The logo for the Change the Mascot campaign
Writer says the debate over the Washington NFL team's racist mascot should lead to a discussion of other issues facing Indian Country:
The debate surrounding the Redskins name is an important one. As our country becomes more diverse, it’s critical that we don’t condone the use of racial epithets regardless of how long they’ve represented a team. But when you look at the state of native nations in the U.S., it’s clear that the national dialogue about the Redskins name is too narrowly focused on a symbolic victory over real progress. Against the backdrop of crippling challenges facing Native Americans, why are we spending countless hours debating the name of a football team? The answer is simple, but disheartening. Unlike the easy outrage sparked by the Redskins name, the complex web of social ills weighing on the Native American community are difficult to boil down into a cohesive narrative that grabs the attention of the national psyche. For one, you can’t address Native Americans as a single bloc. There are more than 560 federally recognized tribes and dozens of unrecognized ones. So, the challenges in dealing with sexual assault or substance abuse in the Yupik Eskimo village — an Alaskan community accessible only by boat or plane – are very different from those of the Pascua Yaqui tribe of Arizona. With no singular Native American experience, their plight can’t be easily addressed as a collective.Get the Story:
Robert O'Donnell: Stop congratulating yourself for opposing the Redskins’ name. You’re not helping the real problem. (The Washington Post 9/17)
Join the Conversation
Related Stories
Sen. Cantwell to introduce bill to end NFL's
tax-exempt status (9/16) Bruce Anderson: Washington team name preserves stereotypes (9/15)
Column: DC-area Native people oppose NFL team's racist mascot (9/15)
Coalition asks broadcasters to avoid Washington NFL team's name (09/04)
Editorial: It's time to sack Washington NFL team's offensive name (09/04)
Las Vegas Paiute Tribe rejected 'gift' from NFL team's foundation (08/29)
Artist Gregg Deal takes on Indian mascots for performance piece (08/28)
Sports announcer won't use Washington NFL team's name on air (08/28)
Ray Young Bear: No tribal member wants to be known by R-word (8/22)
Washington Post: Editorial board will no longer use R-word 'slur' (8/22)
Matthew Murguia: The facts are clear on Washington NFL mascot (8/22)
Walt Lamar: Remove Gary Edwards from law enforcement group (8/21)
Mike Wise: Longtime NFL referee avoided Washington's games (8/21)
Broadcasters won't use racist mascot of Washington NFL team (8/19)
Editorial: Virginia governor fumbles on NFL team's racist mascot (8/14)
Washington NFL team video features Indian Country supporters (08/13)
Artists from Zuni Pueblo try to sell work to Washington NFL team (08/12)
NFL team gave VIP treatment to man who couldn't spell his tribe (08/12)
Jim Enote: NFL team owner brushed away concerns over mascot (08/12)
Opinion: NFL team seeks to whitewash history with Indian art (08/11)
Tim Giago: NFL team's mascot will slowly fade like an old soldier (08/11)
Original Americans Foundation wants art with NFL team's logo (08/08)
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe refutes claim of support for NFL team (08/07)
University seeks to prevent use of NFL team's name at stadium (08/07)
Ex-player claims Alabama-Coushatta Tribe honored by mascot (08/06)
Ted Quasula: NNALEA leader intent on destroying group's image (08/05)
Column: Virginia eager to embrace NFL team's racist mascot (08/04)
Chippewa Cree Tribe takes Original Americans Foundation money (08/01)
