problems with Native American mascots, The

Multicultural Education, Summer 2002 by Davis, Laurel R

Second, Native Americans represent only about one percent of the United States population, so issues they care about, and most others do not, will not likely win public approval. People who are Jewish, and people who travel in wheelchairs, also represent a small percentage ofthe United States population, yet this does not mean that others should ignore their feelings and concerns. Even if the percentage of people who are offended is small, others should still try to be sensitive. Part of being a good citizen is trying to empathize with other people, especially those who are different from ourselves. Of course, we should attempt to understand why other people are offended by something, but even ifwe cannot achieve this understanding the considerate thing to do is to respond to others' concerns.

Those who support the use of Native American mascots often claim that they want to retain the mascots because they "respect" Native Americans. Respect is a meaningless word when the positions of most pan-ethnic Native American organizations are ignored. Real respect is carefully listening to, attempting to understand, and addressing Native American concerns about this issue. On a related note, it is not accurate to say that every possible symbol or mascot will be objectionable to someone. There are many symbols, including most other sport mascots, that are not offensive to any groups of people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, equality and justice in society depends on our abilities to empathize with those who are different from us. If we listen carefully to the Native American individuals and organizations that call for an elimination of Native American mascots it will be clear that there are valid reasons why we should work to eliminate these mascots, and other problematic images of Native Americans, in society. The state of Minnesota has made a coordinated effort to eliminate Native American mascots in its public schools and has been quite successful. The rest of the country needs to follow their lead.

ReFerences

Bataille, G., & Silet, C. L. P. (Eds.) (1980). The Pretend Indians: Images of Native Americans in the Movies. Ames, IA: Iowa State University.

Davis, L. R. (1993). Protest Against the Use of Native American Mascots: A Challenge to Traditional American Identity. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 17(1): 9-22.

Dorris, M. (1992, April 24). Crazy Horse Isn't a Good Name for a Malt Liquor. Star Tribune, p. 19A.

Green, R. (1988). The Tribe Called Wannabee: Playing Indian in America and Europe. Folklore, 99: 30-55.

Hilger, M. (1986). The American Indian in Film. Methuen, NJ: Scarecrow. Lyman, C. M. (1982). The Vanishing Race and

Other Illusions. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institute.

MacPhie, R. P. (1991, October 25). This "Real Live Indian" Offended by Chop. Star Tribune, p. 19A.

Ode, I (1992, January 23). Bellecourt's New AIM. Star Tribune, pp. lE-2E. Rosenstein, J. (1996). In Whose Honor? Ameri

can Indian Mascots in Sports. Video produced and directed by Jay Rosenstein. Champaign, IL: Jay Rosenstein.