CONSEJO INTERNACIONAL DE TRATADOS INDIOS

October 4, 2004

Indian Mascots Are No Laughing Matter

Governor Schwarzenegger recently vetoed a bill that would prohibit public schools from using athletic team names, mascots or nicknames that are derogatory or discriminatory against American Indians, characterizing the effort as silly. Apparently, the Governor has a hard time understanding the damaging impacts derogatory stereotypes have on children – especially American Indian children.

What is silly about young Indians, who lost their land, their language, and many of their traditions attending schools that exploit them with stereotypes of Indians as clowns or hostile and warlike. For a Peoples who were nearly exterminated by those promoting the stereotypes and who now experience the highest suicide rates in the nation, it is hardly a laughing matter. No other racial minority in the United States is objectified in such a manner.

Non-Indian children are also victimized by the public ridicule of Indian people. At the same time they are learning about the history (and attempted genocide) of Native peoples in the United States since the arrival of Europeans, they are exposed to publicly sanctioned bigotry. Coming from educational establishments, the message is especially troubling. Contemporary discrimination and racism directed against American Indians are easily traced to earlier periods of our history that we are desperately trying to understand and reconcile. With names (and the mascots that represent them) such Redskins, Braves, Chiefs and Indians, half time sports shows that mimic American Indian ceremonial practices for entertainment purposes, what is promoted as fun on the field is fundamentally racist. It is certainly not silly.

American Indian people have a unique role in our society due to their history, government-to-government relations and numerous contributions which have enhanced the freedom, prosperity and greatness of this nation. These are the messages that should be taught to our youth. Telling the history of American Indians and promoting an accurate and respectful portrayal of their traditions and current activities should not be the sole responsibility of young Indians.

Hundreds of schools, districts, colleges and universities have joined with the American Indian community and changed their names, mascots, symbols and rituals in recognition of their harmful effects on students and the public. Now is the time for all California to join in. The Governor should take the first step by agreeing to sign the bill next year and acknowledging that race and culture are not to be ridiculed.   

Antonio Gonzales

U.N. Liaison

International Indian Treaty Council

San Francisco, CA.