On Monday June 25th, I watched a movie called More Than a Word. The movie not only showed current/ recent violence we have caused to the indigenous people but also showed different perspectives of the problems going on in the world today that circle around the Indians and the American people. A young indigenous female spoke on a topic that has been talked about recently in our class, the mascot or team topic. The focus of this topic was about the Washington Redskins, in summary of what she had to say was that the name “Redskin” is very offensive to the Indian community. I learned that before we say anything to anyone from another culture we should look at how they could possibly take offense to it even though it might not seem like a big deal to the person asking the question or saying the statement. After watching the movie I personally would say the name Washington “Redksins” should probably be changed just simply because it means the scalp of the Indian, but other names such as the Oklahoma “Sooners” or Florida State “Seminoles” In my opinion those names are way less offensive than “Redskin” so they could be dealt with.
caleby June 26, 2018
As I watched the same movie, I could only think about my high school’s team name, the “indians”. I grew up wanting to play as an indian for the varsity football team, but I never knew about the potential argument that it could stir up. I believe that I was blind to the fact that it was offensive and never had the opportunity to see the team name from a perspective of a fellow native american. Now that I am enrolled in this class, I am able to explore a new perspective on the argument and I can not be able to turn my back on things in this subject area.
tkyle June 29, 2018
I agree. The name and mascot should be changed out of respect for the Native American people. No other race would want crazy fans parading around in their clothing that’s important to their culture. Especially, after many years of them disrespecting the culture and trying to get rid of it. I can’t begin to think of the trouble that would stir up if this applied to any other race that is more superior than the Indians. The only real reason this treatment is possible without disasters happening is because these indigenous people have died off. They’re aren’t many of them left so they don’t have much support in the process of trying to gain the respect they deserve.