I found the video we watched in class on Thursday to be very frustrating. This video was about Native Americans and their views on mascots like the Braves or the Red Skins. I guess I never knew the meaning behind Red Skins until I watched the video; I always thought it was because their skin was sort of a red color (the same way some people refer to Asians as yellow skins). I didn’t know that this term was mostly used to refer to Native Americans when it had to do with skinning or scalping one. When I learned this bit of information I have to admit I was slightly taken aback and could possible see why Native Americans today would have a problem with that term. However I became very frustrated at how angry some of these people got over the use of names like the Braves.
To my knowledge this does not refer to any particular tribe, just that the Indians themselves, as a whole were “brave.” I find this to be complementing and respectful that we see them as brave and mighty fighters and warriors and we would want to name a sports team after them. Even when the name of a particular tribe is used; the names are never used in a negative connotation and are given to teams because they sound strong. As far as the dancing and face painting done by the mascots, I again see this as not only a sign of respect but also interest in the Native American culture. Although I am again frustrated by those who are upset by it, I can somewhat put myself in their shoes to say that these were originally tribal ritual/religious dances and are now being used to excite crowds at baseball games. However, to go along with that, Native Americans were known for their “pep rallies” before sporting events and should understand the point of getting the spectators involved.
I guess overall just feel that some people need something to complain about; I tried putting myself in the position that Native Americans are in by pretending that there was a team named the “Dagos.” Being full Italian and very involved in my heritage, I still am not at all offended by the term Dago which was once used as a derogatory term towards my ancestors. I am proud of my history and my heritage and I know someone would not use a term for a mascot if they thought it was negative or derogatory (because who would want a negative team name/mascot?)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I feel that the Native Americans do not feel that the face painting and the dancing is respectful because often it is not authentic and they probably feel as if they are being made a mockery. I know that I would feel insulted if I thought I was being mocked.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Brandy. I do think that some of the stuff in the video seemed like over reactions by the Native Americans, yet I can understand their point of view. For instance, it is very likely that tribal dance were for spiritual practices; therefore, it had a much higher importance than cheering for a sports team. I think it all depends on what perspective you are looking at the situation from.
ReplyDeleteI think you have all brought up some interesting points, and as I wrote on Jim's blog, it is clear to see that this is a complex issue. I wrote on Jim's blog about an example that one of my college professors gave when I was in grad school. She also referred to the use of religious imagery and how it can be mockery. As an example, she asked how someone who was Jewish (as she was) would feel if a dance or religious tradition were done to incite a crowd. At the time, her example really underscored how Indians might feel about having their spirituality mocked. My guess is that if people are angry, it is for far deeper reasons than the mascots. The mascots are symbolic representations of oppression that many Native Americans have experienced.
ReplyDelete