Is it racist for FSU to have the Seminoles as their mascot?

Question

At one time Dartmouth College athletic teams were known as the Indians. Cathage College was the Redmen, Miami University was the Redskins, St. Bonaventure was the Brown Indians (and female teams were the Brown Squaws,) and both Stanford and William & Mary were the Indians. All of those schools have changed their mascot to something that does not refer to Native Americans, but. . . FSU has been the Seminoles since it became coed in the late 1940's and it refuses to change its mascot.

Do you think this is racist? Should FSU be forced to change its mascot?

LingyRolls · Accepted Answer

It's fine. The racist part is that blacks, native Americans, and other minorities aren't ALLOWED to be mascots. Meanwhile quaker oates and Mr clean are everywhere and nobody says anything. Why is the simple fact that the branding is non-white, racist? Are only whites allowed to be brand mascots? Wtf is wrong with people. "Aunt Jemimas" real life family even said they were proud of her being on pancake and syrup products. They canceled her anyways. Stupid

Elliegirl · Accepted Answer

It is not offensive or racist at all. It is actually endorsed by the Seminole nation! The tribe is more than okay with the school using their name.

ohshee · Answer

For me is not racist whatsoever growing up as a little kid watching NFL with the Redskins watching this team I always wanted to be an Indian because I like both of these teams it has nothing to do with race it's a name its title I think we have taken so many things out of content because of race I think people need to grow up I think people need to understand it for what it really is and not use it for something that it's not I am so sick of the race thing is that real I'm tired of people using it to get what they want because they don't really want it they just want to cause problems I absolutely hate race because of all the little Nick taking bulshit the people use it to get are use it disable at this we didn't happen I would have broke into those stores and stole all this crap bulshit I see you'd be a part of this solution or get off the planet stop being a part of the problem even the questions and answers on here maybe one out of 20 is it good that you question like this one here this is it good legit question it has nothing to do with race I don't think but that's my opinion I guess we all have one

TheorionMage · Answer

Political 'correct'ness be damned... these 'mascots' reflect the adversarial admiration of European culture for the recognition and appreciation of the culture, determination and FEROCITY of these FIRST Americans.

We need remember, those we call 'Native Americans' , the Cochia culture nations, did NOT just 'magically appear' they MIGRATED INTO North America.

Similar 'mascots' like the Vikings, Conquistadors, Mongols and Huns all expose the grudging admiration for the impassioned merciless ruthlessness and ferocity of their underlying subcultures~ Sports teams are but ritualized pseudo-combat and societal prudish hypocrisy be damned, those smoking hot, dancing scantily-clad cheerleaders once upon a time, WERE the concupiscent 'trophies' for the winning team. The losers as with the Incan and Mayan sports, were ritually-SACRIFICED post-game.

Evolved philosophy born of the 'Rape, Pillage then Burn' European raiding culture now sublimated into ritual aggression over a stupid leather ball and a defended goal to feed socialized geographically tribalistic 'fans' whom will divest themselves of appreciable negotiable tangible worth to the privileged witness of this sublimated aggression. In Europe, these soccer & rugby tourneys would often break out beyond the sublimation to actual physical confrontational rioting.

NamerOfStars · Answer

Well, offense is taken, not given, so it'd be more accurate to say "I don't FIND it offensive", but otherwise, D. "Redskins" I can understand, because it's a racial slur, but "Seminoles" are just a tribe of people- and a local one, at that. Is racist that Notre Dame's team is the "Fighting Irish"? Ireland is quite a ways away from Indiana- and while the "fighting" part of the name may be said to be taken as a compliment NOW, it definitely wasn't back at the time the name was chosen.

This isn't directly related, but it's important nonetheless: the modern image a lot of people have of Indians is due largely to the photographic work of a guy named Edward Curtis, who went among many tribes taking pictures, and published them, painting a picture of a people noble, dignified, somber, and dour. Ten-ish years ago, an Osage fellow named Ryan Red Corn (or possibly RedCorn; I've seen it written both ways) decided to depict a different side of his people, and made a short video called "Smiling Indians". The site I saw it on no longer exists, but you can probably find it somewhere. It's well worth a watch.

