Submitted by Elaine Magliaro, Weekend Contributor
Here is one ad that never aired during this year’s Super Bowl:
The Proud to Be video was made by Change the Mascot, a national campaign that was launched by the Oneida Nation. The video was released by the National Congress of American Indians a couple of days before this year’s Super Bowl. Change the Mascot’s aim is to end the use of the term “redskins” as the mascot for Washington, D. C.’s NFL team. The campaign “calls upon the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell to do the right thing and bring an end the use of the racial epithet.”
Not being a wealthy organization, the National Congress of American Indians couldn’t afford to “buy a television slot during the Super Bowl to run its ad.”
Writing for ThinkProgress on January 31, 2014, Alyssa Rosenberg said the following:
It’s a gorgeous ad, and it’s a strikingly effective illustration of why the word “Redskin” is so troublesome. It’s not just that the term has evolved from its origins as a basic explanation of physical difference, to a slur that was used to reduce Native Americans to the value of their skins, for which literal bounties were offered. In a less violent but no less significant sense, “Redskin” collapses the remarkable particularity of Native American experiences into a single identity and set of attributes.
The NCAI ad is a forceful and often beautiful reminder that Native Americans aren’t a monolithic community. That’s a term that subsumes hundreds of specific identities, a huge range of cultural and artistic practices–and yes, as the ad doesn’t neglect to leave out–specific sets of social and political issues.
“Native American” may be a blanket identity category, but it’s one that invites curiosity, asking hearers to consider what came before the political and territorial consolidation of the United States, and the fact that American identity is rich and multifaceted, rather than a single way of being. “Redskins” is both a slur, and a term that invites the listener to skip over the work of thinking about what it means. “Redskin” reduces Native Americans to simply the color of their skin, and to the attributes we associate with football (a practice that’s also a product of a very specific marketing history, as my colleague Travis Waldron reported in his epic look at the fight against the Washington football team’s name): physical strength, maybe speed, and not much else. Not only is that kind of thinking profoundly lazy and racially reductive, it’s a tragedy both for the people who are subjected to it, and the people who deny themselves the experience of more of the world by practicing it.
The NCAI ad is a reminder of precisely what they’re missing out on, making all of these points without having to spell them out the way I do here. That’s great advertising, in service of a critically important message.
Last May, Daniel Snyder, owner of Washington, D. C.’s NFL team was quoted as saying, “We will never change the name of the team.” He then repeated himself when a reporter followed-up on his comment, “We’ll never change the name. It’s that simple. NEVER — you can use caps.”
Then last June, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that the Washington Redskins‘ nickname was a “unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect.”
Clem Ironwing (Sioux) doesn’t think the word “redskin” is a term of respect. In 1996, he spoke at a public hearing in Wichita, Kansas, on the subject of Wichita North High School’s sports mascot. He talked to those present at the hearing about having been removed from his family by the government when he was a young child and forced to live in a Catholic boarding school. Matthew Richter posted the comments that Ironwing made at the hearing. Here is an excerpt of what Clem Ironwing said:
“When my hair was cut short by the priests, I was called a “redskin” and a savage. When I spoke my native tongue, I was beaten and called “redskin”. When I tried to follow the spiritual path of my people, I was again beaten and called a “redskin”. I was told by them to turn my back on the ways of my people, or I would forever be nothing but a dirty “redskin”.
“The only way “redskin” was ever used towards my people and myself was in a derogatory manner. It was never, ever, used in a show of respect or kindness. It was only used to let you know that you were dirty and no good, and to this day still is.
Is it time to change the mascot? What do you think?
Submitted by Elaine Magliaro
The views expressed in this posting are the author’s alone and not those of the blog, the host, or other weekend bloggers. As an open forum, weekend bloggers post independently without pre-approval or review. Content and any displays or art are solely their decision and responsibility.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Wichita North Redskins “Remarks by Clem Ironwing, Sioux, during a public Mascot/Identity Committee hearing.” (The People’s Path)
House Dem: ‘Redskins’ as offensive to Indians as ‘N’ word is to blacks (The Hill)
An open letter to Dan Snyder (Grantland)
The Harmful Psychological Effects of the Washington Football Mascot (Change the Mascot)
American Indian Boarding Schools Haunt Many (NPR)
Why ‘NEVER’ Abandoning ‘Redskins’ As His Team’s Name Might Soon Cost Dan Snyder A Lot Of Money (ThinkProgress)
Redskins, NFL Take Heat From Congress Over Team Name (Only a Game)
Members of Congress urge Redskins to change name (Big Story)
Read Roger Goodell’s Letter To Congress Defending The Redskins Name (DeadSpin)
NFL is ‘listening’ to those who oppose Redskins’ name, Roger Goodell says (Washington Post)
A slur or term of ‘honor’? Controversy heightens about Washington Redskins (CNN)
Bob Lutz: North High, it’s time to change the nickname (The Wichita Eagle)
The Other Redskins (Capital News Service)
Hundreds rally in Minn. against Redskins’ name (Yahoo/AP)
The Super Bowl Ad You Never Saw (Huffington Post)
ICTMN Exclusive: NCAI Releases R-word Video Ahead of Super Bowl (Indian Country Today Media Network)
Monk, Green: Mull name change (ESPN)
ENDING THE LEGACY OF RACISM IN SPORTS & THE ERA OF HARMFUL “INDIAN” SPORTS MASCOTS (National Congress of American Indians)
National Congress Of American Indians Releases Anti-Redskins Ad (Deadspin)
Here’s an ad about R–skins that its makers don’t have the money to show during Sunday’s Superbowl (Daily Kos)
The Best Ad You’ll See This Super Bowl Weekend (ThinkProgress)
The Epic Battle To Save The Most Offensive Team Name In Professional Sports (ThinkProgress)
Pat, The 2002 SI poll was about mascots in general. They had a better break down, differentiating between Indians on and off the res. But, the poll was overwhelming in Indians not finding mascots offensive. Elitists just like to have causes, it’s how they keep up their condescension skills.
