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Native American Mascots

North Dakota is currently in one of the biggest debates over a Native American team mascot.  
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is fighting with the University of North Dakota regarding the
Fighting Sioux mascot.   The Native American students have been increasing the pressure on the
University to change its name.   “We’re seeing more educators around the county, in middle
Schools, high schools and at universities, concerned about the racial climate in schools
dropping these symbols” (Johansen, 2004).   Since the early 1970’s, about 1,250 of the nation’s
3,000 elementary schools, high schools, and colleges with American Indian nicknames and
mascots have dropped them, said Susan Shown Harjo, president of Washington D.C.’s
Morningstar Institute (Johansen, 2001).   Are we being disrespectful to the Native American
people?   Should the Native American people be proud that a school uses an icon as a mascot?  
Schools all over the country begin with a story and honoring of the Native Americans at each
sporting event.
    Why have Native Americans asked for an end to Native American mascots?   Native
Americans perceive this as a racial issue.   The problem has stirred up controversy because Native
Americans   maintain that such symbols and mascots are stereotypical and dehumanizing. They
also feel it is derogatory to their tribe and people. They feel it reflects a violent caricature of
Native Americans.   They have heard several people make fun of the noses on the mascots.   They
should never use cartoons or violent images of Native Americans. One of the biggest concerns
is the physiological impact that this will have on the children.   For their part, many Indians feel
strongly that these glorified interpretations of their past negate their right to define themselves
and have a severe impact on the self-images of their children. “Copycats,” children somehow
understand,” appropriate the power of the people they mimic.” These symbols are a...