Subject: Despite protests, a stereotype is used to sell cars
Write a letter to
Arrow Chevolet
147th Street and Cicero Avenue
Midlothian, Illinois 60445
Phone: (708) 389-0600
Fax: (708) 389-7354
http://www.arrowchevy.com/
"The call was accompanied by the more telling warning that the mascots and logos ". may violate anti-discrimination laws." In legal precedent, the point at which discrimination against others begins is where free speech ends"
"the logos and mascots will continue to appear until a lot more non-Natives take offense"
http://www.poppolitics.com/articles/2002-07-10-stereotypes.shtml
Roadside Distraction
Despite protests, a stereotype is used to sell cars
by David McGrath
His nose must be over a foot wide at its base. True, I did not climb the billboard and measure with a ruler, but I can vouch that the Indian's nose is broader than each of his arms and legs. This is no 1950s relic staring down at me. The modern billboard towers each day over drivers on Interstate 294 in Alsip, 20 miles outside Chicago: a tri-color image of an Indian aligned to the left of a banner for Arrow Chevrolet.
Get it? Arrow . Indian?
Here's what drivers see: big nose, little legs, dark skin, headband and single feather. He wears a necklace strung from animal teeth and a loincloth. He displays the same bow-and-arrow combative behavior that Hollywood used to feature.
The same buffoonish character is stenciled on Arrow's showroom windows in Midlothian, another Chicago suburb, and on Arrow's Web site, ostensibly to boost recognition of its company name.
What Arrow has done is essentially resurrect the cigar store Indian to shill for Chevrolets. Some Americans may remember the wooden statues of Indians placed in front of drug stores and tobacco emporiums. They were used to advertise cigarettes and cigars, a practice vaguely related to some Indian tribes' use of pipes and tobacco in sacred ceremonies.
Would objecting to Arrow's ad campaign be just another hysterical charge of political incorrectness? After all, what's the harm?
"It's hurtful, dehumanizing," says Arieahn Matamonasa, a psychologist and professor of contemporary Native American issues at DePaul University.
Matamonasa made the dealership aware of its display ad's offensive nature as early as four years ago, when she commissioned her students to write research papers on the dangers of stereotyping. Each year since then, several of her students have tackled the subject of the Chevy Indian and have written to the dealership's management.
"They've ignored all of our letters," says Matamonasa, who has crow-black hair that hangs well below her shoulders, and the straight-on, relentless gaze that reminds one of Natalie Wood's character in The Searchers, except that Matamonasa is, indeed, of Lakota and Menominee descent.
She is concerned particularly about the social and potentially violent consequences of stereotyping, recalling the cartoons Julius Streicher published prior to and during WWII that gave public "permission" for dehumanizing and exterminating Jews.
Matamonasa compares the Chevy Indian caricature to Chief Wahoo, the mascot of the Cleveland Indians baseball team, and to the "Frito Bandito," the cartoon character eventually retired, under pressure, by Frito Lay (click here for a Fritos commercial clip).
"He has a feather tucked in a headband, and he has no shirt. He looks ridiculous," she told me. "And we are such a small group that people don't have real life experiences with Indian people. So for them, he represents the whole culture.
"When people see, on the other hand, something like the leprechaun of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, they know enough of the Irish culture that this mythic figure is not representative."
As a cartoon image, this is not the characteristically touted noble, sacred or serious Indian stereotype, ala University of Illinois's Chief Illiniwek, the school's mascot. Neither is it a frolicsome or supposedly innocent depiction, like Disney's Pocahontas. The Arrow Chevy Indian is, in fact, more akin to the TV series Pow Wow the Indian Boy meets F-Troop -- which may speak to the age as well as to the cynicism of the dealership's management.
Perhaps because the company would be hard-pressed to claim, as does the U. of I. or the Atlanta Braves, that they are "honoring" Indians with their billboard and Web site art, they have decided not to talk at all: The general manager of Arrow would not return my calls. So I can only speculate about how they would refute Matamoras's challenge to stop using the cartoon character.
