Mascot Nation by Billings and Black

MASCOT NATION by Andrew C. Billings and Jason Edward Black will definitely be of interest to our students who are pursuing questions about the controversy over Native American representations in sports.  The authors, both university professors, utilize their expertise in broadcasting and communications to provide a reasoned, balanced approach to the subject. They cite many examples at both the professional level (Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves) and college one (Florida State Seminoles and the now-retired University of Illinois’ Chief Illiniwek). In fact, there is an entire chapter on the “Online Debate on the Acceptability of the Washington NFL Mascot” where Billings and Black discuss how an increasing number of journalists refused to use that name. They provide historical background, outline concerns of Native Americans, delve into specific cases, review national polling data and more, although often in an academic, jargon-laden manner (e.g., self-categorization, post colonialism).  Throughout, they are respectful of both sides of the argument, acknowledging fans’ affection for their team as well as concerns over appropriation and mis-representation.  The text concludes with a discussion of five avenues where change may be possible: line of decivility; education; economic pressure; journalistic protest; and legal challenges. Roughly fifteen percent of the book is devoted to notes and index.

Critically Acclaimed New Novels

All three of these titles were highlighted at a recent Bookstall presentation on new Spring and Summer titles by publisher representatives.  

A PLACE FOR US by Fatima Farheen Mirza is a thought-provoking debut which deals with the intergenerational relationships and personal lives of a Muslim family in America. Parents Rafiq and Layla are from India. They struggle to impart their values, language, and religious traditions as the children (daughters Hadia and Huda and son Amar) become young adults, all working to balance expectations with their own doubts and daily realities.  A PLACE FOR US is the first novel from Sarah Jessica Parker's new imprint and it received a starred review from School Library Journal. The novel is told from different perspectives and that helps define and build empathy for the characters, particularly the troubled and rebellious nature of Amar. I liked the establishment of this story very much, but felt it then became fairly slow and repetitive. Perhaps that was a result of frequently changing perspective and time periods? Or a feeling that readers needed more explanation to understand the characters?  By the midpoint, I preferred more action and less description which in turn could have also contributed to a shorter book. A PLACE FOR US, with its focus on family dynamics, assimilation, and social messages, could work as a text for Junior Theme, but its roughly 400 page length will be a deterrent to some students. Publishers Weekly called Mirza “a writer to watch” and I hope to read more of her work. This link leads to a helpful discussion guide. 

THERE THERE by Tommy Orange is a novel profiling twelve individuals and their reasons for attending the Big Oakland Powwow in California. Again, there are multiple perspectives which is a big plus in trying to describe the cultural identity and overall complexity of the Native American experience. However, the emotional anger really seems to dominate, making this a surprisingly difficult book to read. The author intertwines the historic occupation of Alcatraz with brutal current day Urban Indian violence and critical issues like fetal alcohol syndrome, domestic abuse and addiction. Other reviewers used phrases like “jangling energy,” “a rush of intensity,” and “devastating” to describe this debut storytelling work. THERE THERE received multiple starred reviews (from Booklist, Kirkus, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly).  Discussion guide here. 

THE GIRL WHO NEVER READ NOAM CHOMSKY by Jana Casale is yet another debut novel, this time focusing on a character named Leda and a myriad of details as she transitions from college to living in San Francisco, to marriage, to the lingering competition of motherhood and eventual old age. Throughout, there is a tension about pretending to be someone she’s not, supplemented by explorations of forming memories about inconsequential encounters with people like the cable guy and crying at sad commercials. The cover is unfortunate and needs more “oomph,” but this is a quiet, reflective book which has been quite popular with 20-somethings. Starred reviews from both Booklist and Kirkus (“So much fun, so smart, and ultimately profound and beautiful”), with an accompanying discussion guide.