Controversial Sports Mascots Research Paper

Improved Essays
Controversial Mascots- Argument Essay
Sports mascots and what they represent are part of American heritage. Many mascots in sports today are seen as politically wrong and offensive, but that is not the case. They are used to promote fun and team spirit and most are viewed respectably
Any mascot can be controversial. An animal mascot can be seen offensive in the way it is displayed, but people don’t demand that they be changed. This is because Americans care more about accidentally offending someone than they do about their history and culture. “The most absurd aspect of this politically correct ruckus is that non-native Americans are lecturing Native Americans on what should offend them” (Hyman).This is from an article about the University of North Dakota and their mascot. The Fighting Sioux have been told that there name is racial and crude by the board of education and other representatives. But, they haven’t discussed this with their origin, the Sioux tribe, who wants them to keep the name. They see it as an honor to be represented by the people of their town. According to Playboy magazine,”90 percent of Native Americans who were polled responded they were not offended by the Redskins mascot” (Hyman).
…show more content…
While some can be displayed as crude and have offensive chants, most do not. The Braves, for example are displayed as strong and courageous. They have a great mascot that shows the strength of the team. Some people might see a few of their cheers to be offensive, but they are done out of good-natured fun and team spirit (Kimberlin). Getting rid of a team's mascot can affect their team spirit, fans, and overall playing. The logos used by teams are also viewed as controversial. They are just animated to draw people in and create a fun atmosphere, like all

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    Response to Ward Churchill’s Essay There are several reasons why Ward Churchill argues that names of sports teams such as “Braves”, “Indians”, and “Chiefs” are examples of outright racism and as insulting to Native Americans as the “Redskins” mascot. First, in real life, names of Indian Americans (in a combination with native symbols and images) are frequently used in a derogatory manner, depicting native Indians as inhuman, menacing, and grotesque. Using tribal names of Indian Americans helps to condition general public to view Native Americans as savages by associating names of tribes with dehumanizing, offensive, and derogatory practices. Second, although it may be argued that such names are intended to demonstrate respect for Native…

    • 332 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    We cannot make statements saying something is offensive, when we have no experience in the issue. The Washington redskins have been around for over 40 years, why change the name now?…

    • 119 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The author feels like his race is being humiliated. In the article “Indian Mascots- You’re Out” the author Jack Shakley talks about his times growing during Indian stereotypes. The author wants to prove whether or not Native Americans are being disrespect through the use of Indian mascots for sports. Shakley starts the article off with a childhood memory of his back in the 1950’s.…

    • 1017 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    You know, 6th graders,the use of the team names Redskins and how offensive to native americans it is, is very interesting! I know that the name redskins can and is very offensive to native americans. I also know that some states, like california, are trying to and have already banned the name redskins for teams and high schools and things like that. The washington redskins are in court trying to keep the team name and not have to think about different names. Also the Washington Redskins are trying to keep their name because it has been that threw out the whole Washington’s franchise.…

    • 175 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    In the cartoon, “ Mascots” Phil Hands persuades middle aged Americans about how Native Americans feel about them being used as High school mascot because it can be offensive. Should High schools be able to use Native Americans as a mascot? “ Reservation High school home of the land stealing pale faces.” This shows disrespect between the races, and is not acceptable. Since having different races as mascots is offensive, they should not be aloud.…

    • 425 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Today many Native Americans are feeling offended because of the mascots of teams/schools. Indian Mascots should be banned. The names can be kept. Most nicknames should be banned as well.…

    • 216 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Clearly, the term redskins in extremely offensive to Native Americans. Textbooks from the early 1900s use the term in racist ways. I tried considering both sides of the case, but it is impossible to think a National Football team has more power over an entire race. Fortunately, all beginnings have an ending and I hope to be the generation that ends all racial jokes, mascots, signs, and names against Native…

    • 995 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    During one of the games the Braves fans did the tomahawk chop and screamed indian chants throughout the game. And the Indians fans proudly waved fake tomahawks and covered their faces in paint. This caused a revolt; native american activists waited outside the stadium with signs and protested the inappropriate use of their symbols. People should not be getting mad about native american mascots or names, it is doing no harm to anyone and anything. The main reason for symbols is to bring a community closer together.…

    • 1560 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Throughout the years society has become more and more sensitive to certain topics regarding feelings and emotions. The smallest action or word can trigger a person to become offended or get angry about a topic or event. One such topic is the use of Native American mascots throughout different school, universities and professional sports teams. There are two sides for this argument that most people stand on, they are either all for or all against the use of such mascots. The use of Native American mascots gives off a sense of pride and honor to those who represent the mascot by making them feel a part of something important, retains the heritage of the tribe in that community, and shows values such as leadership and bravery that many Native…

    • 1275 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The name Indians and Redskins are a racist terms. The definition of Redskins by the Oxford Dictionary states “offensive, dated,…

    • 566 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Imagine having your identity being mocked and disrespected on TV daily. You probably wouldn’t be too happy. This is a constant injustice that Native Americans have had to deal with since the beginning of sports. Different variations of Native American imagery have been used as mascots for sports teams of all types and of all levels. There are countless high school, college, and professional athletic teams that label themselves as the Indians or have mascots that are known as Indians.…

    • 1059 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The release reads, “Colleges and universities may adopt any mascot that they wish, as that is an institutional matter, but as a national association, we believe that mascots, nicknames or images deemed hostile or abusive in terms of race, ethnicity or national origin should not be visible at the championship events that we control," (NCAA 2005). The release goes on to state that in 2004, 33 teams were asked to evaluate their use of Native American imagery around their athletics programs and their campuses. By the time the 2005 press release came out 18 schools still used names derived from Native Americans, 14 had removed all references to Native Americans, and one was still doing its self investigation. This release then goes on to encourage that the 18 teams makes efforts to remove the imagery from their…

    • 977 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    I think it is okay to use native american mascots as long as they are not racist. Three examples of native american sports teams would be the Cherokee Braves, Florida State seminoles, and the Washington Redskins. The Cherokee Braves are a (high school) sports team and the florida state seminoles are a (collegiate) sports team and the Washington redskins are a (NFL) football team. These teams all have to do with native americans. The NCAA is threatening to shut down or stop all sports teams that has anything to do with native americans due to racism.…

    • 580 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    In the course of recent years, there has been a national civil argument with respect to whether school and professional sports organizations should utilize Native American symbolism as their mascots, monikers, and additionally logos. At a base, there are two clashing perspectives: (1) Keeping this symbolism respects Native American individuals, underpins nostalgic emotions, and spares financing; and (2) Keeping this symbolism is hostile and debasing in light of the fact that it is honored to Native Americans and propagates negative stereotypes. Supporters contend these pictures are complimentary, not "harmful," and are not disrespectful to every single Native American. Individuals in resistance refer to research that demonstrates enduring negative…

    • 1048 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Arguing the Feelings of Native American Mascots In “Appropriating Native American Imagery Honors no one but Prejudice,” Amy Stretten argue “Racial stereotyping, inaccurate racial portrayals and cultural appropriation do not honor a living breathing people. Plain and simple, cultural appropriation- especially when members of the culture protest the appropriation - is not respectful” (Stretten par.7). In short, Stretten is arguing that the way society goes about “honoring” Native Americans is offensive and should be discontinued.…

    • 853 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays