Native American Mascots in Wisconsin schools

 By William Sampson

 Native people are not mascots, they are strong, beautiful people. Throughout America’s history, there have been disrespectful actions taken.  Mascots are negative and harmful to people.  Mascots are an ugly form of stereotyping and are negatively affecting Native people. 

More teams around the world who have Native mascots are changing for the better.  Recently In Wisconsin the Saugatuck Public Schools have a new name and mascot.  They used to have the nickname “Indians”, but are now going to be called the Trailblazers.  The Saugatuck Public Schools stated in July of 2020 that they would take into consideration changing their name and mascot.  Feathers and traditional clothing are sacred to the Native people.  An example is the eagle which is known to bring prayers to the creator.  Mascots that try to represent Native people by wearing feathers or native-like clothing are disrespectful to the Native culture.  

Cultural appropriation is when a person uses things from another culture in a disrespectful way, showing a lack of respect for that culture.  Cultural appropriation is still happening today and social media has been quick to call out those who take part in such behavior.  Native people are proud and strong people, they are not a character to dress up as.  They are not a costume to put on.  Their culture is not something that should be mocked or used in a negative way.  Today in 2021, Native American people continue to fight for justice and equality.  Misrepresentations and stereotypes are becoming less acceptable.   This is very much true in many cases around the U.S. not just in Wisconsin.  One of the NFL teams used to be called the “Washington Redskins,” and recently that has changed.  It has taken 80 years for this change to occur.  They are now going by the name of the Washington Football team. Changes are being made all over the place and it’s just a start.  Some people may not be ready to hear what is being said-or simply are not ready for change but by bringing more awareness to racial injustice, cultural appropriation and other injustices going on will hopefully spark a change.  We as people need to continue to stand for change, and help each other acknowledge and respect diversity.