Allow the Use of Native American Sports Names
by Reasons why the NCAA and other levels of sports should allow the use of Native American tribe names as their school mascot.
The use of Native Americans as logos, mascots, and team names for high school, college, and professional teams is a growing problem in some people’s minds, and yet for others it is an honor.
Teams such as the “Fighting Sioux” or the “RedSkins” are in no way dishonoring the name, that is based on the fact that the student body of the college is following campus rules, and the NFL team isn’t mocking them. There’s no question that having a Native American originated team name should be allowed in all levels of sports.
The University of North Dakota, also known as the fighting Sioux, produce twenty percent of the United States American Indian doctors. A recent sports illustrated survey said that eighty-one percent of Native American respondents said “no” when they were asked whether high school and college teams should stop using the Indian nicknames.
Although the number is a bit off because the numbers were found from people who are sports fans, it still shows the lack of people against it. That means all but twenty percent of people educated on the situation believe it is acceptable. A Sioux goalie for UND said that he strongly supports the name. He felt good wearing a jersey representing the fighting Sioux. He should know best about the atmosphere of the games. He experienced games for a couple of years, and was in no way offended.
If it were more of the students attending schools like this having a big issue with it that would be one thing from experiencing first hand what the atmosphere is like in the crowds, the benches, the school, and college or high school life. It’s another thing to be an “elder” for the tribe, go to a few games and say that the crowd is in some way mocking them. If they are truly proud of their heritage how would they find these actions offensive considering they themselves did them.
As long as the logos, team names, and slogans or cheers are not demeaning the Native Americans there is no reason at all that we cannot honor these tribes as a school. If they were to pass a ruling not allowing the use of Native American names what would be next? The Boston Celtics have an Irish man, the Green Bay Packers are representing the meat packers, and the Minnesota Vikings are representing the Vikings. Yet the only known issue is brought up by Native American elders.
Yes, they should be allowed.
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Post CommentDakota Lifestyle: Beyond the Weather
On November 19, 2007 at 9:21 am
It’s nice to have a strong statistic, like 81 percent of Native Americans attending UND that don’t have a problem with the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo. I do believe it was meant to be an honor and that most people see it that way.
Maybe those who don’t see it that way are talking louder, though. If it really is okay, the people that like the Fighting Sioux mascot will have their work cut out for them: They have to convince a tribe to endorse it.
Nick Kenney
On December 27, 2007 at 6:29 pm
As long as it isn’t used to offend anyone it should be allowed.
The American Indians deserve (more than anyone) to be included in every aspect of American life and leisure…they are after-all
the TRUE Americans…
cgg
On September 26, 2008 at 8:50 am
I find it offensive that Indian lands were taken by English colonialists who’s ancestors are now lawyers and living on the very lands that rightfully belonged to the Indians.
Isn’t this the true issue?
S A JOHNSON
On August 11, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I agree that as long as the the emblems are not degrading then its fine. One Native said, (roughly quoted) “If the caricature was of a black person it would be taken down in a heart beat.” I agree with that. It wouldn’t be allowed for fear of appearing racist.
Chelsea.P
On October 14, 2009 at 8:37 pm
NICK KENNY,
THE INTENTION MEANS NOTHING. When it comes to these team names, mascots, and logo’s intent isn’t the only thing that matters. Despite the primary intention of these names, various individuals of the First Nations ancestry including my self of Cree decent interpret the applications as undeniably reprehensible. The “Passaic High School Indians” (school), “Edmonton Eskimos” (CFL), and the “Chicago Blackhawk’s” (NHL) are all names with significant values, and were formerly considered either sacred or derogative. Now they are being used to promote athletic team’s, not “celebrate” or “reflect” on Native American culture as they should be when applying these terms. It has been noted that the utility of these names have been interpreted too “honour” the Native lifestyle, and that some may view them as positive symbols and tributes to Native Americans. However I concur that it has simply been degrading, and would consider it a disgrace to people of these ethnic groups. Personally, I would assume that anyone inclined for the continuation of using Native American-based sport’s team names is essentially denying the importance of the virtuous Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you“. Clearly these ethnic groups have taken the use of these names impertinently, and simply ask that they be changed which is why I am confused as too why it has not been done yet. It would be of utmost importance to me that these sport’s teams reflect on more contemporary names since there are however billions of comparable terms which can be used instead to symbolize themselves and to take the opinions of the descendants of these denotations into consideration.
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