For decades, the presence of "Indian" sports mascots in American sports and popular culture has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. These mascots, often caricatures or stereotypical representations of Native American people, have been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes, contributing to a disregard for Native American identity, and causing psychological and social harm, particularly to Native youth. Organizations like the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the nation’s oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization, have been at the forefront of the movement to eliminate these harmful representations.
A Longstanding Issue: The NCAI’s Stance
The NCAI has maintained a clear and consistent position against derogatory and harmful stereotypes of Native people, including sports mascots, in media and popular culture. Since 1968, the NCAI has actively campaigned to address these stereotypes. This initiative has yielded considerable progress and garnered significant support for ending the era of harmful "Indian" mascots in sports. Rooted in its seventy-year history as a leading voice for Indian Country, the NCAI’s stance is deeply committed to advocating for and protecting the civil rights, social justice, and racial equity of all Native people across American society.
The Harmful Impact of "Indian" Mascots
The origins of "Indian" sports brands often trace back to an era when racism and bigotry were more widely accepted by the dominant culture. Over time, these brands have evolved into multi-million-dollar franchises, but their underlying problematic nature remains. The intolerance and harm promoted by these "Indian" sports mascots, logos, or symbols have tangible and detrimental consequences for Native people.
Rather than honoring Native cultures, these caricatures and stereotypes contribute to a disregard for the personhood of Native peoples. They perpetuate negative and inaccurate portrayals of America’s first peoples, reinforcing prejudice and misunderstanding. This can manifest in various ways, from microaggressions to more overt forms of discrimination.
Decades of social science research have comprehensively documented the serious psychological, social, and cultural consequences of derogatory "Indian" sports mascots for Native Americans, especially Native youth. These consequences can include:
- Lowered Self-Esteem: Exposure to negative stereotypes can lead to feelings of shame, inadequacy, and reduced self-worth among Native youth.
- Increased Rates of Depression and Suicide: The stress and trauma associated with discrimination and cultural erasure can contribute to higher rates of mental health issues, including depression and suicide, among Native American populations.
- Impeded Academic Achievement: Stereotype threat, the fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one’s group, can hinder academic performance and limit educational opportunities for Native students.
- Erosion of Cultural Identity: The constant bombardment of stereotypical images can undermine a sense of connection to one’s cultural heritage and contribute to cultural assimilation.
Considering that Native youth under the age of 24 represent nearly half (42 percent) of the entire American Indian and Alaska Native population, the impact of these mascots on the younger generation is particularly concerning.
The Alarming Reality of Hate Crimes
Adding to these concerns are the alarmingly high rates of hate crimes against Native people. According to the Department of Justice analysis, "American Indians are more likely than people of other races to experience violence at the hands of someone of a different race." This statistic highlights the very real need to take immediate action to address negative stereotypes and hateful activity directed toward Native peoples. This action must include the removal of harmful images and the education of the general public.
Growing Support for Change
Over the past fifty years, a groundswell of support has emerged to end the era of racist and harmful "Indian" mascots in sports and popular culture. Today, that support is stronger than ever, fueled by increased awareness of the issue and a growing commitment to social justice.
Numerous entities have voiced their opposition to these mascots, including:
- Hundreds of tribal nations
- National and regional tribal organizations
- Civil rights organizations
- School boards
- Sports teams
- Sports and media personalities
- Individuals from all walks of life
The quest for racial equality among American Indian and Alaska Native people, deeply rooted in the civil rights movement, predates NCAI’s 1968 campaign to eliminate negative and harmful stereotypes in media and popular culture, including sports.
Progress and Remaining Challenges
As a result of ongoing education and advocacy, significant progress has been made at the professional, collegiate, and high school levels to change once-accepted race-based marketing practices. Since 1963, no professional teams have established new mascots that employ racial stereotypes in their names and imagery.
In 2005, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) implemented a policy to remove harmful "Indian" mascots. This policy has led to the elimination of many offensive team names and logos across the collegiate sports landscape.
Overall, approximately two-thirds, or over 2,000, of "Indian" references in sports have been eliminated over the past 35 years. However, despite this progress, nearly 1,000 such references still persist today, indicating the continued need for advocacy and change.
The Case of the Washington Football Team and Harmful “Indian” Sports Mascots
The NFL’s Washington football team, formerly known as the "Redsk*ns," exemplifies the harmful legacy of "Indian" mascots. The term itself is a dictionary-defined racial slur with origins rooted in government bounty announcements that offered rewards for the bloody scalps of Native Americans in the 1800s.
Throughout much of the 20th century, the term was used interchangeably with the word "savage" in movies and books to portray a misleading and denigrating image of Native Americans. George Preston Marshall, the team’s owner, chose this derogatory term for the team in 1932. This was a time when Native people were continuing to experience government and social policies aimed at terminating tribes, assimilating Native people, and erasing Native human and civil rights.
In 1932, the federal "Civilization Regulations" were still in effect, confining Native people to reservations, banning all Native dances and ceremonies, confiscating Native cultural property, and outlawing much of what was traditional in Native life.
Marshall’s reputation as a segregationist and racist further compounded the issue. In 1933, he spearheaded a 13-year league-wide ban on African-American players from the NFL. The Washington football team did not integrate until 30 years later, only after Marshall was forced to do so.
While the team has moved on from Marshall’s segregationist policies, it stubbornly refused to abandon his ugly use of race-based marketing at the expense of Native people and communities for decades. The team eventually changed their name in 2020, acknowledging the harm it caused.
At the local community level, numerous high schools have also taken action to remove the "R" word as their mascot’s name.
Conclusion: Harmful “Indian” Sports Mascots and the Ongoing Fight for Respect
The issue of Harmful “Indian” Sports Mascots highlights the enduring legacy of racism and cultural insensitivity in American society. While significant progress has been made in eliminating these harmful representations, much work remains to be done. The continued presence of these mascots underscores the need for ongoing education, advocacy, and a commitment to respecting the dignity and humanity of all people, particularly Native Americans. It is imperative that teams at all levels of sports prioritize creating inclusive and respectful environments that celebrate diversity rather than perpetuate harmful stereotypes. The removal of these mascots is not just a symbolic gesture but a crucial step towards healing historical wounds and building a more just and equitable society for all.