Dear Editor:
This is in regard to Mr. Russell and his ignorance of the indigenous issues throughout North America. Unfortunately, I believe that the majority of the population shares his views. First, there is absolutely no indigenous support of Indian mascots. Stereotypes such as these are extremely offensive and in no way are they an imitation, which would conclude that they are far from flattery. Mascots such as Chief Illiniwek, the Du Quoin Indians and the Atlanta Braves are only tools used in the systematic dehumanization of indigenous peoples. People who support the use of Indian mascots should then in return support the use of other cultural mascots. Why are there not teams in place such as the Nashville Niggers, St. Louis Spics and the Harrisburg Honkies? Because they would be seen as racist.
Mr. Russell points out that the use of Indian mascots is done with the hope that the team members will be as strong and courageous as the Indians were. Well then, why not once we get the Nashville Niggers up and running, put slave master mascots on the sidelines, and if the team loses we can have them beaten like the strong brave slaves of the past. Won't this boost the team morale?
As for the argument that I, as a human of a very proud indigenous heritage, am being overly sensitive about this issue, that is just another attempt at political correctness. Many of the indigenous peoples of North America have been decimated in a systematic genocide that is continuing even today. This issue goes far beyond mascots. This is 500 years of unmistakable dehumanization and stereotyping and ignorance, and is no longer a tolerable excuse.
Until the conscience of mainstream America chooses to recognize that there is a problem, issues such as the suicide rate among teens on the reservations and the continual stealing and misuse of native-owned lands by the government will continue to be swept under the rug or looked at as the continuing "Indian problem" within the United States.
Nichole Boyd
junior, university major
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
