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.

Unclaimed Baggage by Jen Doll

UNCLAIMED BAGGAGE by Jen Doll frankly has a horrible cover, but get over it and read this young adult novel about three friends who learn much about themselves and each other while spending the summer working at Unclaimed Baggage - a store which specializes in selling the goods left behind at lost luggage. Doris, Nell and Grant actually each have quite a bit of emotional baggage, but somehow that helps them to be accepting of each other and to transform in an endearing way as the story progresses.   Doris is a free spirit, accepting of others and talented at finding lost items. Nell, a rising high school Junior, has just moved to Alabama from Illinois and is missing the love of her life. Grant was “Mr. Popular” and the star high school quarterback until his drinking was out of control and he was involved in an accident that injured his head cheerleader girlfriend.

I really loved the originality of the premise here and enjoyed the ready friendship that forms between Doris and Nell, eventually encompassing Grant.  This is a “feel good” young adult novel that simultaneously tackles tough issues like alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and racism. UNCLAIMED BAGGAGE received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly. I also agree with School Library Journal which says fans of Morgan Matson will enjoy this book [despite the cover]. There’s definite appeal for late middle school and early high school students.  

New Titles from University Presses

Here are three new or soon to be released titles with an academic bent from University Presses:

WITH US AND AGAINST US (Columbia UP; May 22) by Stephen Tankel is subtitled “How America's Partners Help and Hinder the War on Terror” and Tankel provides a rigorous and nuanced analysis in this addition to the Columbia Studies in Terrorism and Irregular Warfare series. An assistant professor at American University, Tankel argues that many states are as much a part of the problem as they are part of the solution. He uses numerous examples including chapters on Algeria, Egypt, Mali, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen to illustrate his points and the complexity of these alliances. Tankel includes extensive notes and references. Overall, WITH US AND AGAINST US is probably a bit too lengthy and scholarly for most of our high school students, but others interested in the field will definitely find it to be valuable.  In particular, the last chapter (“Making the Most of Cooperation”), probes differences in attitudes and policies between the Bush, Obama and Trump administrations and their impact on America’s ability to encourage a local face versus military force in sustaining counterterrorism activities. Tankel consults through the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and will be speaking later this year about his new book at the University of Maryland’s START (National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism).

PIGSKIN NATION (U of Illinois P; April 11) by Jesse Berrett focuses on the interplay between football and politics primarily during the mid-1960s to mid-1970s; as such, it will appeal mainly to political junkies and some sports fans. However, it is still a fascinating look at the influence that the NFL, with increasing emphasis on televised games, merchandising, and celebrity players, has had on politics and American culture in general. 

Berrett, a historian and teacher, points to the NFL’s associations “with patriotism, the military in Vietnam, even the Bicentennial.” He examines the influence of Commissioner Pete Rozelle, also stresses Nixon’s reinforcing of his own political message with comments about conservative coaches like Vince Lombardi, and the role of players in the 1968 and 1972 Presidential elections. Readers will even reminisce about Reagan’s “win one for the Gipper” references. PIGSKIN NATION could definitely provide a springboard for creative thinking by students looking to apply a similar analysis to other periods (or sports) in American history, even as we learn more about the concussion crisis and/or debate reactions to the playing of the National Anthem today. 

SUSPECT CITIZENS (Cambridge UP, June 30) by Frank R Baumgartner, Derek A Epp and Kelsey Shoub deals with “What 20 Million Traffic Stops Tell Us About Policing and Race,” another high interest topic for many of our students. This text concludes: “First, there are stark differences [in how police interact with the public]; Second, young men of color are clearly targeted for more aggressive treatment. Third, these differences are not fully justified by differences in criminality.  Fourth, the aggressive use of traffic stops … is surprisingly inefficient, rarely leading to arrest for contraband.” 

Baumgartner is a professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and has written previous books about social justice issues like the death penalty. Epp is an assistant professor at the University of Texas, Austin and Kelsey Shoub is a graduate student at UNC. In SUSPECT CITIZENS, they use data from traffic stop in the state of North Carolina from 2002 to 2016 to both document racial bias and to support suggestions for improved community relations, believing that public safety is enhanced when trust is restored. Their analysis is supported with statistical modeling and roughly 75 figures and tables, plus an extensive set of references and notes. Hopefully, other jurisdictions are able to use build on this work.