1.

In my opinion, it is offensive for sports teams and their fans to use Native American names,
imagery, and gestures. First, they have no right to use the totems and symbols of other races.
In doing so, they violate the portrait rights of Natives. Second, as written in the article: "But to
many Native Americans - locally and afar - and others, the act is a disrespectful gesture that
perpetuates negative stereotypes of the nation's first people and embarrasses a city that fancies
itself a hub of culture and innovation in the Midwest," it is clear that the Native Americans do
not want appreciate the team’s appropriation of their culture. Finally, the fact that the team has
worked with the Natives to reform some of their traditions over the past six years indicates the
Natives do not approve of the team and its fans’ behaviors. Although there are studies
showing that some Natives may view mascots as imagery positively, they can still be
psychologically damaging to them, which further adds to the argument that the appropriation
of Native culture in sports is harmful.

2. I think the viewpoint of Crouser, who is a Standing Rock Sioux, is more convincing. As an
member of the affected community, their opinion of the chop is the most important and
influential. No matter the fans’ original intention of using the chop to celebrate the team, it
can offend an entire race, so the impact of the chant on others is more important.

3. I have never been to a sporting event, let alone witnessed or participated in a tomahawk chop.
On a surface level, this gesture helps the team build confidence and is a way for fans to
express support. However, after reading this article, I realized that this causes harm and
negative impact on Natives, so I do not think I will be using the tomahawk chop at a sports
event in the future.

4. In most cases, teams with names associated with Native Americans should change their
names. This is only fair because after the Washington Commanders team changed their name
in response to criticism, other teams should also respect the wishes of the Natives and do the
same. However, if the team serves a large Native American population or the name is
approved by the tribe, there is no need to change the name in this case because the fact that
the name is recognized by the Native people means that using it will not offend them.
 Response: Native Sports Team Names

The Washington Redskins have been the subject of controversy for using names and imagery with
references to First Peoples. Some think the football team promotes the positive qualities of Native
people, while others think it offends them and demeans their culture. Either way, I believe sports
teams need tribe-specific approval to use their names and imagery, as it demonstrates acceptance,
support, and respect for Natives.

The original intention of the team in using such names and images is to reflect the positive aspects
of First People cultures, such as perseverance and tenacity. Some Natives do see the deeper
meaning. However, there are still others who think that once the football team takes the name
Redskins, people will only remember the football team and the stereotypical depiction of Native
people, not the culture of the tribe behind the name. Although Washington Commanders changed
their team’s name, it was clear that the manager was only adhering to political correctness since he
tried to justify the meaning of the name. He told fans that the name had been around for more than
80 debates, and that the name Redskins has come to symbolize everything about this football
team: strength, courage, pride, and respect. According to him, losing the name meant losing the
soul of the franchise. Perhaps the team did not intend to offend the Natives, but the Natives saw it
as disrespectful to reference their culture without their consent. Considering the political and
social influence of a football team, it needs to be aware of how its name can be interpreted by
different people.

If our school had a football team, I think it should be called the Red Maple Leafs, and the mascot
could be a tree made of many maple leaves. The maple leaf is a Canadian symbol, and the colour
red symbolizes perseverance and bravery in the face of difficulties.