Understanding the Ethical Implications of Indian Mascots

Mission Statement

Stereotypical Indian mascots, images, and nicknames have been widely used in sports and media entertainment during the last few decades. Indian sporting mascots are often visually portrayed through images of red skin, big noses, and aggressive savage-like behavior. American Indians continually make up the most under-represented ethnic minority group attending American public and private schools; as well as post-secondary institutions. Sporting Mascots are not the only stereotypical portrayals of American Indian people and culture in the American society. In an era of political correctness and cultural and racial sensitivity in popular media, the continued use of stereotypical Indian Mascots is both controversial and baffling. This site will examine the ethically conflicting implications of the continued use of degrading stereotypical visual representations of American Indian people in a variety of contexts including education and mass media. I will also provide relevant information on the detrimental psychological effects Indian mascots and logos have on American Indians' self-esteem cultural identity. Ultimately, it is up to you the viewer whether or not Indian Mascots are ethically sound in nature.  I hope you find the provided information both useful and enlightening.

-Michael Ojibway, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

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