Tribal nicknames and mascots.
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
May 6, 2011 9:20am CST
So let me get this straight. A city can use a tribal name and no one is offended. The local schools can carry the tribal name of the city, and no one is offended... but it's all of the sudden "offensive" if the same school uses tribal images for their sports programs?
I wonder if Selective Offense should be added to the DVM-IV. lol
6 responses
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
6 May 11
Are you refering to the use of the name 'Geronimo' as the code word for bin Laden?
If so, the Native Americans have been saying for years that this is offensive to them.
http://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/united-states/whats-name-can-native-americans-control-outsi
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 May 11
Nope, I'm not talking about that, I'm talking about a state law that bans such use of tribal names for mascots, but apparently not for cities or schools.
(Why do I feel like Gilda Nadner) 
@RebeccaScarlett (2532)
• Canada
12 May 11
My city is named Mississauga, after a Native tribe. All the hockey teams in the MHL were named after a different Native tribe: Iroquois, Navajo, Algonuins, etc.
The Native groups didn't have a problem with the names, but they did have a problem that every single team used the same stereotypical and slightly racist picture on their jerseys. Their point was that not all tribes wore their hair the same, looked the same, etc, and the teams should make some effort to at least use different images. The league decided that would be too much work and so they changed the names to all different things.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
12 May 11
Yeah, there have definitely been racist and hateful stereotypes used in team mascots. The problem is, now you can't even use words that aren't necessarily even tribal. I've seen politicians go out in search of 1 person to say something is offensive, just so they can make a stink about it.
It's ridiculous.
@RebeccaScarlett (2532)
• Canada
12 May 11
Everyone needs a cause to fight for if they want attention, and as the more worthy causes are claimed by other politicians and celebrities, they must begin splitting hairs and stirring up trouble.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 May 11
This is in response to the law in Wisconsin banning tribal mascots.. but apparently tribal names are ok.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 May 11
Because those groups aren't represented by anyone in Racism Inc.
@Adoniah (7512)
• United States
6 May 11
This has been a problem for a while. I used to think it was silly, but then I started thinking of possible names from other groups of people and I realized that it was wrong....Try thinking about it from that point of view for a few minutes and see if you do not come to the same conclusion...As a Jew, it only took me a second.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 May 11
There is a high school in Iowa called "Mormon Trail High", their mascot is The Saints. I've never heard any member or leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (or any other denomination that accepts The Book of Mormon as scripture) being anything but honored by the school's name.
