Alternative Indian Mascots
Posted on September 5, 2007 - Filed Under Uncategorized |
INDIAN MASCOTS
Honor Indians Institute believes that the use of Indian mascots is wrong because they perpetuate ignorance and negative stereotypes. While maintaining the position that Indian mascots are wrong, Honor Indians Institute departs from other critics in calling for them to be banned, either through compulsory legislation or litigation. Forcing the Indian mascot supporters to abandon their honored traditions only creates more hostility, resentment, and even hatred toward those, like Honor Indians Institute, who would like to see them retired.
Honor Indians Institute believes that you don’t change hearts and minds by force, either through legislation or litigation. Honor Indians Institute believes that information about Indian tribes and tribal members must be presented in a fair and hopefully unbiased manner. We present information about United States Supreme Court case law and federal policy, implemented by Congress through legislation, that explain what Indian tribes and tribal members have had to endure and overcome. Our objective is to explain how things got to be the way they are today. Then, the mascot supporter must internalize and process the information to come to their own conclusion that they are perpetuating ignorance. Then they can choose for themselves what to do next. At the end of the class, if the Indian mascot supporter still feels that Indian mascots are good and honorable, we can accept their choice.
For the Indian mascot supporter who still maintains their allegiance to their mascot, Honor Indians Institute has two alternatives to consider.
ALTERNATIVE INDIAN MASCOTS
Honor Indians Institute has developed and designed alternative Indian mascots and logos for five professional teams, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Blackhawks, Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Redskins, and six universities, Arkansas State Indians, Central Michigan Chippawas, Florida State Seminoles, Illinois Fighting Illini and North Dakota Fighting Sioux. The alternatives Indian mascots do not perpetuate ignorance and negative stereotypes that their counter parts have emitted for years. The alternative Indian mascots are as follows:
Illinois Fighting Alumni
Chicago Black Hawks
Kansas City Chefs
Central Michigan Chippamunks
Florida State Criminoles
Cleveland Engines
Atlanta Graves
Arkansas State Indys
Washington Pigskins
Utah statUTES
North Dakota Fighting Sue
Posters of these Alternative Indian Mascots can be purchased through our “Bookstore” link. Proceeds from the sale of Alternative Indian Mascots and other Honor Indians Institute merchandise will be used for student scholarships.
*******************************************
The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-644) is a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in marketing of Indian arts and crafts products within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian Tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States. For a first time violation of the Act, an individual can face civil or criminal penalties up to a $250,000 fine or a 5-year prison term, or both. If a business violates the Act, it can face civil penalties or can be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000,000.
*************************************
The second Alternative to Indian Mascots is the Indian Mascot Offset. http://honorindians.com/indian-mascot-offsets/
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Honor Indians Institute is offering Sponsorship Opportunities to those that are interested in providing scholarships for our students. Here’s how:
1. Purchase of Alternative Indian Mascot Posters: Purchase our A.I.M. posters for yourself, and the proceeds will be used for student scholarships.
2. Donate the purchase price of Alternative Indian Mascot Posters: Donate the purchase price of our A.I.M. posters, and the proceeds will be used for student scholarships. We will then distribute the poster(s) to the student(s) in each class and/or lecture.
