Native American Mascot Ban in Oregon

Oregon recently passed a ban on all Native American mascots in schools. This has been a very controversial topic and a long-standing battle. On one hand, the mascots are seen as racist and offensive. The other side of the argument believes that it shows pride in the Native American roots of our country. The only other state to enact this sort of ban is Wisconsin. It will affect all levels of education and each school will have five years to change their mascots and names before school funding will be pulled.

                After discussing this topic in our class debate, it was hard to decide which side to choose. Maybe it is hard to understand this debate truly without being born into Native American culture. I do believe the team name “Redskins” should be changed due to its own dictionary definition of being derogatory. But on the other side, I feel that the school representation can be a sign for pride and education. More needs to be understood of the Native American culture that holds our country’s roots. More physical and emotional ties can be made with the culture instead of it being seen as a singling out of the culture and its people. What are your thoughts on the use of Native American mascot and school names?

- Erin Morey
KIN 577