One of the usual arguments, that "no one seems to mind," is baseless considering Matamonasa's protests as well as resolutions passed by state governments condemning the use of Indian logos and mascots. A bill was recently proposed by a California state assemblywoman banning the use of Indian logos and mascots in public institutions, though it failed to muster enough support and was defeated in May.
More such legislative crusades are imminent, however, as Indian political and economic influence grows as a result of the proliferation and success of casinos. According to a recent survey by Indian Country Today, the national Indian weekly, "81 percent of respondents indicated use of American Indian names, symbols and mascots are predominantly offensive and deeply disparaging to Native Americans."
Additionally, the logo defenders' claim to their right of free speech sounds similarly fallacious in light of the recent recommendation issued by the United States Civil Rights Commission that calls for an end to the use of Native American images and team names by non-Native schools. The recommendation, which was released in April 2001, states: "These references, whether mascots . logos, or names, are disrespectful and offensive to American Indians and others who are offended by such stereotyping."
The call was accompanied by the more telling warning that the mascots and logos ". may violate anti-discrimination laws." In legal precedent, the point at which discrimination against others begins is where free speech ends.
Finally, though some continue to maintain that Indian iconography is intended to "honor" Indians, what community has ever felt sincerely "honored" by a nation or group that vanquished them? Would present day Jews feel honored by Germans drawing caricatures of yarmulke-wearing Jews to sell cars or watches? Would African Americans feel "honored" if "Spears Stereo" used native African warriors wielding spears to hawk its CD players?
Professor Matamonasa said that following one of her presentations about Native American culture, a child came up to her and proclaimed with enthusiasm, "I believe in Indians," evoking the famous chant of faith in fairies from the movie Peter Pan, though Native Americans still make up close to 1 percent of the U.S. population.
"If people knew more about Native Americans, it [the Arrow cartoon character] might not be as damaging," she says. But our culture does not provide a diversity of representations, nor are students well educated about Native American history and current cultural issues. Images such as the Arrow Chevrolet Indian end up being larger than life -- in this sense literally as well as figuratively.
What's clear is that Native Americans are offended. What's also clear is that the logos and mascots will continue to appear until a lot more non-Natives take offense.
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P o p F o r u m
What stereotypes still sell?
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David McGrath teaches writing and Native American literature at College of DuPage. His essays and short stories have been published in The Chicago Reader, Education Digest, Chicago Tribune and Artful Dodge. His short story "Broken Wing" was nominated for the Pushcart Award for Fiction, and he recently published his first novel, Siege at Ojibwa.
Related Sites
"In its title, 'The Image Business,' the recent exhibition of shop and cigar store figures at the Museum of American Folk Art in New York evoked a continuity between these advertising devices of the 19th century city and the publicity methods of contemporary media society," writes Alan Moore, referring to the 1997-1998 exhibit. Read the full review, which also offers a history of the cigar store Indian and issues of racism.
From PopPolitics -- "To accuse Abercrombie & Fitch of 'misrepresenting' Chinese or Asian men, culture, whatever, with negative stereotypes, is to forego the messier aspects of contemporary cultural politics," Mimi Nguyen writes in "Orientialist Kitsch."
Visit the home of the Fightin' Whites, Northern Colorado's intramural basketball team.
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Thursday, July 25, 2002
Subject: Chief Illiniwek Opponents Get Damages for U Of I Action
Chief Illiniwek Opponents Get Damages for U Of I Action by AP, The Associated Press http://www.imdiversity.com/villages/native/Article_Detail.asp?Article_ID=12005
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By Jay Hughes, Associated Press Writer
Peoria, Ill. (AP) _ Five Chief Illiniwek opponents were granted $1,000 each Monday by a federal judge who agreed they suffered damages from a University of Illinois policy regulating contact with athletic prospects.
