Usually these deal with nicknames pertaining to Native Americans. There are the Kansas City CHIEFS, Atlanta BRAVES, Florida State SEMINOLES, Cleveland INDIANS and Washington REDSKINS. I don't have much problem with the first three. I'm somewhat neutral on the fourth. The one where I can definitely see some problems is with the fifth one that I have listed - the Washington REDSKINS. How would the nicknames WHITESKINS, BLACKSKINS or BROWNSKINS be perceived by people in this country? I doubt very well. Now, if the mascot of the Washington football team was of someone who was sunburnt, then it might go over a little more smoothly, but the picture on the helmet clearly depicts a Native American, so it doesn't go over as well.
Also, what's with the Tomahawk Chop that teams do? I'm a Braves fan, so I used to partake in that when I was young and ignorant, but I don't anymore. I've heard many Natives claim that it's making a mockery of their people and who better to listen to when it comes to this issue than Natives themselves?
Some of us whom aren't Native may believe that we're honoring them through these team names and the Chop, but what do we know? I think they'd know much better than we do on the subject.
Also, what's with the Tomahawk Chop that teams do? I'm a Braves fan, so I used to partake in that when I was young and ignorant, but I don't anymore. I've heard many Natives claim that it's making a mockery of their people and who better to listen to when it comes to this issue than Natives themselves?
Some of us whom aren't Native may believe that we're honoring them through these team names and the Chop, but what do we know? I think they'd know much better than we do on the subject.
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