Stereotypes the Human Mind Has Been Blessed

Stereotypes The human mind has been blessed with the gift of empathy and, when used properly, can be used to great benefit if not for great learning. The purpose of this essay is to describe the exploration into the perceived experience of another group or minority. This writing will focus from the perspective of the Native American Indian as it relates to professional and collegiate sports adoption of their likeliness for mascots and team representation.

This issue has been discussed in recent times and has become a hot button issue in many regions where Native American Indians are represented has a team mascot. Some examples of this are Redskins, Indians, Chiefs and Seminole. These mascots have been associated with their school or city for many generations and whiling offer a sense of pride and a centerpiece to culturally revolve around; many find this practice outdated and bigoted. Taking the perspective of the Native American I could both embrace and reject this idea.

On one hand it appears as if the controlling powers from Europe have once again stolen their land and culture all in a profane and violent manner. Anger and hate must still reside in many of these people as they feel that they have been torn from their heritage and can no longer relate to a past that is both spiritually and physically integral in their way of life.

To add more to the conversation, it is interesting how the most vocal and ardent support against this tradition originates from the Non-Native American Indian Culture minorities such as African-American and Hispanics. It appears that a new culture is forming where different blends of ideas and practices are forming and must be adhered to. Sports culture is quite domineering and its now surprise that this conflict should arise due to the travels and exchanges that occur during these entertainment events. Also it is possible to respect this practice as well.

Native Americans and their culture possess many righteous and just traditions that should be celebrated and remembered. Not all stereotypes should be considered negative and throwing out the baby with the bath water proves oftentimes to be a mistake. Celebrating a culture is one thing and desecrating it is quite a different thing. This distinction is unfortunately blurred too many times and hurts feelings instead of producing inclusion and cooperation.

Certain stereotypes of the Native American such as their ties to nature, their bravery and their willingness to defend their land should not be ignored, but they should also not be marginalized either. The tendency to see the differences in one another in today's current culture and entertainment seem to have a serious impact on this discussion and perhaps more tolerance and humor should be injected into the conversation. Too often, life is taken too serious and we cannot celebrate and enjoy the cultural differences that are present.