Phase I – 1960s – Change, Modify, Eliminate Insensitive and Offensive images, names or “Mascots”? Yes – NAGA Agrees!

In another study cited by the American Psychological Association in its 2006 call to retire all Native American mascots, Dr. Stephanie Fryberg measured the self esteem of Native youth before and after exposure to such practices and found a measurable negative effect. Native youth who claimed to be OK with Native mascots actually had the greatest loss of self-esteem. Dallas Morning News – 2016study These were the APA’s most common test variables in making their decision. The only actual human sports “mascot” used was specifically White and dressed in Hollywood-style garb.

Here are some key findings from the exact same APA “decisional” research you probably didn’t hear: American Indian mascot representations are not always regarded as negative by Native Americans - positive associations may be had. Key findings note that “feelings of lower community and worth” among NA’s were lowered when the variable was paired with negative NA stereotypes such as high alcoholism, school dropout, and suicide rates. This suggests that non-mascot stereotypes – not a mascot per-se – is the causal agent. It says, “Although these studies cannot address the process by which these undermining effects occur, the studies do suggest that the effects are not due to negative associations with mascots.” This is a key finding! The research explains: ‘American Indian mascots do not have negative consequences because their content or meaning is inherently negative. Rather, (Negative) American Indian mascots have negative consequences because, in the contexts in which they appear, there are relatively few alternate characterizations of American Indians.’ Apparently societal and social context matters A key research recommendation (widely ignored) was that one way to reduce the impact of the negative mascot representations “is to create, distribute, and institutionalize a broader array of social representations of American Indians.” This effort, the APA core research argues would provide a broader role models “to be American Indian in contemporary mainstream society.” Notably missing in this seminal APA research were answers to questions Conrad needs to know: What makes a “mascot” positive? What’s the negative long-term impact of Native Americans losing a positive cultural representation? What’s the impact to a community where a long-term positive tradition is removed for unfounded, political, contemporary or financial reasons? Are “PC” Alternatives better? Non-human?

Bloody Scalps:

“All people not indigenous to North America who are living on this continent are settlers on stolen land.” “… that settlers are not entitled to live on this land.” “… it is our responsibility to proactively challenge and dismantle colonialist thought and behavior in the communities we identify ourselves to be part of.” “… that decolonization means the revitalization of indigenous sovereignty and an end to settler domination of life, lands, and peoples in all territories of the so-called Americas.” “… decisions regarding human interaction with this land base, including who lives on it, are rightfully those of the indigenous nations.

A National and Highly Advertised recruiting campaign turned out approximately 20 activists – most from organized DeColonization movements where no symbols or names are supported by “Colonizers” or the “Settler Class”. Mohawk Warrior & American Indian Movement Flags Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys – Texas, Jan 6, 2016

Politics of “Change the Name” Nike - SEVEN FUTURES STRONG Help the N7 Fund make a difference in the lives of Native American and Aboriginal youth for the next seven generations through sport and its benefits.

Top 5 NFL FAN Affinity/Affiliation Teams 60/40 Animals 80/20 top 5 to humans 1. Green Bay Packers - Human Basis 2. New England Patriots - Human Basis 3. New Orleans Saints - Human Basis 4. Denver Broncos - Animal Basis (But Human Affiliated as In Bronco Rider/Bronco Buster) 5. Dallas Cowboys - Human Basis Bottom Teams: 29. Buccaneers 32. Raiders Top Human Affinity Traits: Integrity, Courage, Self Confidence, Intelligence, Discipline