Mascot Debate Should Focus on Harmful Effects on Youth

A month after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) cancelled six federal trademark registrations for the name of Washington’s football team, the Center for American Progress says the team’s name is more than just racist: it has real effects on American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth every day.

The report, “Missing the Point: The Real Impact of Native Mascots and Team Names on American Indian and Alaska Native Youth,” reveals that offensive mascot names can foster hostile learning environments for AI/AN students, result in lower self-esteem and mental health, and lead to the development of cultural prejudices since the stereotypical depictions are often understood to be true.

AI/AN youth, according to the report, have some of the nation’s lowest high school graduation rates and have a suicide rate that is 2.5 times higher than the national average. Native mascots not only misrepresent the AI/AN community – they mask an enduring affliction that is felt every day.

In May, 50 senators wrote a letter to National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell, urging the team to change its name. That request was quickly denied, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D. Nev., continues to be outspoken on the issue.

Members of Congress aren’t the only ones opposing the name. Last week, the granddaughter of the team’s founder said the name should change. In December 2013, The Leadership Conference voted unanimously at its national board meeting for a resolution urging the team’s owner to change the name.