TheBigGuy9 · Answer

I’m happy that the most votes are no, it’s not offensive or racist. I know why people do this. They want to separate all of us in the country. They want us fighting against each other. They create chaos behind the scenes, while simultaneously telling us that they are doing everything they can to unite us. You might ask why?
To further advance their own Communist agenda. They want us all fighting amongst each other and not United. I see everyone as a person. You have equal rights as me. Don’t forget it was Republicans who fought a Civil War for the freedom of minorities followed by overturning 100 years of legislature to give them the right to vote and the right to be recognized as citizens. That hasn’t changed no matter how many times we are told both parties switched on Racism. Think about it. How convenient is that? That we just switched like that. Only now Democrats are manufacturing racism to do their best to make us look bad vs Democrats saying something racist just about every week. They’re telling you yo ignore what you see right in front of you. Don’t listen!

Daniela1982 · Answer

I think they should take a vote of all the current Indian tribes and ask them what words are offensive to them, such as squaw. You would think that they would not mind a team called the Indians as it is supposed to signify that the team has power and endurance and are a force to be reckoned with. Hopi girls 1912 - The Original Princess Leah

worldscolide · Answer

only worthless leftists believe its racist.. Where im from the team is the Chiefs. Every year there is a petition to change the name.. Without understanding why they are named the chiefs. (named after the mayor that got the chiefs to Kansas city, he was nicknamed Chief) And every year they are shot down. Rampant leftism is the issue here not some idiotic notion that something might be racist. If you ask native Americans their opinion on it (THE ONLY OPINIONS THAT MATTER), they tell you that they are honored to have a team named after them.. Its positive representation.. these people need to get a life, grow up, and realize that no one cares what they think.. No one..

Exterminatore · Answer

Yes, yes. It’s very racist to pay tribute to different cultures and peoples by naming things like sports teams in their honor.

What I find hilarious is white people are the ones offended by naming sports teams after Indians. The Indians seem fine with it. It’s primarily white people who are upset about this. No one is upset about the Minnesota Vikings, just the Redskins. Why not just name the next expansion team the pale skins to balance it all out?

I mean…it’s not enough whites nearly committed genocide against the Indians…. now they gotta strip them of their mascot too?

Msputiton · Answer

It would depend on how the seminole nation feels about it.

I mean the other names make sense to chage without question.
I can imagine how white people would feel if they were named the whiteys with an offensive image of a white person.

Or one of the other very racist terms used that starts with an H, that i refuse to say out.

And before anyone claims they wouldn't be, look at the outrage over the term "white privilege."

Lw85381 · Answer

Time for all you Social Justice warriors and Cultural Appropriation bigots to go home, keep quiet and stop making mountains out of very small molehills. (and I like little molehills) In this specific case a a University in Florida decided many years ago to name their football team the Seminoles. Why did they do that? Probably they were searching for a name that represented Strength, Honor, Valor, Spirit etc. as they certainly were not searching for a name representing Weakness, Dishonorable, Gutless, Gloomy wimps.

The use of The Seminole name is a tribute to the specific Seminole Tribe and the greater Indigenous Nation in the USA. So no, this is not racist, it is the opposite of it. And any of you who want to change it, please just go away and stop trying to stir up issues where there are none.

Seinna · Answer

Personally I'd be flattered but I can't tell how the Semonoles feel about it and I believe they're the only ones whose opinion should matter.

Otherwise it kind of reminds me of that one situation when American non-Japanese Asians were offended by a white woman posing in a Japanese kimono while the actual Japanese women were flattered. And in response, American Asians were trying to convince them that they were being opressed.

MuddyMole · Answer

If it's a derogatory term for a particular group, that's obviously a problem.
Otherwise, I'd say it's more along the lines of trademark infringement. Their identity is being used as a marketing tool, without them having any say in the matter (maybe they don't wish to be associated with some college team - especially if they suck), and without them getting anything back in return.

