Racism In Sports Essay

Racism in the United States and around the country is a constant and growing problem. The use of racism is often used as an insult towards the race, or to a person of that race. Overall racism should not be used in today’s society and be accepted. Which brings up the topic of sports teams using offensive names for the brand of the team. Teams using explicit names towards Native Americans are being used at professional, college, and high school athletics levels. A team name in my perspective that is offensive is, The Washington Redskins, because of it dishonors Native Americans. Another reason why this name is offensive because it could cause mental health issues with Native Americans, especially their youth. Also, The Cleveland Indians mascot
The youth of tribes are becoming ashamed or embarrassed of their skin color and heritage. The main age group is typically 9 to 17 year olds in the communities. As stated, “This is a low blow to a community that already struggles with substance abuse and suicide” (Tayler 1). This give team owners an inside source on why the names should be changed. The Native American youth could start to branch away from tribes due to bullying, which would destroy the future of the tradition. The current use of these names are demoralizing to the current youth of tribes, and could ultimately destroy them forever.
Lastly, the team name and mascot of the Cleveland Indians should be changed because it classifies the race as a color and stereotypes the looks of a Native American. The use of the mascot “Chief Wahoo” would be no different than a use of a African-American offensive, stereotypical, mascot. Racism of the native race is far over-looked as only 1.7 percent of Americans identify themselves as completely or partially Native American. The word “Indian” refers to the race as savages in their tactics in killing and in