Reading, writing, racism

Nigger. Spic. Kike.

Redskin.

These derogatory terms deeply insult the ethnic groups which they target. They are a representation of a time and mentality that stressed white supremacy, promoted segregation and oppression, and even the suggestion that nationality should predetermine the character of a human being.

This being said, why is the Native American, the symbol that we use to represent our entire school, referred to as a redskin? One explanation might be the fact that people don’t recognize redskin as an ethnic slur. The frequency and insignificant manner in which it is used leads many to believe that it is non-abusive.

However redskin is a slur, along with chief, Indian, red raider, chieftain, and savage – all which are used rampantly and with complete disregard to the people they offend. Native Americans are one of the most oppressed peoples in the history of this country, yet we learn next to nothing of their plight or the eradication of their culture as a whole.

“'Indian' logos and nicknames create, support and maintain stereotypes of a race of people. When such cultural abuse is supported by one or many of society’s institutions, it constitutes institutional racism.” Barbara Munson, a spokeswoman for the Oneida Nation, states.

Using Redskins as a name for our school not only trivializes the anguish Native Americans suffered, but also makes the racism toward them seem acceptable due to their utilization in an educational environment.

As an educational environment, Neshaminy stresses the importance of fostering and maintaining an atmosphere that promotes tolerance and acceptance. However, with Redskins as a team name, the school is promoting tolerance and acceptance of atrocities performed years ago close to the birth of our country.

George Washington - first president of the United States, father to our country, and the leader of an organized genocide against the Mohawk tribe. Not only did he order the killings of countless Native Americans, but after they were killed, they were skinned from the waist down to make boot tops and leggings for the troops.

The word redskin comes from this brutal practice. Native Americans were hunted like animals, viciously killed and then skinned for bounties. Their ears, noses, pieces of skin and scalp were all severed from their bodies for the sole purpose of ethnic cleansing. The Webster’s Dictionary definition of redskin is “offensive term for Native Americans.”

It could be assumed that the Neshaminy Redskins was developed for our school out of respect for the Native American culture. However, the objects held so sacred in their culture – the eagle feathers, face painting and traditional dress – are not being used in sacred ceremony, or in any cultural setting, but in another culture’s game.

It is time for pride to be pushed aside and tradition to be reevaluated. The exploitation of the Native Americans’ pain should not be accepted, even if it is allowed.

For more information about this topic, please go to the following websites:

http://www.iwchildren.org

http://pages.prodigy.net/munson

http://www.findanothername.com

http://earnestman.tripod.com

If you would to express your views about this issue, please send a letter to the editor or contact us online at [email protected]