The use of Native Americans as logos, mascots, and team names for high school, college, and professional teams is a growing problem in some people's minds, and yet for others it is an honor.
Teams such as the “Fighting Sioux” or the “RedSkins” are in no way dishonoring the name, that is based on the fact that the student body of the college is following campus rules, and the NFL team isn't mocking them. There's no question that having a Native American originated team name should be allowed in all levels of sports.
The University of North Dakota, also known as the fighting Sioux, produce twenty percent of the United States American Indian doctors. A recent sports illustrated survey said that eighty-one percent of Native American respondents said “no” when they were asked whether high school and college teams should stop using the Indian nicknames.
Although the number is a bit off because the numbers were found from people who are sports fans, it still shows the lack of people against it. That means all but twenty percent of people educated on the situation believe it is acceptable. A Sioux goalie for UND said that he strongly supports the name. He felt good wearing a jersey representing the fighting Sioux. He should know best about the atmosphere of the games. He experienced games for a couple of years, and was in no way offended.
If it were more of the students attending schools like this having a big issue with it that would be one thing from experiencing first hand what the atmosphere is like in the crowds, the benches, the school, and college or high school life. It's another thing to be an “elder” for the tribe, go to a few games and say that the crowd is in some way mocking them. If they are truly proud of their heritage how would they find these actions offensive considering they themselves did them.
As long as the logos, team names, and slogans or cheers are not demeaning the Native Americans there is no reason at all that we cannot honor these tribes as a school. If they were to pass a ruling not allowing the use of Native American names what would be next? The Boston Celtics have an Irish man, the Green Bay Packers are representing the meat packers, and the Minnesota Vikings are representing the Vikings. Yet the only known issue is brought up by Native American elders.
Yes, they should be allowed.
Maybe those who don't see it that way are talking louder, though. If it really is okay, the people that like the Fighting Sioux mascot will have their work cut out for them: They have to convince a tribe to endorse it.