The Stream

#NotYourMascot: Why do racist mascots still exist?

Native American activists weigh in on offensive stereotypes in US sport.

From the Washington Redskins to the Cleveland Indians, many sport teams and universities in the United States use mascots based on indigenous iconography or stereotypes

For years, Native American and anti-racism activists have pushed for change, using the hashtag #NotYourMascot to denounce racist portrayals of the community. Still, hundreds of institutions – both educational and athletic – continue to reference, objectify, or caricature Native American traditions.

Activists say a double standard exists – one that quickly condemns racism towards other minority groups while allowing indigenous stereotypes and slurs to go unchallenged, both on the field and in the public consciousness. 

In this episode, The Stream explores why symbols based on indigenous iconography persist and how anti-racism activists are advocating for change.

On this episode of the Stream, we speak with:
John Little @John_A_Little
Director, More Than A Word 
morethanawordfilm.com

Jacqueline Keeler @jfkeeler
Journalist & author  
tiyospayenow.blogspot.com

Michael Roberts @FNDI303
President & CEO, First Nations Development Institute
reclaimingnativetruth.com

Read more:
The great failure of the Indians mascot debate? Thinking of it only as racism – ESPN
New poll finds 9 in 10 Native Americans aren’t offended by Redskins name –  Washington Post
How Is the Blackhawks’ Name Any Less Offensive Than the Redskins’? – The Atlantic

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