Hello this is David Tomperi bringing you today’s dose of awesome sauce (listen to the pod cast)
Did you know?
That mascots are used at sporting events to get the crowd excited about the game. There are different mascots ranging from animals to people. There are some mascots that are Native American.
There are Pros and Cons with the teams using Indian mascots and Indian names of teams. Pause Some feel using names of Native American teams are ethnic slurs, while others feel it is an honor to use those names.
Mascots are used for giving team spirit; mascots may also symbolize a local or regional trait, such as the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ mascot, Herbie Husker: a stylized version of a farmer. Some people think that mascots bring good luck.
Cons: Many Native Americans feel it is a slam to their culture, another reason many Native Americans feel It is wrong to name teams or mascots after native tribes probably that never played the game or many team members are not native American. Many statements are insensitive when unconscious phrases like “kill the Indians” or “murder the redskins” are yelled during sporting events.
The PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) says that the use of live animals as mascots is unhealthy for the animal. There was a tiger mascot that died from kidney failure. Animal right activists think it is inhumane and immoral and must end.
Pros: native mascots are meant to be respectful and pay homage to Native American people. They focus on bravery, courage, and fighting skills rather than derogatory. Others claim native mascots help promote the culture to those who might be unaware of its significance. For example the Native American ceremonial dance is done with grace and beauty and displays the culture of the Indians.
Mascots are also used as merchandising, and mascots are used in military units like a bulldog or an eagle emblem. Several schools don’t use live animals as mascots because it would be hard to take care of during a football/basketball game.
Thank you and have a nice day.
