The speakers of the stadium blare the disheartening sound of a “tomahawk chop” as football players burst through the breakaway banners with a picture of a “chief” on it.
My friends and I stare awkwardly at each other, not knowing whether to partake in the cheering or not. We look around us, and no one in the crowd has bat an eye to the situation unfolding around us. People are moving their arms as if they are chopping, they are cheering for our “Warriors.” At this point, my friends and I are extremely uncomfortable. Maybe this is just harmless fun, maybe my friends and I are all just too sensitive?
According to a study conducted by Michigan University, 65 percent of Native Americans find sports fans chanting the tomahawk chop offensive. Another poll conducted by Washington State showed that up to 75 percent of Native Americans oppose symbols of Indigenous people in sports, with the number shooting higher among younger age groups.
“These mascots are teaching stereotypical, misleading and too often, insulting images of American Indian,” said former APA (American Psychological Association) President, Ronald Levant.
There are many instances where high schools, sports teams and even professional sports teams use these offensive images of Native Americans as their mascots. Although some people might not find this insensitive, some people find it to be straight up uncomfortable. Just like my friends and I.
Not only are these portrayals offensive to Native Americans, they continue to produce harmful stereotypical images about Native Americans. These stereotypes undermine the ability to portray the actual images of their culture and traditions. Stereotypes undermine culture for all minority and ethnic groups, this instance is just an example.
Moreover, there are no beneficial effects from having these harmful mascots. In fact, it’s the opposite.
“We are left with harm. Depression, suicide ideation and lowered self-esteem,” said Stephanie Fryberg, PHD, of University of Arizona.
Young Native Americans are especially impacted because they are constantly reminded of the limited ways in which society views them. As a result, it causes young Native Americans to only view themselves in a certain way.
Prejudice mascots are only a small example of the many stereotypes that Native Americans face. However, it adds fuel to the fire of racism targeted towards the Native American community that has already been trampled on.
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