Not only
does racism exists at schools, jobs, and living communities, but racism also
exist in our American sports. Indian people are involved in what can be
described as the longest undeclared war against the American Indian. The issue for
the American Indians is the right to self-identification and self-determination;
this is the fight of the Native Americans on Racism in Sports and the Media. Native Americans on Racism in Sports and Media
exist to fight the powerful influence of major media who choose to broadcast messages
of harassment or cruelty. The case of media joins imagery with widely held
misconceptions of American Indians in the form of sports team identities resulting
in racial, cultural, and spiritual stereotyping.
These stereotypes and cruelty
towards the Native Americans, it doesn't just affect the elders but this also takes a toll on the Native American young people also. “When exposed to these
images, the self-esteem of Native youth is harmfully impacted, their self-confidence
erodes, and their sense of identity is severely damaged. Specifically, these stereotypes
affect how Native youth view the world and their place in society, while also
affecting how society views Native peoples,” (National Congress of American
Indians, 5). The youth of Native Americans feel less of people, as if they were
nothing to the American society which is all caused from a mascot or team name
that can easily be changed. Is a sports team more important to the American
society than a young child’s dignity? The National Congress of American Indians
goes on to state, “This creates an inaccurate portrayal of Native people and
their contribution to society. Creating positive images and role models is
essential in helping Native youth more fully and fairly establish themselves in
today’s society,”(National Congress of American Indians, 5). The future of
Native American youth is being heavily affected from their treatment from American
society from the images and stereotypes they are receiving from team names.
It is illegal in the United States
to discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, religion, national
origin, sex, physical difference, or gender preference. The people of America
are victims of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and national origin.
While many native people choose to live their lives with pride and independence
from the negative influences of formal racism, it remains necessary to declare ones
equal rights as citizens of the U.S. through education and legal action. The
name of the Washington DC football team is a racial slur, “an illegal form of
hate speech and discrimination that damages a protected class of people by
denying respect and equality: in the workplace, at government funded facilities
and contractors, at public gatherings, over regulated airwaves, and in corporation
producing electronic and print Content,” (Racists Sports Mascots and Names,
Mano Singham, 2). The word redskins has no place in a country of equals. Yet,
sports organizations, media organizations and many fans have inherited and committed
a resistance to racism. This is offensive ethnic sports names and mascots, and does
damage to the freedom of anyone to live their lives without experiencing
prejudice or teasing.
No comments:
Post a Comment