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Frankly,
I'm puzzled re: the use of Indian names, euphemisms, epithets, and/or
logos. My grandmother[s] both Indian and non-Indian taught me to
respect other people.
If
I were to do something which was articulated as being harmful or
disrespectful, I should stop it-- immediately. Mind you, I was also
taught that I should know beforehand whether anything I was doing
could in any way be construed as harmful/disrespectful; that if
others had to articulate their experience of having been harmed
or disrespected , I've also committed yet another faux pas in that
I've put them in the uncomfortable position of having to point it
out to me. In other words, I have a responsibility to behave with
consideration and respect toward others.
Indian
people have voiced their feelings regarding the use of Indian mascots.
Overwhelmingly, Indian people have asked non-Indians to stop using
Indian names, euphemisms, and/or epithets, as well as the appropriation
of tribal specific regalia and accoutrements with which to adorn
their team mascots. Professional sports teams and schools have professed
that they have Indian mascots and/or logos in order to honor Indians.
If mascots/logos were unwittingly appropriated for these reasons,
this doesn't account for their continued use in light of nation-wide
protests against their use. Nor can I understand how the use of
Indian names/logos/mascots by non-Indians can in any way be construed
as respectful in light of a contentious and continuing history of
colonization and contestation. My words to these many misguided
folks are brief-- "learn some manners. learn respect. learn
to listen."
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