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http://www.indianz.com/News/2012/007100.asp Dwanna Robertson: A little request about 'Indian' mascots
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
Filed Under: Opinion
More on: dwanna robertson, mascots
"With football and the fall season—which is always tough for Native folks because of the U.S.’s insistence on honoring Columbus, the awful Pocahontas Halloween costumes, and the ever-present Thanksgiving mythology of the goodness of the pilgrims and the simple-mindedness of Indigenous people—fast approaching us, I must make a request publicly. I’ve struggled over this decision, knowing many of you might judge me and say “this type of thing just isn’t done” or “that’s not how things are done around here.” I also understand my statement will have both social and political consequences for me. The request: Think of the worst word any person could call you, whether regarding your racial, ethnic, or national heritage, your gender or sexuality, or your religion, or any other identity that you hold dear. Now, imagine hearing that word used daily all around you. Imagine seeing distorted, ugly images of that word everywhere you go. Imagine that you can’t turn on the TV, go shopping, watch movies, or even read a book without hearing or seeing what this terrible word implies because it’s that pervasive in the public discourse. Now imagine people telling you to “get over it” and that you’re being “too sensitive” when you protest its usage. Can you empathize?" Get the Story:
Dwanna Robertson: A Request to Everyone in Academia and Anyone Who Isn’t an American Indian as the Fall Season Approaches (Indian Country Today 9/17)
http://www.indianz.com/News/2012/007100.asp Dwanna Robertson: A little request about 'Indian' mascots
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
Filed Under: Opinion
More on: dwanna robertson, mascots
"With football and the fall season—which is always tough for Native folks because of the U.S.’s insistence on honoring Columbus, the awful Pocahontas Halloween costumes, and the ever-present Thanksgiving mythology of the goodness of the pilgrims and the simple-mindedness of Indigenous people—fast approaching us, I must make a request publicly. I’ve struggled over this decision, knowing many of you might judge me and say “this type of thing just isn’t done” or “that’s not how things are done around here.” I also understand my statement will have both social and political consequences for me. The request: Think of the worst word any person could call you, whether regarding your racial, ethnic, or national heritage, your gender or sexuality, or your religion, or any other identity that you hold dear. Now, imagine hearing that word used daily all around you. Imagine seeing distorted, ugly images of that word everywhere you go. Imagine that you can’t turn on the TV, go shopping, watch movies, or even read a book without hearing or seeing what this terrible word implies because it’s that pervasive in the public discourse. Now imagine people telling you to “get over it” and that you’re being “too sensitive” when you protest its usage. Can you empathize?" Get the Story:
Dwanna Robertson: A Request to Everyone in Academia and Anyone Who Isn’t an American Indian as the Fall Season Approaches (Indian Country Today 9/17)