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Opinion
Opinion: Mascots dehumanize Native Americans


"We all know that the American government destroyed whatever got in its way and broke treaties with indigenous Indians that would have hampered expansion and economic development. Warlike Indians, such as the Apaches, were overrun, and so were those who were not warlike -- the pastoral Nez Perce, for instance.

Distinctions between Chief George of the Nez Perce and men like Geronimo, a butcher as cruel as Pol Pot, were not important. They were Indians, and they were in the way.

Nothing is going to change history, but we should contemplate whether some people are dehumanized so others can have what they claim is 'innocent fun.'"

Get the Story:
Stanley Crouch: Offensive nicknames vs. 'innocent fun' (The Chicago Sun-Times 9/16)

NCAA Policy:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005)

Relevant Links:
University of Louisiana-Monroe - http://www.ulm.edu
NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee - http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/
membership/governance/assoc-wide/moic/index.html

National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media - http://www.aimovement.org/ncrsm

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