Some Comments on Indian Sports Mascots Indians of North America Anthropology E-320 Larry J. Zimmerman, PhD, RPA Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis With thanks to American Indian Sports Team Mascots  web site for much of this material

Why must blatant stereotypes in the US be such an issue? The power of popular culture to shape the way we see people. Consider the psychological impacts of the issue The intensity of feelings about the NCAA's decision to come down on Indian sports mascots is instructive.

Sporting activities are representative of ritualized/socialized combat Unbridled aggression, deception and relentlessness are highly valued. These values fit the “savage Indian” stereotype. By coupling American Indians to such traits to mascots and nicknames, negative stereotypes, simplistic thinking, and historical inaccuracies are subtly encouraged and perpetuated. This is especially troublesome in public schools where lifelong attitudes and constructs are being formed.

The savage stereotype has a long history. Published in September of 1862

Justifying violence toward Indians American Indians (generically) supposedly being war-like and violence prone allowed for the justification of heinous acts against them in the name of "civilizing" the so-called "primitives."   By portraying Indians in association with aggressive sporting activities,  this same justification is erroneously applied today with negative consequences for contemporary Indian people.

Attitudes are inculcated at an early age when youth are highly susceptible to influence and social pressure.  Example: Adolph Hitler who paid particular attention to conditioning youth to adopt his philosophy and strategies. Spectacle events were typically present at Nazi gatherings including cheering crowds, martial music, marching, and lights (such as are used in night games). These are also regular parts of high school athletic events.

Stereotypic and cartoon-like imagery tends to dehumanize the subject. This mechanism is well-known and is often used during times of war to dehumanize an enemy. The result allows the portrayer to trivialize the concerns of the one being portrayed. Simultaneously helps protect self-esteem by relieving guilt feelings arising from hostile acts directed at the subject.

Stereotyping and dehumanization make it easier to turn Indians into objects.  Native Peoples are turned into depersonalized, one-dimensional "things" having very limited scope. Can Indians be anything but warriors? The same principles are at work pornography.

The concept of mascots and nicknames "honoring Indians" is an ego defense mechanism. Helps preserve self-esteem by protecting the individual from facing the reality of what actually happened to Indians.

Indian" mascots "freeze" Indians in time The warrior image is from a romanticized historical period that ended over a century ago.  Continuing to portray American Indians in such a manner subverts contemporary Native American realities.

Long-term use of Indian mascots has become institutionalized. Having been  institutionalized, recognizing discriminatory and racist practices for what they are becomes very difficult.

Be aware that these ideas also apply to other segments of popular culture, notably films and videos about Indians.