For many years, Hollywood has created westerns that have distorted the personal and life of Native Americans and exemplified them as less than human; many times portraying them as just one step beyond the caveman, mentally and physically. Such presentations have made it easier for people to caricaturize Native Americans and use them as mascots for various amateur and professional sports teams. Those mascots who are in the face of the people every day, whether through the TV sportscasters or newspaper writers, have contributed to the continuation of the negative and demeaning attitude toward all Native Americans.

To justify the continuation of those mascots, the response from supporters has usually included verbiage relating to "Tradition." What we ask people to consider is what do they mean by "Tradition?" When we talk about "Tradition" we refer to a practice or image that adheres to a specific time frame. In this instance, who has the longer established "Tradition" – sports teams or Native Americans? Who's "Tradition" is being defiled? In reality, the mascot portrayals are fictional replicas fabricated from the Hollywood cinema, not traditional images from the Native American culture.

If we were to look at the supposed "Tradition" of other races of people, and caricaturize them for possible sport team mascot names, how would they respond to "Spicks," "Blackskins," or "Yellowskins?"

These harmful, demeaning imagery depictions of Native Americans have left our Native American people with deep scars. Our younger generation suffers from the highest rate of suicide of any racial/ethnic group in this country. Suicide, alcoholism (death due to cirrhosis of the liver is 17 times that of the national average), drug abuse are illnesses born of low self-esteem, poverty, and hopelessness.

Please see us for who we are! Yes, we do have a "Tradition," a real culturally-based tradition, which is part of who we are today. But, besides that, we are intelligent, well educated people, who fill such positions in our society as doctor, lawyer, teacher, soldier–every facet of our society. We are not stuck in some make believe time warp, hiding behind a bush waiting to attack someone, as Hollywood has depicted us. We want to walk shoulder to shoulder with you and be respected, as are you.

So, we ask that besides helping to educate others:

a) When a game involving a professional sports team using a so-called Native American name and mascot is on television or cable–turn it off.

b) Do not purchase a ticket to view a live event, using such names or mascots.

c) We ask all players, whether amateur or professional, to reconsider playing for teams that use these names and mascots. We especially ask that players of color give this much consideration.

d) If you are a student of a school that uses those names and mascots, voice your opinion. Parents, we ask you to do the same.

e) If you are gifted at writing, make up drama skits that can be used in churches, schools, or public forum to demonstrate this issue. Don't forget to take the opportunity to write articles for the media, such as for magazines, or various internet arenas, or any reputable racial/ethnic sites.

Change begins with each of us . . . sometimes the battle is won, one person at a time.

Native American Concerns Committee
April 16, 2004

General Commission on Religion and Race
The United Methodist Church
http://www.gcorr.org/commiittee_files/NativeAmerican_files/TeamNamesMascots.htm

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