Native American Symbols and Mascots in Sports

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Our group had the task to present about Native American symbols and mascots in sports. We structured our presentation by presenting the cases of four major sports teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Florida State Seminoles, Cleveland Indians, and the Washington Redskins. Chicago Blackhawks The founder named his team the “Chicago Blackhawks” in honor of the Sauk Indian chief who sided with the British in the War of 1812. However this team has had it easy, because the major complaints they get involve their logo only, leaving the name and mascot in peace. Joe Podlasek, who runs the American Indian Center in Chicago, says “what makes the Blackhawks a bit better is they don't use a mascot to dance around and, in his opinion, mock his heritage” (Bradley). Effectively, we see here that the Natives’ demands for change aren’t numerous, and that they will feel satisfied if only the logo changed. The morals of Native people are based more on the concept of respect; they don’t mind the use of the word “Blackhawk” if they are treated with respect in return. Some also state that Chicago can have it the easy way out, since there is a military helicopter called “Blackhawk”, and they could change their theme to a military one. But the Chicago Blackhawks board refuses to change their logo now because they insist that they are honoring the Sauk culture and mean no cultural harm. The helicopter argument also backfired on the Natives, because some criticized them for not complaining to the government for naming a helicopter line after them. Florida State Semioles During a homecoming dance, one of the members of the homecoming committee suggested that the school adopts a Seminole chief and a horse as their mascot. After approaching the Seminole tribe, who ... ... middle of paper ... ...). "Protesting the Misappropriation of Native American Terms and Images by the Cleveland Baseball Team". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Web. 15 April 2014. “Indians Protest.” The Pittsburg Press 23 Jan. 1988: C2. Print “Most Indians Say Name of Washington “Redskins” Is Acceptable While 9 Percent Call It Offensive”. The Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. n.p. 24 September 2004. Web. 14 April 2014. “Poll: Controversial Redskins name has support” Ben Nuckols. Msn News. 5 March 2013. Web. 14 April 2014. The two sources were used to gather information from studies about the opinions of the public. “The Curse of Chief Wahoo”. Peter Pattakos. The Cleveland Scene Magazine. 25 April 2012. Web. 15 April 2014. “Redface has another big day at the ballpark in Cleveland”. Peter Pattakos. Cleveland Frowns. n.p. 6 April 2014. Web. 15 April 2014.

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