Using Native Mascots

In an age where political correctness rules over all words and language, it seems like all a person has to do to stir up some controversy is state that they do not like the name of something. Thus was the case in recent years over Native names for sports teams. In many cases it was not the name that was really at issue but the mascot or logo that accompanied that name. For example; a Native portrayed in a respectful manner is not a problem, but an idiotic depiction of a Native person as a logo or as a mascot is an issue.

Unfortunately; instead of taking issue with the team in question, there were people who chose to lump all teams into the same basket and call them all offensive without even looking into the circumstances revolving around the team and the name. Contrary to what some of these people want to think or believe not all sports teams arbitrarily chose a Native name without first getting permission or being respectful to the tribes in question.

I am a proud Florida State Seminole fan and alumnus. I display my colours and our logo with no problem or disrespect. One reason I can do so is because I KNOW the story behind the name. When the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) passed a mandate that teams using Native names should change those names to what they deemed less offensive, Florida State received a waiver once the story was also revealed to the powers that be in the NCAA.

The Florida State Seminoles have a live mascot named Chief Osceola with a horse named Renegade. Before each home game Chief Osceola rides out onto the football field in full regalia holding a flaming spear which he plants in the middle of the field. The costume worn by Chief Osceola was donated to the university by the Seminole tribe of Florida for the Chief Osceola to wear. The Florida Seminole tribe gave Florida State permission to use the name Seminoles. Permission was not asked of the Oklahoma tribes which caused some of them to protest which again stirred up some controversy over the use of the name. A percentage of every item sold containing the Seminole logo whether it be the university name or a depiction of the mascot is given to the Seminole tribe of Florida and the university routinely offers scholarships for free education to members of the Seminole tribe. Florida State University and the Seminole tribe of Florida have a close friendly relationship which is continually evolving to benefit both parties. Recently before a game a member of the Seminole tribe planted the flaming spear in the field after accepting it from Chief Osceola.

How can any of this be seen as offensive or disrespectful to the tribal name or the people of the tribe? The spirit of the Florida State Seminoles embodies the spirit of the Seminole people. Recently the Florida State Seminoles honoured the Seminole tribe with Unconquered Spirit and the institution of the annual Black Out game. This can only be a good thing. Being politically correct has its place but like anything else should be tempered with wisdom an restraint. If a particular team portrays a logo or mascot that is deemed offensive then deal with that particular incident and stop lumping everyone together as one; that is a truly disrespectful action.