Honorable or Offensive?

The discussion came up on my show about whether or not we are honoring Indians by naming mascots after certain tribes or chiefs. Any time someone told me that it was offensive to do that, I am struck with immediate confusion. Furthermore, when I had Brenda Brainerd on the show to explain the position, she says that we should ask the tribes for permission first. I don't want to make too fine of a point on this one, but did Notre Dame have to ask Irish people for their mascot? What about the Portland State Vikings?

I know a lot of people who are registered to tribes and they call themselves Indians. The overwhelming majority of people we heard from today also said they feel "honored" by having a mascot or team named after them.

Wouldn't you? I'm having a hard time seeing the issue here...

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