Sample Paper

Words 2,298

The most general argument against Native American mascots is that they symbolize racist label of Native Americans. Stereotypes of Native Americans emerged throughout the United States popular cultures, such as in movies; government seals; commercials and signs for products, statues, and paintings that non-Natives have in their homes. Scholars have identified two main stereotypes:

  • The “bloodthirsty savage,” which conveys the notions that Native Americans are wild, aggressive, violent, and brave;
  • The “noble savage,” who depicts the idea that Native Americans are primitive, innocent, quiet, and part of the natural world (Williams, ix, Bataille & Silet, 23; Hilger, 47; Lyman, 18).

According to Berkhofer “The Indian was a white Invention and still remains a white invention” (3)  It is the stereotype of Native Americans as bloodthirsty savage that led the colonists to choose Native American mascots for a game. Traits linked with this stereotype, such as having an aggressive spirit, and being forceful, valiant, devoted, and proud, are paired with sports, and so selecting a Native American mascot links sports teams with such conduct. The appeal of this stereotype to many individuals in sport is represented by the following quotation from supporters of Native American mascots:

I look at that mascot, that Indian head, and it stirs me up. I think of getting real aggressive, and it brings out the aggressiveness in me. And it makes me go out there and really wrestle hard and fight hard, you know, because that’s what those Indians were” ( quoted Davis 1993, 15).

Thank you for visiting Essaydemon.com and viewing our articles and sample papers. Kindly be informed that all these articles and sample papers are for marketing purposes only. The sole purpose of these articles and sample papers is just to provide our customers with an idea about our services before they place an order.

Kindly visit our order/inquiry page for further assistance.

Kindly order custom made Essays, Term Papers, Research Papers, Thesis, Dissertation, Assignment, Book Reports, Reviews, Presentations, Projects, Case Studies, Coursework, Homework, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking, on the topic by clicking on the order page.