Sticks And Stones And Sports Team Names By Richard Estrada

761 Words2 Pages

Richard Estrada is a noted author, thoughtful, independent-minded associate editor of the Dallas Morning News. In his essay "Sticks and Stones and Sports Team Names," Estrada addresses the issue of whether sports teams should use names and images associated with Native Americans. Estrada believes that using Native American tribes/groups as sport team names are unacceptable. Native Americans have the right just like all other ethnic groups to rally against the world of sports entertainment. The “Washington Blackskins” would not last a week if that were a team name so why should we allow the name “Redskins.” Estrada argues that the newspapers should ban references to Native American nicknames. People of the sports entertainment world are ignoring the fact that Native Americans are a minority and they should get a say if they would like for a certain team/group to represent their symbols. Estrada establishes common ground by using all ethnic groups as an example to attract everyone’s attention. This strategy is very effective because it places all ethnic groups in the position of the Native Americans so they can see what it would be like in their shoes or to see things from their point of view. “The …show more content…

Some schools changed their team’s name voluntarily. In 2005, the NCAA required colleges to evaluate the potential offensiveness of their team name, symbol, or mascot and to get permission from the affected group. In North Dakota, the state university tried to drop its Fighting Sioux moniker; the state legislature blocked the move and then repealed the decision. Even in the state of Mississippi, Alcorn State University has stopped using a Native American mascot, but they have retained their Braves nickname. This indicates that meaningful discussion is being held about the use of these terms and images; hopefully, they are close to being

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