Elitist Indians? Who would they be? American Indians who disagree with Nick Spinelli on the subject at hand?
As I said several times, it is elitist Indians and whites on this PC campaign. This argument is repetitive. You want to change the names, God bless you. It’s misguided and condescending when Indians have so many other REAL problems. But, knock yourself out, Chuck. And yes, I would day that to Meteor Blades face. And, being Indian, there’s a much higher chance for a philosophical and respectful response than from the riff raff commenting on Kos.
Pat,
A 2004 National Annenberg Election Survey question on whether the name of the Washington Redskins is offensive to Native Americans is in the news amid renewed national debate over whether the pro football team should change its name. In a letter to fans published in the Washington Post on Wednesday, Oct. 9, team owner Daniel Snyder cited the survey as key evidence in support of the name. “The highly respected Annenberg Public Policy Center polled nearly 1,000 self-identified Native Americans from across the continental U.S. and found that 90% of Native Americans did not find the team name ‘Washington Redskins’ to be ‘offensive,’ ” Snyder wrote.
In the 2004 survey, the question was asked of 768 self-identified Indians or Native Americans. Nine percent said they found the name offensive. The poll included data from Oct. 7, 2003 through Sept. 20, 2004.
http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/redskins-question-in-2004-annenberg-study-cited-anew-in-controversy/
Daily Kos is not a “liberal rag.” Oriented progressive yes. That is totally irrelevant to the fact that Meteor Blades expressed his outrage, speaking as both a professional journalist and Native American. Would you say that to his face? If you would say it, why don’t you do so?
If so, you know it is easy to register on DKos. Native American Netroots is a recurring blog. Register over there and express your opinion. I can hardly wait to see how that might turn out.
As for locating Meteor Blades, he is easy to find. He writes at least one front page diary a day.
Nick and Elaine, just curious because I missed the discussion on this before, what poling are you talking about. On another topic here someone quoted polling from Sports Illustrated.
I guess Nick, Felix, Kraaken, and Samantha owes Bonnie an apology?
If they don’t , then I will do it for them:
Bonnie,
I do apology that our ignorant country still does not respect Native Americans enough to remove racial images, and then, try to justify their use by utilizing a few ‘uncle toms’ to speak for all Native Americans, stating: ‘Master’s statue, mascot, name, and/or songs ain’t that bad. We are not offended but proud to be promoted and saluted.’
(we still treat women as 2nd class citizens in regards to wages, promotional and job opportunities, politics, and as an authority on subjects: there was a female law professor at Washington University. She was amazed that a few ‘white male’ students didn’t believe that she was qualified for her job as a law professor, even though she used to be a judge. However, they (same students) felt that former one-time, US Senator of Missouri Jim Talent was deserving of an $96k salary as an adjunct law professor).
My husband and my oldest niece’s husband are part American Indian (Penobscot). I’ve met and dined with both Joseph Bruchac and his son James–at different times. They are Native American storytellers and authors who live in upstate New York. I arranged for James to do school visitations in the district where I taught. I had Joe come to speak to the students in my children’s literature course at Boston University. Joe told me either American Indian or Native American was an appropriate way to refer to indigenous peoples. He told me he didn’t prefer one over the other.
In cases like this there is only one question to be answered:
Why Not?
The polling done is mostly 10 years old or older. It was clear back then Indians[they prefer that to PC Native American] had more common sense that elitists, both Indian and white. I’ve been to my share of reservations. They have MUCH bigger problems than this contrived controversy. If you’re concerned, go to a “res” and help these great people learn how to read, write. Help them w/ healthcare and substance abuse. This hand wringing over names is a slap in the face to these people. I have NEVER met a more spiritual, honest, nice group of people. Not too many res in the Boston area.
