On Mascots - The Ongoing Demeaning of the Native People

On my website, 'tween, Susan Bates, Columnist for Hiller n Holler, writes:

NCAA Bans Indian Mascots, Nicknames From Postseason Events

According to an AP newswire release, the NCAA has ruled that teams will not be allowed to use Indian Mascots and "hostile and abusive" nicknames during postseason play. The rest of the time the demeaning practice will be allowed.
Eighteen schools currently have mascots that fall into the hostile and abusive category, including Arkansas State University and the University of Illinois, whose Chief Illiniwek has been the center of much controversy. Having been born and raised in the heart of Illini country, I can see both sides of the issue.
I went to high school with a future Chief Illiniwek, who happened to be the son of a previous Chief Illiniwek. These men, as well as the fans, have great respect for the "Chief" and much effort is put into learning the "correct" dances and proud movements the Chief displayed during the games.
Looking back I can see now that it is no wonder that Natives of the area aren't thought of as real people and given the respect they should have. The main thing I learned about local "Indians" in my 12 years of schooling was that Abraham Lincoln fought in the Black Hawk Wars to make Illinois safe for decent white folk.
Now that I am older I understand how seeing my People used in this way is hurtful. I can't think of another race that is portrayed as a mascot by a school that isn't comprised of that race. I'd bet the ranch that there will never be a school mascot called the Jungle Bunny or the Jabbering Jews. Everyone knows those terms are offensive.
Arkansas State director of athletics, Dean Lee, issued the following statement concerning the NCAA post season ban on "hostile and abusive nicknames." "At Arkansas State University, we take great pride in being called the Indians. In fact, in 2006, we will be celebrating 75 years of having "Indians" as an athletic nickname. The comments we have received from our fans and alumni are overwhelming in support of our portrayal of the Native American heritage on the fields and the court of play. It is our objective to represent Native Americans in a dignified and stately manner. We believe that our use of the nickname "Indians" and "The Indian Family" as our mascot affords the Native American customs and history the fullest respect and integrity...."
Perhaps if more attention was paid to teaching the real truth about our People and what happened to them, the questions of demeaning mascots might become a moot point.

My response ...

I can see both sides of the [Mascot] issue. I grew up in Illinois with the Collinsville Kahoks (Cahokian Indians) where we had a Chief and Maiden Princess as our two mascots. They had to learn the painstakingly detailed fire hoop dance as well as other dances. They had to be very fit athletically for this.

Even in my grade school of Holy Cross Lutheran our basketball team was called the "Braves". So, I was semi-subconsciously immersed in indiginous symbology from age of five (Kindergarten) to 18 (High School).

When I was 12, my older brother, Dennis, made Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. Our family went to Pierre Marquette State Park for his rite of passage ceremony. One part of this ceremony involved each Eagle Scout getting thumped hard on his chest by the leader of the organization. This was a ritualistic process for each Eagle Scout initiate steeped in indiginous symbology.

I observed all of this when I was young. Are we Native American? I don't honestly know the answer to that. Sometimes when I look at photos of my Grampa Sam he looks curiously like a few of these wonderful ancient Chiefs I've seen pictures of in books. (Recently I discovered the family names on his side of the family tree are in the Cherokee Roles.) A lot of Americans have Native American blood but haven't been told about it for one reason or another. Sadly, Native blood in the family line used to be shameful to divulge and was well hidden in the family closet of skeletons.

I was always proud of this part of my high school memories. Our family, too, was much more balanced with regard to our view of our Native brothers and sisters. My Dad in particular was extremely drawn to their culture and did get a chance to come to Sedona at one point where I know he felt a strong connection with this sacred land.

All in all, I agree with the ban. Continuing down the disgraceful path we have already carved is not the answer. I think that it should be over now. Put to bed.

I feel we must step into a new space and release our nation's love/hate hold and rethink and recreate the old laws and rules in favor of our Native brothers and sisters, caring for them as much as we would care for our own children, parents, grandparents, and elders.

Thank you Susan for helping to shed and share more Light.
Aho.
Deidre

I welcome your comments, thoughts, and perspectives.