"Playing Indian"

Is reenacting a person of a particular skin color offensive? This is one of the main issues addressed in C. Richard King's article "Arguing over Images: Native American Mascots and Race." One example of racial debate is regarding the Crayola company. The Chestnut Crayon use to be called "Indian Red" or something to that effect. However, there was so much controversy over its racial label that there was a contest to see who could rename the color. The debate of offensive names does not end in a Crayola box. King describes the controversy over sport and University mascots. He poses the question, "Do mascots like Chief Wahoo of the Cleveland Indians and Chief Illiniwek at the University of Illinois perpetuate racist stereotypes?" That is a fabulous question! The problem is, who is being asked? USA Weekend posted a blog for people to state their thoughts on such a subject. The responses varied from accusing people of not being able to "LIGHTEN UP!!!!!!!!!!" to a view that was horrified if someone actually thought it was correct to continue using such mascots. Talk about your polar opposites. Personally, I feel that I cannot properly judge and assess the situation because it is not my ethnicity that is in question. However, I do find some portrayals of the Native Americans are more tasteful than others.

One example would be the two depictions of Native Americans in Disney animated films. Peter Pan has been criticized many times for its insensitivity towards the Native Americans. The song What Made the Red Man Red has caused many controversies over the years.


King points out that images such as dancing, painted faces, dramatized body parts like noses, and wearing feathered headdresses are all ways to convey a negative stereotypical depiction of the Native American race. The gibber language and mannerism are not particularly flattering as well.

Pocahontas is Disney's way of making up for their initial portrayal in Peter Pan. The question becomes is it a fair interpretation that properly apologizes for the previous film? However, the use of the word 'savages' echoes a common adjective associated with the race. On the other hand, Disney uses this scene to portray both perspectives and equally show the savage nature of both races.




So is it correct to use Native American names and images as mascots? Well, I personally believe that is up to the race who is being protrayed.