Native American Mascots: The Native Chief In Peter Pan

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For most young children, Native Americans are fascinating, fictional characters that only appear in books and movies. The existence of these people in the real world never seems to cross children’s minds as they enjoy Peter Pan or Squanto. After all, The Native Chief in Peter Pan is arguably depicted as a goofy looking character. Being a child once myself, I went right along with the stereotype. I pictured these “Red men” singing their chants and jumping around a fire. There was never the slightest thought about what the “hey-ya-ya-hey-ya-ya” chant must actually mean. After all, I was enjoying a mythical, carefree period in my lifetime. The non-fiction Native Americans first became prevalent to me in elementary school each year as the leaves turned yellow and the air …show more content…

Call me “racially insensitive,” but personally, I am neither offended nor strongly opinionated for supporters or anti-supporters, but I do have tenacity on the subject of removal. Common research indicates that a large amount of people are in favor of removing Indian mascots. The publisher from Blue Corn Comics makes the comment on a considerably “ignorant” quote from Russin: “In other words, many white people are incapable of rational thought on the mascot issue. Scary.” Perhaps he is right. Team mascots who are in reference to Native Americans are sought for entertainment purposes. This arguably conveys a negative message to the nation’s youth, as they are brought up seeing a legitimate culture degraded to a school football mascot. The publisher takes a bold approach to legitimize the sensitivity of the issue. “Would you support a team called the Peoria Kikes or the Birmingham N******? If not, how do you justify the continuation of a name like the Washington Redskins?” Such a quote may grab the attention of one who may not fully comprehend the racism conveyed by