Dispelling the Mascot Myth: The Misuse of Indigenous Peoples as Mascots in American Schools

Authors

Cornel Pewewardy Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Teaching and Leadership, School of Education, University of Kansas

Date of this Version

October 2001

Abstract

This workshop details the deculturalization process that takes place when Indigenous Peoples are used as mascots in school-related activities; examines the arguments(s) and defensive tactics used by sports fans and school officials to maintain these hegemonic images; and offers successful strategies for developing policy toward the elimination of Indigenous Peoples as mascots.