U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm made the decision after spending the day hearing testimony from the four U. of I. professors and one former graduate student. The plaintiffs, who believe the school's mascot is racist and degrading to American Indians, said they asked for $1,000 each because it's enough to be noteworthy without being a financial burden.
"I feel vindicated. This has been a very long-fought battle," said physics professor Philip Phillips. "We feel as though there is finally some closure to this part of the chief controversy."
The five were among a group who, through the American Civil Liberties Union, sued the university last year over a policy imposed by Chancellor Michael Aiken.
In his policy, announced after chief opponents revealed plans to contact athletic recruits and urge them to choose other schools, Aiken ordered that students or faculty clear any proposed contact with recruits through the athletic department. He said he was worried about potential recruiting violations.
Mihm in April 2001 ruled that the policy constituted illegal prior restraint and could not be enforced.
Professor Stephen Kaufman, a leader in the anti-chief movement, testified Monday that all plans to contact recruits were dropped until after the matter was resolved in court.
"I felt that a gag order had been issued for the purpose of thwarting dissemination of information to prospective student-athletes about the controversy," he said. "I also felt the university did not want anything but their perspectives placed before the student-athletes."
Since the policy was overturned, Kaufman said, he and others have sent letters about the years-old controversy to about 100 prospects.
Former graduate student Cydney Crue testified the policy made her afraid her anti-chief actions could get her thrown out of school. She said she never tried to clear any communication through the university.
"I did not want to be targeted by the athletic department or the board of trustees," she said.
Mihm said he believes the plaintiffs suffered some distress and were damaged through not being able to freely communicate during the month the policy was in effect.
University attorney William Brinkman said the school, which has never admitted liability in the case, may appeal the $5,000 in damages.
ACLU attorney Adam Schwartz said he is satisfied with the outcome.
"This is a victory not just for these plaintiffs, but for anyone who wishes to communicate free from punishment by the government," he said.
Subject: CALL TO PROTEST: Washington football team, July 27
Please forward to everyone you know.
From: UnfairName@aol.com Date: Wed, 24 Jul 2002 09:01:14 EDT Subject: Carlisle PA, redskins protest
DEMONSTRATION AND PROTEST AGAINST THE USE OF "REDSKINS" NAME
A major demonstration to protest the use of "redskins" as a team name by Washington's National Football League team and team owner Daniel M. Snyder will be held at the team's summer training facilities at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania at Noon, Saturday, July 27, 2002.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY JOINING US FOR THIS PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION. ALL ARE WELCOME....
We will be joined by a large number of protesters from the Carlisle area. Many more are expected from both the metropolitan Washington area and from areas outside Washington.
WHEN AND WHERE
The date of the demonstration coincides with "Fan Appreciation Day," which will be attended by thousands of team fans.
DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2002
TIME: NOON
WHERE:
On the Belvedere Street PUBLIC SIDEWALK, across the street from the Belvedere
Street Entrance to the training facilities (Biddle Field) of the Washington 'redskins'.
THE MEDIA
There should be a good deal of media coverage of "Fan Appreciation Day." If you should be approached by a member of the media, simply answer their questions and explain why we are protesting.
Be cooperative and NOT CONFRONTATIONAL. If asked, you may elect to give your name. Of course, you may also elect to NOT GIVE YOUR NAME.
FOOD, DRINKS AND CLOTHING
Be sure to bring water or soda (in plastic bottles only, no alcohol) and something to eat. A backpack is suggested. Food and drinks are also available inside the practice facilities (Biddle Field), however, it will be very crowded and NO SIGNS, POSTERS, PROTESTS OR DEMONSTRATIONS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE BIDDLE FIELD or on any property of Dickinson College.
Do not bring alcoholic beverages or glass containers. If you bring a video camera, you cannot carry it into the stadium, if you should decide to go inside.
Please dress appropriately, it should be quite warm.
