http://bit.ly/MascotSymposium
Racism has troubled the world for generations and lamentably, it is alive today.
Racist stereotypes can be evident in sports and this is a shame since from the Olympic Games in old Greek times, sports have had the objective of joint people in a peaceful atmosphere so they can compete with honor. Remember that in old Greek times, wars stopped to celebrate the Olympic Games.
However, sports have still racist commentaries and troubles because is an activity that many people have in common and because emotions peaked and sometimes people expressed without any contention.
Media coverage doesn’t help to improve racist stereotypes. It focuses on negative and uncivil acts (‘during the match, the public insulted…’). And if you open your local sports page, you will find your daily dose of scores and stats, that’s truth, but somewhere else in there you will find also a gossip about something an athlete did wrong or about his/her private life (‘he has seen drunk in that pub and…’).
If you want to explore the mythology and psychology of sports stereotypes, you can attend to National Museum of the American Indian (Rasmuson Theater, First Level. 4th Street and Independence Avenue SW. Washington, DC) to a special program/symposium on November 1, 2012, 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM
Free and open to the public.
Metro: L’Enfant Plaza, Maryland Avenue/Smithsonian Museums exit
Racist Stereotypes & Cultural Appropriation in American Sports
Thus, join commentators, scholars, authors, and representatives from sports organizations for a series of panel discussions on racist stereotypes and cultural appropriation in American sports.
Examine the retirement of “Native American” sports references and collegiate efforts to revive them despite the NCAA’s policy against “hostile and abusive” nicknames and symbols, and engage in a lively “community conversation” about the name and logo of the Washington, D.C., professional football organization.
Reception will follow immediately after the symposium.
Don’t miss this chance to improve our coexistence!
More information: http://nmai.si.edu/multimedia/webcasts/#/?i=1
You can also read the article ‘Tribute to Jim Thorpe, Native American Athlete’ http://yareah.com/tribute-to-jim-thorpe-native-american-athlete/