I received my BS degree from FSU in 1975 and my law degree from FSU in 1986. I love my alma mater and I am quite proud to have two degrees from such a great school.
I recently asked whether it is racist for FSU to use the Seminoles as their "mascot."
Is it racist for FSU to have the Seminoles as their mascot?
The majority of respondents thought it was not racist, and a considerable number had no opinion, but 14% thought that it was offensive or racist and it should be changed.
Here are a few of the offended parties' comments:
"They shouldn’t be forced to change it but it is a little offensive to Native Americans especially members of the Seminole Nation"
"It’s very dehumanizing, so yes"
I believe that the essence of racism is an attitude of disrespect and disdain for a race or a culture, a condescending air of superiority, and sheer arrogance. To know how FSU intends their use of the Seminole image, you would need to know the history of how FSU came to be known as the Seminoles and how they currently portray the Seminoles. To assume that someone calling themselves the Seminoles is racist, without knowing any of the background, is what we call "prejudice."
As many people perceptively noted, it should be up to the Seminoles to decide whether the use of their name by FSU is racist, whether it should be allowed at all. So, here is the story of how it happened.
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"The Seminole Tribe of Florida are a courageous, tenacious and determined people who, against great odds, have struggled successfully to preserve their culture and to live their lives according to their traditions and beliefs. As history shows, they are a people who have resolutely refused to accept defeat, whether at the hands of the U.S. military or when faced with the unforgiving wilderness of the Florida Everglades.
"Since 1947, Florida State University has proudly identified itself with this heroic tribe. The name "Florida State Seminoles" was selected by vote of the university's student body in 1947, shortly after FSU became a coeducational institution and re-established a football team. The name was selected specifically to honor the indomitable spirit of the Florida Seminoles — those people whom the Seminole Tribe of Florida refers to as the "few hundred unconquered Seminole men, women and children left — all hiding in the swamps and Everglades of South Florida." FSU's use of the name honors the strength and bravery of these people, who never surrendered and ultimately persevered.
"In recent years, critics have complained that the use of all Native American names and symbols — by FSU and other universities, as well as by professional athletic teams — is "culturally hostile" or "offensive."
Unfortunately, in some cases such names and symbols have in fact been misused and become derogatory. At FSU, however, we have worked diligently since 1947 to ensure that our representations of Seminole imagery bring only honor to the Seminole people.
https://unicomm.fsu.edu/messages/relationship-seminole-tribe-florida/tribute/
"For more than seven decades, Florida State has worked closely, side by side, with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The relationship, built on respect, is so mutually supportive that in 2005 the tribe — which rarely puts such things in writing — took an unprecedented, historic step with a public declaration of support. The Seminole Tribe invited the university president at that time, T.K. Wetherell, to Big Cypress Reservation to receive a written resolution from the Tribal Council affirming its enthusiastic support for the university's use of the Seminole name, logos and images.
Subsequently, Chief Jerry Haney of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma also publicly stated his support.
"The council's action was recognition of Florida State's continued collaboration with the tribe to 1) include prominent participation by tribal members in many of the university's most meaningful events, and 2) seek advice and direction to ensure tribal imagery is authentic. The university continues to welcome these opportunities to expose our students, faculty, staff and alumni to the Seminoles' history and traditions and reflects what we value as an institution — multiculturalism and diversity. In return, the Seminoles’ culture and lore are kept alive.
"There are a number of examples that illustrate this collaboration:
"Florida State does not have a mascot. Instead, we have the honor of calling ourselves “Seminoles” in admiration of the only Native American tribe never conquered by the U.S. Government.
"FSU students, alumni, faculty and staff know what an honor it is to be selected as the student to portray "Osceola," a great Seminole warrior, who rides the Appaloosa horse "Renegade" during football games. To be chosen, the student must maintain excellent grades and be of good character. The clothing he wears depicting Osceola is sewn by the women of the Seminole Tribe.
"Tribal members also travel to Tallahassee each year to crown the Homecoming chief and princess with authentic Seminole regalia.
"It is a moving sight for graduates and their families when men and women from the tribe in brightly colored Seminole dress march in as the color guard at each university commencement ceremony.
"Members of the tribe have also traveled to town to build a real "chickee," a thatched-roof Seminole dwelling at our lakeside student recreation area near campus.
"The university established a scholarship program that pays the way for students from the reservations to attend Florida State. Many of them are the first in their families to attend college.
"In 2006, the university honored the Seminole Tribe of Florida during a special Seminole Tribute weekend with the unveiling of a new set of large, bronze sculptures depicting a Seminole family.
"To further enhance learning opportunities, the tribe also helped design a course for FSU students — the "History of the Seminoles and Southeastern Tribes," which focuses on Seminole history and traditions.
"FSU considers it a great privilege to represent a group of people whose courage and spirit we admire and respect. Through the years, the administration has made it clear the university will not engage in any activity that does not have the approval of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
"The Seminoles do not just give a stamp of approval from afar — they are full participants in the activities of the university. Their leaders have publicly stated that they feel the FSU family is part of their family."
https://unicomm.fsu.edu/messages/relationship-seminole-tribe-florida/
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So, maybe next time, before you automatically stop and get offended on behalf of someone else who you don't even know . . . maybe you should check out the facts instead of relying on assumptions. Every little bit of thought that we apply to ourselves, every instance of restraint . . . can make the world a kinder, gentler, and more pleasant place to live.
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