Why Culturally-Theme Mascots Are Offensive
Andrew Kessinger
Worthington
English 4
13 December 2013
Why Culturally-themed Mascots Are Offensive With today’s world moving so rapidly into the future, it is important that we not forget our past. Our history has defined generations, instilling within them a sense of appreciation for their own traditions and cultures. The scope of impact that culture has is so large, that it even extends into the world of sports. Thousands of teams across the country derive their names and mascots from ethnic groups, predominantly the Native Americans. Though they claim to be honoring these cultures, the names given to the teams are racially insensitive because they dehumanize, oppress, and discriminate against the cultural identities of these groups. …show more content…
Other times, the inspiration is drawn from a local level. At a California high school, the local community cheers on the Coachella Valley Arabs. This mascot has represented the school since 1910 (Landau 1). Naturally, the offensively drawn caricature of a man of Middle-Eastern descent has Arab-American rights groups upset. There is good cause for opposition as the mascot is depicted with a large, hooked nose, head-covering, and beard. The choosing of the Arab seems to be innocent enough; the community has a high Arab-American population and influence. As a symbol of heritage, the mascot was chosen to reflect the people of Coachella Valley. Nevertheless, its depiction is highly stereotypical and mocks the way most people believe they look. "The [Arab] mascot image is a harmful form of ethnic stereotyping which should be eliminated. By allowing continued use of the term and imagery, you are commending and enforcing the negative stereotypes of an entire ethnic group, millions of whom are citizens of this nation” ().
Racially
Worthington
English 4
13 December 2013
Why Culturally-themed Mascots Are Offensive With today’s world moving so rapidly into the future, it is important that we not forget our past. Our history has defined generations, instilling within them a sense of appreciation for their own traditions and cultures. The scope of impact that culture has is so large, that it even extends into the world of sports. Thousands of teams across the country derive their names and mascots from ethnic groups, predominantly the Native Americans. Though they claim to be honoring these cultures, the names given to the teams are racially insensitive because they dehumanize, oppress, and discriminate against the cultural identities of these groups. …show more content…
Other times, the inspiration is drawn from a local level. At a California high school, the local community cheers on the Coachella Valley Arabs. This mascot has represented the school since 1910 (Landau 1). Naturally, the offensively drawn caricature of a man of Middle-Eastern descent has Arab-American rights groups upset. There is good cause for opposition as the mascot is depicted with a large, hooked nose, head-covering, and beard. The choosing of the Arab seems to be innocent enough; the community has a high Arab-American population and influence. As a symbol of heritage, the mascot was chosen to reflect the people of Coachella Valley. Nevertheless, its depiction is highly stereotypical and mocks the way most people believe they look. "The [Arab] mascot image is a harmful form of ethnic stereotyping which should be eliminated. By allowing continued use of the term and imagery, you are commending and enforcing the negative stereotypes of an entire ethnic group, millions of whom are citizens of this nation” ().
Racially