Adidas wants schools to stop using Native American mascots. The German athletic apparel company is willing to put money and resources behind its request. But some schools and sports teams may refuse the offer. They’ll keep their controversial-yet-beloved mascots, thank you very much.
The word “mascot” comes from a French word for “witch.” Over time, mascots came to be known as “good luck charms” for teams or organizations. Now people think of them as crazy fun. “Mascot” often refers to a life-sized cartoonish figure. But the term can also refer to a logo on a jersey or a website.
Today’s mascots are usually people, animals, or objects. They raise spirits and spread goodwill for a sports team, school, or product. Sometimes a mascot reflects a character quality—determination or bravery, for example. Fearless warriors or fierce animals are favored choices. Other times a mascot symbolizes a regional feature or highlights local pride—a tornado in Kansas, a dolphin in Florida. Some mascots are just plain silly. Consider the Akron Rubber Ducks, Hartford Yard Goats, Lansing Lugnuts, and—wait for it . . . the Montgomery Biscuits. (Go, Fighting Biscuits!)
But not everyone is laughing about mascots. Some have drawn negative attention in recent years. Many groups object to the stereotypes or inaccuracies mascots spread. This is especially true of mascot portrayals of various people groups such as Native Americans.
One famous example is a professional football team. Washington has refused appeals by Native American and civil rights groups to change their “Redskins” name and mascot. The red-faced, hook-nosed, scowling Indian seems to assume that’s how Native Americans look and act.
Not all tribes believe using Native American names and mascots is negative. The Florida State Seminoles, Utah Utes, and Central Michigan Chippewas all have the support of tribal leaders. But unlike some Indian terms, such as the Braves, the term “redskins” is not a favorable one. It was used from Colonial times to disparage Native Americans. Promoting a team by that name is offensive to many in the same way using other racial slurs would be.
According to the group Change the Mascot, about 2,000 U.S. schools use Native American mascots. The group says about a dozen schools have dropped those mascots over the past two years. Another 20 are thinking about changing.
Now Adidas is offering free design resources and financial support to assist any school that drops its Native American logo, mascot, and nickname.
Adidas says, “Our intention is to help break down any barriers to change—change that can lead to a more respectful and inclusive environment for all American athletes.”
Avoiding offense is a worthy goal. The God who is love encourages believers to love each other. Respect for others’ dignity, wishes, and feelings is a good way to do exactly that.
