A growing theme among the sports world is the continued support for the extermination of Native American mascots. From a historical standpoint, the origins of mascots found its roots among early warriors who adopted the use of a mask as a symbolic ritual used to bring them a good harvest or bountiful hunting Additionally, I have read that mascots were introduced in the French theater in the late 19 century and through “God’s attempt to battle the devil’s minions” (Wolter). The 19^th century saw a resurgence of motivational items associated with high schools and colleges. The adoption of animals added a thriving symbolism and yet overtime it became a daunting task to maintain the associated live stock. That is where schools and later professional teams adopted other sources of strength for their organizations to display. Schools traditionally would lead with a fight song and inspire the students and professional sporting fans prior to the start of a sporting event. This would lead into schools and organizations adopting other mascots and incorporating dances. Today we see a number of teams adopting Native American rituals and in an attempt to recreate the fury these warriors displayed, the fans fail to realize the harsh realities and strife that Native Americans endured in the last 400 years. 

     Anton Treuer states that “not all Indians find the use of Indians or Indian imagery as offensive, but many do” (Treuer 119). This can be contributed to sights we see such as fans displaying headdresses or “war paint” at Washington Redskins football games or Collegiate sporting events to name a few with an associated Native American heritage. Fans who attend sporting events see schools adopting Native American rituals in an attempt to recreate the fury these warriors displayed fail to realize the harsh realities and strife that Native Americans endured in the last 400 years.

The support that is shown for the mascots is often termed by many as “honoring the Native Americans” (Treuer 120). However, most Native Americans do not feel honored by these means. If we were to honor the activities of the Central Michigan Chippewa’s or North Dakota Fighting Sioux, it would hold a somewhat honorable meaning as the related Nations have a tie in to the schools and subsequent locations. However, does this remain a just practice? Is this how we honor those that gave their life in pursuit of protecting their own people? I have to agree there is a level of disrespect.

     Even the Florida State Seminoles display Chief Osceola riding into the stadium and throwing his flaming spear into the ground. However, in this rare instance the portrayal of Chief Osceola is an approved activity by the Seminole Nation. 

     Since the beginning of this course, I have had an eye opening experience. As an avid sports fan, I was encouraged by the students and actors who portrayed Native American warriors. It wasn’t until I enrolled and participated in this class that I realized how wrong it is to support and condone the actions of these schools and organizations. I have acknowledged that these acts can be construed as hurtful to all of the Native Nations and their families as we know not how it effects them. Through my own self-discovery in this course, it has made me more conscious about the feelings of others and the way I approach my own personal conduct at sporting events. I can only hope others gain this awareness as well.

  
 Treuer, Anton. Everything you wanted to know about Indians but were afraid to ask. St. Paul:      

     Minnesota Historical Society Press. 2012. Print.    

Wolter, David. Mascot History Part I. DavidWolter. 29 May 12. Web. 7 June 2014.