engleski

Going Retro with the Indians : Or Do the Native American Sports Mascots Endanger the American Society?

Many sports clubs in America that wear Native American nicknames, logos or mascots have been asked to change it. Various researchers have addressed the issue of the Native American mascots, primarily in sports, from various angles in order to find out what stands behind this quest. In their studies, researchers have been assigning the problem different attributes and meanings. While one see it as a positive factor in the society that stands as a symbol of honor, pride, respect and tolerance, the others perceive it as a mockery, shame and social threat. The article conflicts the two opposing sides. By doing so, the article aims at giving an insight into a larger representational system hidden behind the issue of mascots. It wants to highlight the role of ‘Indianness’ as a prominent voice in the construction of the U.S. identity, and their role in history that is perceived as white America’s shameful part. In conclusion, mascots must be understood as a symbol of respect, dignity and national pride, and not something that people should be ashamed of.

sport symbols; tradition; racism; American football

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