Native-Americans & Logos

OK, I have posted some pictures here of different sports teams that use Native-American names and/or mascots. I'm interested to see how you all feel about these. I know we touched on this in class, but I'm still torn. I absolutely love the Cleveland Indians. On one hand, they would never be the same without the tradition behind Chief Wahoo (their mascot). I'd hate to see him not be the face of my team. But on the other hand, I underatnd how extremely offensive the caraciture can be. And as a non Native-American, I wonder: Do I have the authority to speak on this in the first place? Because I am not Native-American, is my opinion on the whole thing authentic? Through the eyes of Native-Americans, does my opion matter? What do you think?


This is the current Chief Wahoo logo.
It was adapted from older versions in 1951.



And look how the logo has changed over the years. Has it gotten 'better' or 'worse?'

This Chief Wahoo logo appeared on the Indians Uniforms and hats in 1946 and was the first such logo for Cleveland's baseball team.




And what about some of these other logos. Are some more offensive than others?
This is the Florida St. Seminole logo, endorsed with with an official sanction from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. and the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.




The Utah Utes have a similar a similar endorsment from area tribes.






The Illinois Fighting Illini also have used Native-American logos and mascots.


Chief Illiniwek, a Native-American figure, was the mascot/logo of Illinois athletics from 1926-2007.


Other popular sports teams that use Native-American names, logos or mascots include:
The Atlanta Braves, The Kansas City Chiefs and The Washington Redskins.

Stereotypes and Identity

Over the past few days, we have looked at Native American stereotypes in different forms of media. I'm interested to know what you folks think of Ray's character in A Yellow Raft In Blue Water: does she fit into some of these stereotypes? Would you identify her as 'Native American?' In a lot of ways, Ray seems like a normal kid trying to find her way, and doing so pretty much without the help of any of her parents. Still, I feel that there are elements of her Native American heritage that are in play.

I'm also interested with how Christine fits the Native American 'mold.'

For both characters, I'm intrigued how their respective connections to their heritage shape and influence their identity as Americans as well as Native-Americans. What do you guys think?

*Again, remember that in a blog community (or any community, really) it is super important to read and consider what other people are thinking and saying. Please, take the time to read through what your peers say and remember that you can respond to their ideas rather than to my questions. This is especially helpful if you are stuck or can't quite think of what to say.