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Why is it that in this day & age, when many of us feel that we have advanced past the days of blatant racism, do we still have sports mascots, such as the Cleveland Indian's "Chief Wahoo"? We finally wised up to the fact that "Little Black Sambo" was not acceptable, so we did away with it. Why are Native Americans not spared this same decency? Why do we think it is OK to have a stupidly grinning, farcically colored "chief" as a mascot for a team that should be renamed out of respect in the 1st place?!

As we all know, A Chief is one of the most respected members of a tribe. To show any Native in such a pathetically disrespectful manner is unacceptable. But a Chief?? It's time to open our eyes. How can a "civilized" nation be so callous to any race, let alone one we have dispossessed of land & lifestyle?

The Washington Redskins also come to mind. They have been my favorite team since I was a youngster. But "Redskins"? How is that OK? Was that ever more than a racist term used by whites that wanted Natives sent to reservations? Did natives ever think of themselves a Red? Not likely. The team name must be changed, just as sure as any other ignorant racist slang.

Why is it that the average person I ask does not see "Redskins" as racist? Maybe because we've gotten used to it after hearing it so much. But do you really think that Native Americans have gotten used to it? Most likely, you have never even given it a thought.

Unfortunately, Native Americans lack the resources of other minority groups to combat this ignorance. The reason they do is also completely misunderstood. But that is a topic that is even more difficult to tackle. Especially when people aren't even open minded enough to consider the mascot issue.
It's true that there are many other mascots & team names that need to be changed, which will be difficult for sports fans. The Braves, Chiefs etc. Though more subtle, these team names are still painful for many Natives. If Native Americans feel that the team names are racist, shouldn't that be enough?! What others think should be immaterial.

Interesting & Informative Links

The most complete site on the topic!

Tell me that you wouldn't be hurt by this imagery

A Parent's Perspective

Chief Wahoo in history
I can only shake my head at this one...Amazing that they are serious!

Mascot Links, some very interesting

Back to my Fascinating Forgotten American History Page!