RESTROOMS
We will NOT be allowed to demonstrate inside the stadium or on property owned
by Dickinson College, however, if you DO NOT take a poster, handout or video camera into the stadium and DO NOT demonstrate inside the stadium, you should be able to enter Biddle Field to use the restroom.
POLICE AND SECURITY PERSONNEL
Do NOT BE CONFRONTATIONAL WITH ANYONE IN AUTHORITY. We may be approached by both city police and Dickinson College security personnel. Even though we will not be on Dickinson College property, Dickinson College security personnel assist city police with security.
Be respectful, but remember, we are breaking no laws by conducting a PEACEFUL
DEMONSTRATION ON A PUBLIC SIDEWALK, CARRYING A POSTER OR HANDING OUT INFORMATION TO THOSE WHO REQUEST IT.
Both the Carlisle Police Department and the Dickinson College Security Office will be notified prior to the demonstration.
FANS AND SPECTATORS
We will almost certainly be the target of some comments by 'redskin' fans that do not understand the mascot issue (about 94%). DO NOT RESPOND IN A CONFRONTATIONAL MANNER.
BRING A POSTER OR SIGN
Please make a poster or sign with a message about the use of American Indian mascots, particularly 'redskins'.
HANDOUTS
A handout explaining the mascot issue will be available for you to pass out to anyone who requests information about the protest, the American Indian mascot issue and the use of "redskins" by Washington's National Football League team and team owner Daniel M. Snyder. We are breaking no rules by handing out information. DO NOT force material on anyone who does want it.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Be sure to stay on the PUBLIC SIDEWALK ONLY, NOT in the street and NOT on the
grass. The public sidewalk belongs to the City, not the Dickinson College, so you are not breaking any laws by demonstrating on the public sidewalk, as long as you DO NOT BLOCK THE SIDEWALK.
Stay on the edge of the sidewalk nearest the street so that anyone using the sidewalk may pass without being blocked.
Most people walking to the stadium use the opposite (east) side of the street
(the Biddle Field side of Belvedere Street) from the (west) side of Belvedere
Street where we will be protesting. However, due to the large crowd there will be people using the sidewalk on both sides of the street.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Due to the large number of people who will be in Carlisle over the weekend, it's suggested that you make reservations early if you plan to spend the night in Carlisle. Information about accommodations are available as follows:
http://www.dickinson.edu/about/hotels.html
For additional maps, etc., see the website of the Washington 'redskins' as follows:
www.redskins.com
Redskins Camp at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
DIRECTIONS FROM WASHINGTON, DC AREA
Take I-270 north (approximately 30 miles) to Frederick, Maryland. Continue on Rt. 15 north, (towards Gettysburg). Follow Rt. 15 north (approximately 50 miles) to Rt. 94 north (York Springs). Follow Rt. 94 north to Mt. Holly Springs (approximately 7 miles) where Rt. 94 north will merge into Rt. 34 north. Continue on Rt. 34 north (approximately 7 miles) into Carlisle, where Route 34 north becomes Hanover Street. Go through the downtown area for several blocks and turn left on High Street (Route 11 west). Continue a few blocks onto campus. After you go through the main part of campus, Biddle Field is on your left. After you pass Biddle Field, Belvedere Street is the first left.
Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours
Due to large crowds in Carlisle for "Fan Appreciation Day" and several other activities going on in town on the same day, roads will be very crowded and parking will be difficult. Please allow plenty of time to drive safely and find a place to park.
ALTERNATIVE DIRECTIONS FROM WASHINGTON, DC AREA
Take I-270 north to Frederick, Maryland and then take I-70 west towards Hagerstown. At Hagerstown, take I-81 north into Pennsylvania. In Carlisle, exit at Plainfield (old exit 12). Turn left at the stop sign and continue to the light at the intersection with Rt. 11. Turn right towards downtown Carlisle, and continue approximately 2 miles until you come to the Dickinson campus. Biddle Field is on your right.
Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours
Due to large crowds for "Fan Appreciation Day" and several other activities going on in town on the same day, roads will be very crowded and parking will be difficult. Please allow plenty of time to drive safely and to find a parking place.
PARKING INFORMATION
Parking will be DIFFICULT. Please arrive in Carlisle EARLY so that you can find LEGAL STREET PARKING or PRIVATE PAID PARKING. It may be necessary for you to walk a good distance from where you park to the location of the demonstration.
Please plan to CARPOOL IF POSSIBLE.
DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING PARKING FACILITIES
Dickinson College has limited off-street parking available on North Orange Street. Continue past Biddle Field to the traffic light. Make a right onto North Orange Street, go under the railroad tracks, and bear right to get to the lot. There is no charge for this parking.
DO NOT USE THE ABOVE SPACES
THE ABOVE PARKING SPACES ARE FOR PEOPLE ATTENDING PRACTICE AND "FAN APPRECIATION DAY." DO NOT USE THESE SPACES.
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For additional information concerning the demonstration contact:
Find Another Name Gerald Pressman, Director
Web: FindAnotherName.com email: UnfairName@aol.com
Toll-Free 1-888-368-7991 FAX 703 237-2829
301 W. Broad Street PO Box 7422 Falls Church, VA 22040
Sunday, July 21, 2002
Joe Pickering sings out against racist mascots
http://www.okit.com/sports/2002/julyaug/pickering.html
Joe Pickering: a Singing Legend
By Gerald Wofford
When Joe Pickering was growing up in Maine in the 1940's and 50's he was like any normal East Coast kid, he loved baseball! His Mother instilled that in him.
Along the way as Joe grew up he learned a lot more from baseball than just three strikes and you're out. He learned about how important the sport-reflected life, how each and everyone should work together toward a common goal. How a total team effort is needed to win, but it takes each individual's best effort to achieve that goal, regardless of their background or race.
Today Pickering is an accomplished songwriter, and his love of the game has not waned. He has even become an historian of the game, creating songs that tell of historical accounts of the game.
Pickering, along with the help of Musician Phil Coley and King of the Road Records, has created the music CD 'Baseball Songs and Sports Heroes'. The CD not only celebrates the joy and thrill of America's past time, but also documents the racial imbalances of it. Pickering has even included songs about early Native American Baseball players and the troubles they had to endure.
One song created by Washington is about the Major League Baseball Player Louis Sockalexis of the Penobscot Tribe. If Sockalexis was not the first Native American Major League Ball Player, he was the game's first Indian Celebrity. Sockalexis played only briefly from 1897 to 1899 for the Major League Team in Cleveland after having played successful college baseball at Holy Cross-and Notre Dame Universities. Some baseball historians even consider the placed name of Indians on the Cleveland Major League Baseball team because of the awesome skill and talent of Sockalexis while he was there. Although recruited because of his exceptional play, the crowd did not always welcome him.
"Sockalexis literally went through hell by facing a lot of terrible prejudice while playing in the majors," says Pickering. "Fans would jeer at him, and would wear headresses, people think the 'tomahawk chop was created twenty years ago, it was being done back then. Upon his arrival at Cleveland he immediately took a long time starter's position in the outfield, a member of the team who was Irish yelled out-'hey! What are we doing letting a foreigner play, lets put an American back in there!-so that basically tells you some of the things he experienced."
Pickering also included a song about Smokey Joe Williams who was part Comanche and played baseball in the 1920's. Another Song on the CD is called 'I'm not your mascot, I'm a man!' and deals directly with the mascot controversy, a subject that is close to Pickering's heart. "Why would a white man like me write a song like I'm not your mascot, I'm a man!" says Pickering. Because I think it is reprehensible what we are doing to Native Americans by using them as mascots. What Native Americans are continually facing today no other race has seen, it is like we're frozen in time with Native Americans, and the ice is not thawing fast enough."
The CD is available through web pages of kingoftheroadmusic.com, amazon.com, and grandslam.com .