DIVERSITY 101: NOT INJUN JOE
Native American Stereotyping in Literature
Contributed to CBC Diversity by Joseph Bruchac
(Note: Joseph Bruchac is part Abenaki. He is a well-known Native American children’s and adult author.)
http://www.cbcdiversity.com/post/58272426042/diversity-101-not-injun-joe
Excerpt:
No group in American culture has been more stereotyped than Native Americans. While other ethnic stereotypes now meet with disapproval, harmful images of native people are still accepted or defended within majority culture, even when Native Americans complain. There are images and characters in books and other media, expressions in current usage, the naming of places and sports teams, and negative expectations about the behavior of Native Americans. It is so pervasive that non-natives often don’t realize they’re saying or doing things hurtful to Native Americans. (And when it is pointed out, the response is often disbelief or denial.)
“I Know a Lot More About Being White Than You Know About Being Indian.”
Bill Moyers
Posted: 04/10/2013
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-moyers/i-know-a-lot-more-about-b_b_3055065.html
Excerpt:
Writer Sherman Alexie, who was born on a Native American reservation, talks with me about feeling “lost and insignificant inside the larger culture,” and how his culture’s “lack of power” is very apparent in stereotypical sports mascots, like that of the Cleveland Indians.
“At least half the country thinks the mascot issue is insignificant. But I think it’s indicative of the ways in which Indians have no cultural power. We’re still placed in the past. So we’re either in the past or we’re only viewed through casinos,” he says.
TIME 10 Questions, Sea… : 10 Questions for Sherman Alexie
The only poll of Native Americans regarding whether the name of the NFL team from Washington, D. C., was offensive to them that I’m aware of was conducted in 2004. Fewer than 800 self-identified Indians or Native Americans were polled…and that was a decade ago.
Samantha, you had me scratching my head (LOL). Glad you were too.
Elaine, thanks for the poem I can understand why it is one of your favorites.
Kraaken, our family can trace our genealogy in this country back to the 1600s. While that may make native because we were born here it certainly does NOT make us “Native Americans.” As Bonnie notes she is from the Puyallup Tribe. Just because we are too self involved to take the time to learn the different tribe’s, nations actually, names, customs and beliefs does not give us the right to deem them with our pithy and dehumanizing terms such as ‘redskins.’
Chuck, Check the polling of Indians on mascots. The Daily Kos is a liberal rag. We had this dance previously. It’s PC horseshit and rank and file Indians see it as just that. I related previously how an Indians activist spoke to my college class in 1999 and admitted it’s just the hierarchy that are adamant about this. Oh..and white guilt liberals.
I am a member of the Puyallup Tribe of Indans and have always found the name of the Washington pro football offensive. There is also a song that the fans sing that has extraordinarily offensive lyrics. They use symbols that are sacred to American Indians during the games. I think if you offend even one person, you should stop the offensive action. I can tell you from personal experience that I have been called the r-word on a variety of occasions; and, it was never used as a word to honor or respect me.
I’ve had more than my fair share of being offended by Indians when racist tribal police, for example, handed out free passes to trespassing Indians while at the same time confiscating my rock-climbing gear. Or when I’m ripped off for tribal hiking fees that cost two and three times what it costs to hike in Yosemite, Arches, or the Grand Canyon (otherwise free to Indians). Or cited for tribal speeding while Indians were passing — me! In fact, I’ve had more luck with corrupt federales in Mexico, getting out of a la mordida, than I’ve ever had with racist police on tribal lands. But none of that means that I avoid or have not read “War Dances” or “Love Snares” or “The Shawl” or “Breaking and Entering” and other fine, Native American literature. Next time you are offended, don’t feel alone! It happens to each of us, probably karma collecting on a debt.
Darren,
I don’t think anyone is asking the government to force Snyder to change the name of his team.
Well said, Felix and Samantha. By the way, I was born here as were my parents, grandparents and great great grandparents. I sort of think that makes me a ‘Native American’.
Pat,
Here is an excerpt from one of my favorite poems by Sherman Alexie–“Powwow at the End of the World”:
The Powwow at the End of the World
BY SHERMAN ALEXIE
I am told by many of you that I must forgive and so I shall
after an Indian woman puts her shoulder to the Grand Coulee Dam
and topples it. I am told by many of you that I must forgive
and so I shall after the floodwaters burst each successive dam
downriver from the Grand Coulee. I am told by many of you
that I must forgive and so I shall after the floodwaters find
their way to the mouth of the Columbia River as it enters the Pacific
and causes all of it to rise. I am told by many of you that I must forgive
and so I shall after the first drop of floodwater is swallowed by that salmon
waiting in the Pacific. I am told by many of you that I must forgive and so I shall
after that salmon swims upstream, through the mouth of the Columbia
and then past the flooded cities, broken dams and abandoned reactors
of Hanford. I am told by many of you that I must forgive and so I shall
after that salmon swims through the mouth of the Spokane River
as it meets the Columbia, then upstream, until it arrives
in the shallows of a secret bay on the reservation where I wait alone…
You can read the rest of the poem at the following link:
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/177413