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.
