodate to these objections. One prime example is the Washington Redskins, changing their names to the Washington Commanders. One article, however, argues that Native inspired names and mascots are a good thing.

An article written on a University of Kansas blog points out that these names and mascots should not be considered offensive. The writer states that they use the Native American names and images out of admiration, and they regard their culture with great respect. A news reporter says that these teams decide their mascots based on something they want to be positively associated with. They say that Native Americans are considered to be courageous warriors, and would like them to be represented in that regard. They also say that using Native American images and mascots can help educate others on Native American culture. They believe that using these names and mascots could be a way of keeping Native Americans to "remain visible and relevant in mainstream America."

Although it may be true that Native-inspired names and mascots could possibly spread awareness and knowledge about Native culture, I believe that it should be up to the Native American community to decide whether it promotes their culture or promotes negative stereotypes. Based on the articles I've read, it seems as if white team managers and news reporters were the only ones involved in the discussion. Apart from protests, Native Americans did not really have a say in the matter. I think that this is the ultimate problem. If you are debating an issue and want to settle it, you should involve the people who are the subject of the debate, and allow them to have a say. If teams wanted to promote their way of life, then they should ask permission from the Native American community if they can keep the images and names or reconsider them.

A few sports teams have already changed their names and mascots, and I think the rest should do the same. In the case of the Kansas City Chiefs, they chose their name as an homage to an old Kansas City Mayor, Roe Bartle. I think that it's fine in that case, but in any other instance, they should first consult with Native Americans to see what they think. There are many Native Americans who consider the images and names offensive, and there are even protests about it. You can't just ignore all that and say that you're respecting their culture. I think that if the teams would like to respect Native Americans, then they should listen to them.