Indian Mascot Stereotypes In Native American Sports

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Indian Mascot Stereotypes The role a mascot plays is an intimidation element, as well as to encourage the team. It is the mascot that represents the competitive spirit and team distinctiveness, which motivates the players and fans. In sports, teams use mascots to symbolize their team’s strength, pride, and will to win. Mascots do not usually fall under scrutiny, except for the mascots that represent Native American tribes, people or cultures. Exploiting an Indian mascot is nothing more than costumed cultural discrimination. The sports mascots and insignias employing Indian names and logos, in effect, desensitize Native Americans. People need to realize the humiliation a racist name or act has on our discernment of the people who are the subject matter of this sort of discrimination. Some may believe that Native American imagery in sports can be a way to honor the Native Americans. To claim it is an honor is deliberate ignorance and circumvention of the fundamental problem, the lack of intercultural communication and respect. If it was truly meant to be an honor, the tribes would The mascot, who was dressed in chiefs wear, made a fool of himself, which is tremendously disrespectful to the customs of Indian tribes (522). Their cultural identity and their role in American history would truly be accredited at both the sport’s organizations and in schools. Americans need to recognize if Native American mascots are perpetrating offence, then it is not a tribute to them. It is racist and does not teach honor in our culture. Native American mascots should be taken out of our educational system because it does not impartially or truthfully reflect our history as it relates to Native Americans. People need to move towards an understanding and respect for Native

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