NCAA’s historic stand is pro-human being

It would be very easy to respond to Kent Ward’s column (BDN, Aug. 13-14) about the NCAA ruling on Native American mascots in a manner that is equally cynical, sarcastic and disrespectful, but this is too important an issue to both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations of the United States. For the first time in my lifetime an institution like the NCAA is taking a stand that is socially responsible, respectful, humane and honorable.

For the first time in my lifetime the feelings and collective, yet distinctive, cultural heritage(s) of the Indigenous population of this continent are being considered and valued. I owe it to my ancestors, my relations, my children, and most importantly, my grandchildren to respond to Ward’s column thoughtfully and respectfully.

Instead of struggling with the NCAA being politically correct, why not embrace an act of plain courtesy? The NCAA could have added another adjective, along with “hostile” and “abusive,” to the language of its ruling: “racist.” The truth is, the blanket caricatures of Indigenous people and cultural symbols used as sports mascots in this country are not even rooted in reality, much less honor. The mascots are rooted in a history that is invisible and trivialized because of the treasured “Melting Pot Theory.”

Moreover, it is this “history” that justifies the popular belief that all Indigenous cultures are the same; a generic “Indian” image that is easily accessible and creates abundant marketing possibilities for the popular culture. Unfortunately these images are not just limited to sports teams; in your local grocery store you will find products like Red Man Tobacco and Land O Lakes butter.

Indigenous people are not leprechauns or toy figures and we do not possess some mysterious mythical presence; we are living, breathing beings. We have families and homes and a history that is woven and anchored to this continent like no other race of people.

The NCAA made a decision that has been viewed as pro-Indian instead of being pro-human being. It is too bad that Ward and others of his opinion cannot differentiate between images of fantasy and myth and flesh and blood. In the words of Suzan Shown Harjo (Indian Country Today, Aug. 11): “It is shameful that the mighty Osceloa is portrayed as a mascot. He is represented with ‘fakey war paint’, which he never wore, on an Appaloosa horse, which he never rode; with a Plains Indian war lance, which he never used; acting the fool, which he never was; and performing for non-Indians – which he never did.”

In my opinion, equally sad as this portrayal of Chief Oceola, is the fact that there are Seminoles who are victims of their own internalized oppression, feeling the need to care for their oppressors, and have sanctioned this caricature of one of their greatest leaders. I would ask readers of this piece to remember that one, two, even three or more Indigenous voices do not speak for an entire Indigenous nation.

Mr. Ward, regardless of the NCAA decision, the Indigenous populations of this country will survive with dignity and honor because for generations we have taught our children the truth about their respective ancestors and nation’s histories; we have taught our respective languages and the stories of our Creation in our homes and our schools and we have modeled the strength an Indigenous nation possesses when its members live their respective cultural traditions and values with truth and courage.

The NCAA, however, “… is learning what it’s like to be mocked, cartooned, lampooned, and vilified – in short, what it’s like to [be an] Indian in the world of sports.” (Suzan Shown Harjo, Aug. 11)

Julia E. Sockbeson is a member of the Penobscot Nation.