Varying degrees of offensiveness
Cleveland Indians player Omar Vizquel wearing a baseball cap bearing the image of the Cleveland Indians
mascot, Chief Wahoo
To further complicate this issue, many feel that there are varying levels of offensiveness with team names and
mascots. Anil Adyanthaya from the Boston Globe writes on June 5, 2005:
“
The use of Aztec or Seminole as a nickname by itself would not appear to be
racist, as such names refer to a particular civilization rather than an entire race of
people. In this way, they are no different from other school nicknames such as
Trojans and Spartans (like Aztecs, ancient peoples) or Fighting Irish and Flying
Dutchmen (like Seminoles, nationalities). Similarly, Warriors and Braves are no
different from the fighting men of other cultures, like Vikings, Minutemen, or
Musketeers (all current NCAA mascots, the first of which is also an NFL mascot)
so it seems hard to argue that their use is uniquely demeaning in some way.[4]
“
Could you imagine people mocking African Americans in black face at a game?”
he said. 'Yet go to a game where there is a team with an Indian name and you will
see fans with war paint on their faces. Is this not the equivalent to black face?'
“
His ceremonial dance is done with grace and beauty. The Chief
keeps the memory of the people of a great Native American tribe
alive for thousands of Illinoisans who otherwise would know little
or nothing of them.[2]
”
”
However, the tribal dance and costume was not of the Illini confederacy, but that of the Lakota tribe.[citation needed]
The Chief was retired on February 21, 2007, due in large part to the negative criticism.[citation needed]
Steven Denson, director of diversity for Southern Methodist University and member of the
A big issue in the Native American mascot debate is the use of Indian mascots by elementary, middle and high
school sports teams. Opponents of Native American mascots feel that children should be exposed to realistic
and positive portrayals of American Indians during their educational years. Kathy Morning Star, director of the
American Indian Cultural Support, states:
“
It is the responsibility of educators to set the example and teach the youth of today to respect
other ethnic or minority peoples - NOT to exploit or disrespect them by using them as 'mascots'
or stereotypical 'images' which perpetuates racism."[11]
Questions for Article of the Week – Chief Illini
Answer on a separate sheet of paper
1. What are the two opposing sides to this debate? If you want, make a T-chart and show the two sides of this
debate.
2. Vocab. Define the following words as you see them when you read.
a. Hostile and Abusive.
b. Controversial
c. Consensus
3. What were some of the points for which the students sued?
4. What is your opinion on this topic? Are the dances, chants and mascots racist or are they honoring the Native
American tribes?
Questions for Article of the Week – Chief Illini
Answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What are the two opposing sides to this debate? If you want, make a T-chart and show the two sides of this
debate.
2. Vocab. Define the following words as you see them when you read.
a. Hostile and Abusive.
b. Controversial
c. Consensus
3. What were some of the points for which the students sued?
4. What is your opinion on this topic? Are the dances, chants and mascots racist or are they honoring the Native
American tribes?
Questions for Article of the Week – Chief Illini
Answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What are the two opposing sides to this debate? If you want, make a T-chart and show the two sides of this
debate.
2. Vocab. Define the following words as you see them when you read.
a. Hostile and Abusive.
b. Controversial
c. Consensus
3. What were some of the points for which the students sued?
4. What is your opinion on this topic? Are the dances, chants and mascots racist or are they honoring the Native
American tribes?