Tomahawk Chopped: The NCAA censors “offensive” Native American nicknames

A full post is coming quite soon, hopefully over the weekend. Here is my article from todays Bucknellian.

Imagine that the NCAA suddenly sent a letter to Bucknell informing them of a policy change regarding the school’s name. Not Bucknell, mind you, but the Bison nickname was no longer acceptable due to the massive hunting of the bison (the animal, not Bucky) and because some members of PETA had complained that this was cruel and unfair to the animal. Instantly, the Bucknellian would be filled with letters of protest. President Mitchell would send a letter to the NCAA appealing this verdict. Everyone would be upset about this decision, and rightfully so.

The situation above may be fictional, but something identical happened just over three months ago that has caused a flurry of protest on eighteen campuses across the country.

On August 7, The NCAA notified eighteen schools that their sports teams could no longer use their nicknames since they were offensive to Native Americans. The odd part of this ban is that it only applies to the postseason. During the postseason, the team cannot display those names or logos on their clothing, gym, or anything else. A few of the universities, such as the Florida State Seminoles, asked for and received a waiver because the local Native American tribes had given the school permission to use their name. Others, though, like Newberry College’s Chippewas, were denied the request.

Although this ruling has created a firestorm of controversy, this is certainly not the first time that this cry has been raised. When the Atlanta Braves began their dominance in 1991, many Native American tribes were upset by the Braves’ “Tomahawk Chop” and chanting—a practice that has carried over to innumerable sporting events, especially those involving Native American teams.
Proponents of the symbols, such as former President Jimmy Carter, have argued strongly that the Native American symbols are not meant in any derogatory way, but instead as emblems of a courageous group of people. Carter made remarks in 1991 about how everyone could be proud of the Braves for what they had accomplished and how it reflected on Native Americans. While his point stands, Carter should be thankful he was defending the 1991 Braves and not the 1988 Braves.

Opponents of the nicknames attest that such behavior, whether intentional or not, stereotypes Native Americans and creates, along with the names, a certain image of the Native American culture. They attest that the Tomahawk Chop and Chief Wahoo only presents one image of all tribes, and an unflattering one at that.

When examining the many viewpoints on this topic, it is important to evaluate each proposition as objectively as possible. The Native Americans who are angered by the Tomahawk Chop have a legitimate complaint that it strips them of their cultural identity. However, there are differences between harmful stereotyping, local culture, and a team name.

The point that the Native Americans and their supporters make about the stereotyping of all Native Americans as one tribe is legitimate and well-made. There are many different kinds of Native Americans and a person who has one image of all tribes is foolish. There’s a reason they have different names. Many diverse customs, histories, beliefs, and other characteristics are evident when looking at such a variety of tribes. It is important to recognize the culture and the heritage of each tribe distinctly.

In fact, this is exactly what Florida State said when appealing the NCAA’s decision. “Chief Osceola,” a student who is selected from a pool, must learn about the heritage of the Seminole people and the real Chief Osceola before attaining the honor. In fact, most of the NCAA schools use the names of actual tribes (Seminoles, Utes, Illini, to name a few), as opposed to professional sports (Redskins, Indians—and Chief Wahoo). The schools are trying to demonstrate a connection to the culture of the area and what it stands for.

As Florida State’s athletic site states, “Over the years, we have worked closely with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to ensure the dignity and propriety of the various Seminole symbols we use. Chief Osceola, astride his appaloosa when he plants a flaming spear on the 50-yard line, ignites a furious enthusiasm and loyalty in thousands of football fans, but also salutes a people who have proven that perseverance with integrity prevails.”

On second thought, though, maybe the people are right. Maybe there is something derogatory and harmful about labeling a group of people after a bit of local culture. Maybe Florida State should become the “Sinking Swamp” or the “Alligators.” But does “Alligators” conjure up a more peaceful image than “Seminoles?” And who gave us permission to use the moniker “Alligators” to represent the team? What if the alligators (and crocodiles) themselves are offended (not the Florida Gators, mind you)?

The accusation that the tribal names are derogatory is well-meant, but misguided. Again, quoting Florida State’s athletic site, “Any symbol can be misused and become derogatory.” I could probably write a letter of protest to the NCAA and say that I do not like Notre Dame’s use of the two words, “Fighting Irish.” As an Irishman (by blood, not citizenship), I could logically and reasonably state that the name of the team communicates that all Irish people do is to fight. I do not agree with that perception, and I think that Notre Dame should change its name to stop defaming Irish people across the world.

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that my entire Irish side of the family is huge Notre Dame fans, in part because of it’s portrayal of the Irish as fighting and courageous. And I can’t say that I agree with the letter I just outlined.

I don’t want to seem like I think the point that the NCAA is making is ludicrous. There are some names that are in poor taste and would indeed be censorable. But to think that the use of a local Native American tribe as a sports nickname is offensive is a bit extreme. What will be the next thing deemed offensive? Quite frankly, I could probably come up with a legitimate reason why any college sports nickname besides the “Bilikins” is offensive, and that’s because I don’t know what a “Bilikin” is.

As the recent Bucknell University Conservative Club's speaker, David French, noted, there is a difference between being harassed or emotionally disturbed by something and being offended by it. Being offended is part of life; we have to learn to deal with being offended. If we do not, we will never emotionally reach our fourth birthday.

The 18 schools that the NCAA disciplined have done nothing wrong except have something offensive that a group of people were annoyed about. I use the term “group of people” because a Harris Interactive Poll from three years ago found that 81% of all Native Americans (and 69% of those on reservations) have no problem with the use of names such as Utes, Seminoles, and Illini. If the Native American population, by and large, does not seem too concerned about it, why should we concern ourselves with it? Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to study my bison history.