The Debate Regarding the Use of Native American Mascots Essay -- Nativ

Teams in every sport, at every level of competition, have a mascot. It is the mascot that represents the competitive spirit and team identity, motivating players and fans alike. Does the symbol chosen as a mascot have any impact on whether a team wins or loses? Unlikely. But the choice of a Native American mascot continues to ignite debate and controversy among athletes, fans and alumni, as well as those people who might otherwise be disinterested in sports. Why all the controversy? The dispute over whether Native American mascots should be used as a team symbol dates back to the 1970’s (Price 2). There are those who are passionately against Native American mascots. These advocators insist that Native American mascots are degrading to the native population and the mascots do not represent the true identity of Native Americans. What they fail to realize 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. The proponents of Native American mascot use believe tribal mascots display honor and respect towards the Native American people. They cheer that the inclusion of Native American iconography in the athletic arena serves to pay admiration and ongoing tribute to the identity of the Native American culture. In a majority of cases, this view is even sanctioned by the tribes themselves (Morrison). Rather than extinguish Native American mascots as a symbolic reference for schools and sports teams, the choice to sensitively use such imagery should be without sanction. Doesn’t the restriction and ultimate elimination of the Native American mascot also abolish the nation’s historic view of Native ... ... Library, Wausau, WI. 16 Nov. 2014. . Morrison, Rich. â€Å"Special Interview: Rich Morrison Speaks Out in Favor of Native American Sports Mascots.† Issues and Controversies on File. 29 Mar. 2002. Issues and Controversies. Facts on File. Wausau East Library. Wausau, WI. 10 Nov. 2014. . â€Å"Native American Sports Mascots.† Issues and Controversies On File. 12 April. 2002. Issues and Controversies. Facts On File. Wausau East Library. Wausau, WI. 10 Nov. 2014. . Price, S.L. â€Å"The Indian Wars.† Sports Illustrated 4 Mar. 2002: 1-5. SI.com. 16 Nov. 2014. . Wieberg, Steve. â€Å"NCAA Ponders Future of Indian Nicknames.† USA Today 15 May. 2005. SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source. Wausau East Library, Wausau, WI. 16 Nov. 2014. .