Imagining the Indian: The Fight Against Native American Mascoting

The film begins by exploring the genesis of the exploitation of Native American culture within competitive sports. It highlights how names and logos featuring Native Americans were adopted by teams with no real connection to the cultures they represent, contributing to a sense of appropriation.

Suzan Shown Harjo, President of the Morning Star Institute, is introduced as a prominent figure in the fight against the exploitation of Native Americans in sports. Her 50-year battle serves as a hallmark for the documentary, emphasizing her dedication and advocacy over decades.

The film addresses the genocidal history of Native peoples in North America. This context is crucial as it underlines the roots of negative stereotyping in sports, movies, and television, revealing the deeply rooted issues that persist in society today.

A range of opinions from both Native and non-Native individuals is presented throughout the film. This exploration includes voices advocating for change and those who dismiss concerns about names and mascots, showcasing the division within public sentiment.

The documentary surveys the long legal history of activism against Native American mascots, including multiple lawsuits led by Harjo. Notably, it discusses the high-profile case involving the 'Redskins,' which has been pivotal over the past three decades.

The film delves into the controversy surrounding the Washington NFL team name, illustrating how it has become a flashpoint for Native advocacy. The mounting pressure on the NFL and the team's owner, Dan Snyder, to engage in meaningful dialogue is ultimately highlighted.

Owner Dan Snyder’s attempts to reach out to Native American communities are examined, including initiatives like building playgrounds for economically disadvantaged tribes. These efforts are scrutinized in the context of larger criticism over the team’s name.

The film traces the etymology of the term 'redskin,' exploring its origins in 19th-century newspaper advertisements that offered bounties for Native Americans. This historical context sets the stage for understanding the implications of using such a term in modern sports.

The documentary presents the story of William 'Lone Star' Dietz, who falsely claimed to be Sioux and was pivotal in the name change of the Boston Braves to the Redskins in 1937. This highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding the use of Native imagery in sports.

The film showcases successful campaigns for name and mascot changes at high school and collegiate levels, including notable institutions like Stanford and Dartmouth. These victories contrast the ongoing struggles at the professional level, illustrating the uneven progress.

The Honor the Chief Society, a group advocating for the retention of the University of Illinois' former mascot, 'Chief Illiniwek,' is introduced. Their resistance to change is portrayed as part of a broader conflict over cultural representation in sports.

The film raises critical questions about the value of brand recognition over cultural sensitivity, particularly in the NFL's governance. It juxtaposes the league's approach to slurs against African-Americans with its refusal to eliminate the racial epithet associated with the Washington team.

The impact of negative stereotyping on Native Americans is examined through academic research, particularly studies demonstrating psychological effects. Scholars and activists highlight how these images harm the identity and well-being of Native youth.

The documentary addresses why there has been limited support from the D.C. African-American community for Native American causes. It highlights influential figures in this community discussing the broader implications of stereotypical imagery.

Finally, the film looks ahead to Generation Z, portraying their evolving views on social justice issues, including mascoting in sports. It expresses hope that as younger people become policymakers, they will drive the movement towards eliminating offensive imagery.