“When we are seen as fictional characters, it dehumanizes us; when we’re not seen as people, the potential for violence toward us increases. It’s not “just a mascot” when these mascots perpetuate harmful stereotypes and actually generate more racist sentiments about Natives.”
“Mascots have been shown to have a negative impact on the self-esteem of Native children. Native students report that when they attend schools with Native mascots or team names, they are often victims of bullying.”
“Real Native clothing, or regalia, is often sacred to us and carries meaning. We survived genocide to then go through forced cultural assimilation. It wasn’t until 1978 that we could freely and lawfully practice our religions and customs. So it’s a slap in the face to see our once-forbidden customs and sacred elements cherry-picked and modified for mainstream entertainment.”
