What would be a good response to this?
The use of Native American mascots should not be banned. Over the last 10 years, many Native American tribes have pursued legal action against sports teams with success in the NCAA. Large majorities of high school, collegiate and professional sports teams have mascots with Native American names. The Braves, Redskins, Seminoles, Indians and Chiefs all have team names derived from Native American culture.
Opponents argue against the use of Native American mascots and cite the reasons as having negative social and psychological factors on people, primarily Native Americans. Those against cite psychological studies and stated that students having been "primed with Native American-mascot imagery, Native American students scored lower on self-esteem and community-worth measures and reported fewer positive, achievement-oriented goals for themselves compared with a control group." (Whiteside, 66). Further argument states that overall, the mascots facilitate negative stereotypes and promote a hostile environment.
While critics of these sports clubs argue that the use of these names is derogatory, we have to ask ourselves where does it end? If we are going to ban the use of Native American team names, what about other team names that have been derived from ethnic groups that may or may not offend such as Celtics, Spartans or Vikings? Mascots for any team instill a sense of pride and team spirit amongst athletes and fans alike. "Mascots often depict Native Americans as stoic, brave and being one with nature" (Whiteside, 65). When you look at any team that has Native American mascots, they represent the strength and tenacity of the team. In over thirty years that I have been an avid football and baseball fan, I have never once seen a mascot demeaned or used in what some would consider an unprofessional or inappropriate manner.
In my opinion, I feel that the rise of this issue stems from the resentment and frustration built up over hundreds of years that the U.S. government has yet to make amends for. The problem isn't the mascot, it is that fact that Native Americans still have yet to receive the affirmation for the atrocities committed against them and adequate recognition and celebration as the true native people of our nation.