Honour by Discrimination
A person’s culture is a key aspect of their life and identity. It defines who they are with respect to the rest of the world, gives them a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves, and affects their perception of their environment. Culture can be defined in many ways, but in the context of society, it refers to the beliefs, traditions, and customs of a particular group of people, such as Japanese culture or Native American culture (Webster’s 69). The fusion and hybridization of cultures is a common practice and can be beneficial to the progression of society, but it can also be harmful if abused. For example, many people consider the use of Native American imagery in sports to be a harmless practice, while …show more content…
Stereotypes and misconceptions about the original inhabitants of North America are prevalent in the United States and Canada. According to Barbara E. Munson, “‘Indian’ logos and nicknames create, support, and maintain stereotypes of a race of people. When such cultural abuse is supported by one or many of society’s institutions, it constitutes institutional racism” (qtd. in King, Handbook 13). Whether consciously or unconsciously, people who support the use of Native American culture in sports are perpetuating harmful stereotypes and making a very clear statement about their priorities. “Of all minority groups, only American Indians … are still depicted in stereotypes and caricatures,” because it is the norm and very few people attempt to challenge it (Spindel 13). Those that do challenge these commonly-held beliefs are met with intense resistance from sports fans and many people in the sports …show more content…
Supporters of teams such as the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Indians, and others, argue that they are honoring Native American culture by incorporating them into their culture, but L.R. Davis adds that “one has to ask, who is being honored by Native American mascots, Native Americans or those who subdued Native Americans” (qtd in King, Handbook 25). However, these fans continue to “assert that naming teams after Indians is a positive way to honor them,” (Spindel 16). Jackson B. Miller elaborates on this mindset by suggesting that “fans, owners, and other individuals affiliated with teams that use Native American symbols and mascots are resistant to change because, in their minds, to embody the persona of the ideal sports fan … is akin to embodying the role of [an] Indian” (189). Another common argument on this side of the debate is that “the Native American protesters are making an "unfair" request by asking them (the fans) to give up their first amendment rights” (Miller, 197). Freedom of speech is an important right to protect, but what is more important to our society: fans’ rights to freedom of speech or Native American people’s right to be free from
A person’s culture is a key aspect of their life and identity. It defines who they are with respect to the rest of the world, gives them a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves, and affects their perception of their environment. Culture can be defined in many ways, but in the context of society, it refers to the beliefs, traditions, and customs of a particular group of people, such as Japanese culture or Native American culture (Webster’s 69). The fusion and hybridization of cultures is a common practice and can be beneficial to the progression of society, but it can also be harmful if abused. For example, many people consider the use of Native American imagery in sports to be a harmless practice, while …show more content…
Stereotypes and misconceptions about the original inhabitants of North America are prevalent in the United States and Canada. According to Barbara E. Munson, “‘Indian’ logos and nicknames create, support, and maintain stereotypes of a race of people. When such cultural abuse is supported by one or many of society’s institutions, it constitutes institutional racism” (qtd. in King, Handbook 13). Whether consciously or unconsciously, people who support the use of Native American culture in sports are perpetuating harmful stereotypes and making a very clear statement about their priorities. “Of all minority groups, only American Indians … are still depicted in stereotypes and caricatures,” because it is the norm and very few people attempt to challenge it (Spindel 13). Those that do challenge these commonly-held beliefs are met with intense resistance from sports fans and many people in the sports …show more content…
Supporters of teams such as the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Indians, and others, argue that they are honoring Native American culture by incorporating them into their culture, but L.R. Davis adds that “one has to ask, who is being honored by Native American mascots, Native Americans or those who subdued Native Americans” (qtd in King, Handbook 25). However, these fans continue to “assert that naming teams after Indians is a positive way to honor them,” (Spindel 16). Jackson B. Miller elaborates on this mindset by suggesting that “fans, owners, and other individuals affiliated with teams that use Native American symbols and mascots are resistant to change because, in their minds, to embody the persona of the ideal sports fan … is akin to embodying the role of [an] Indian” (189). Another common argument on this side of the debate is that “the Native American protesters are making an "unfair" request by asking them (the fans) to give up their first amendment rights” (Miller, 197). Freedom of speech is an important right to protect, but what is more important to our society: fans’ rights to freedom of speech or Native American people’s right to be free from