Mascot Controversy Analysis

The mascot controversy is a campaign against the use of Native American propaganda on mascots in which are supporting American sporting teams. The mascots are shown as the logos, and are often displayed on merchandise that are sold to loyal fans of the teams.

In the essay, written by Shaw, the author explores the team mascots that have offended many. One of the team mascots that are being critiqued is the Washington Redskins. People are objecting to the usage of “redskins,” and are also stating that the football team name shouldn’t include the word, redskins (Shaw 2). The logo of the Washington Redskins displays a Native American man, and the protesters are saying that the name of the team should be changed. The protestors believe that the Native Americans shouldn’t be referred to as redskins. The term is an improper expression used in past years to describe Native Americans. The protestors refer to the usage of the team title as a derogatory term. I think the change of the mascot is something that should happen.

The author also displays the usage of the inappropriate mascots for two baseball games.

Baseball has a worldwide reach. The games that occur in America are heard about in various other countries. The two teams in the national baseball league is Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians. The Cleveland Indians have been given feedback on the mascot, and the team name (Shaw 5). Some people are fine with the title getting used, but not the mascot image. While others are not fine with the title, but are ok with the mascot image. Others aren’t happy with either the title or the mascot symbol. It’s a sensitive subject for many people involved. The Atlanta Braves were under scrutiny for an image that was a potential option for the Atlanta Braves logo. It was a potential image for a batting practice hat for the professional player, and somehow the images were leaked (Shaw 4). The image was never public, but rather still in the works when it was released. The team chose to go with another traditional

mascot.
The changing of a team title or team mascot would take a lot of money to change. As well as the merchandise that is already on display for people to purchase. They would have to pay someone for a new logo. They would have to change the logos on uniforms, merchandise, and the stadium amongst other things. I personally believe that it would take a lot to change the logo of any team. Although, I’m sure that even if a mascot was portrayed in a poor light that the team would feel obligated to make the change, as they should. People would just tell the owners that they want the image to be changed, and then the owners would potentially make a change. Although, the process could potentially take a long time.