ArrowheadSW · Answer

The high school that I went to had to change their team mascot name from a Native American name to something else, under the explanation that it was racist. Quite frankly I still do not agree with having to change the name. It escapes me as to why that was considered racist and/or offensive.

ShadezMcgee · Answer

Well given the fact that the Seminole tribe is there in Florida it makes sense from a historical perspective. From what I understand from some I have talked to, they don't want the name changed as it serves as a level of honor and getting it changed because others deem it racist is ridiculous. Pretty much the same thing with what happened to the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians). There were a few upset by that.

End of the day, I think it should be taken as a vote by the actual Native Americans living in the area. I am talking direct descendants here, too. Not people pulling a Warren. Let them vote and decide whether it is changed or not. It revolves around their culture and history in terms of mascots, words, etc.

They should be the ones to decide, not the people who are offended on their behalf because that just sounds racist towards them and condescending as well.

InYourHead · Answer

I really don't care but I think it's a stupid premise. Is PETA gonna get mad because of teams called Lions or Eagles? Is anti patriotic to have a team called the Patriots?

The mascot is a position of honor not derision.

If you disagree, I don't care. It's just a sport, not a dick, don't take it so hard

Fireguy17 · Answer

to me not at all, and I am part Indian/native American.
I have found it odd that different cultures now have to call themselves something different, it is not Indian, it is Native Americans.
Trouble is that it wasn't even America back then. Go figure.
Many tribes have Indian gaming casinos, Indian summer celebrations.
I guess the money makes it ok?
It never entered my mind about that.

Grond21 · Answer

It's hilariously ironic to me how many of these Indian mascots and names are removed as offensive and racist despite the people they are representing considering them to be neither offense nor racist. It's just entitled professors who are trying to create a victim class so they can White Knight and look like heroes to themselves by removing this supposedly offensive reference.

najekim · Answer

The whole idea of being forced to change names/mascots/etc. is stupid, IMHO. Just because some SJW snowflakes think it needs to be done isn't a reason for it to be done. Besides, the Native Americans I know don't really give a shit one way or the other.

Twalli · Answer

The difference is the Seminole tribe has control over the naming rights and possible offensive nature in it. The multiple other examples you brought were generalized names and could be applied to any native tribe or people. Just as if there was another school that chose the name of a particular people, it would be up to them to decide whether or not it is offensive to them.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

I've heard Indians asked this type of question and THEY have no problem with it!! So, why should anyone else?

HighValue · Answer

Native Americans are not offended by it and it is not racist. It actually honors a group to name your team after them.  It is mostly liberal White women that are offended on others' behalf.

Dargil · Answer

How is depicting Native Americans standing tall as warriors "racist? The fact is that many leftists should STFU and leave Indians alone rather than extinguishing their culture.
Why Washington Redskins? Read the history of the name.

Boromir · Answer

It’s a mascot for f-sake. It’s used out of respect and admiration for the subjects. In fail to see the racism in it. It. does. not. have. a. negative. connotation. Cancel culture became real…

spartan55 · Answer

I don't consider it racist. Has the Seminole tribe leadership ever issued any sort of positioning statement on the issue?

grega239 · Answer

I've heard about several of these cases.
The natives werent offended, leftists were.

The reason sports teams use native American tribes as names is the same reason why the us military names its helicopters after them. Warrior spirit

slatyb · Answer

I would think the only votes that count belong to the Seminole people.

cth96190 · Answer

Only in the fevered and delusional mind of a leftard would it be in any way offensive to honour the Native Americans in that way.

msc545 · Answer

Only if the actual Seminoles are offended, assuming there are any left.

Nostagar · Answer

Did the Tribe complain about it, or is it just a bunch of busy-bodies sticking their noses where they are neither wanted nor appreciated?

Miristheiss · Answer

Is it racist to refer to Seminoles as Seminoles? What the hell are we even talking about?

Massageman · Answer

OMG - these people need chill pills, not new mascots.

Anonymous · Answer

There are entire states that are named after native tribes. Should the states change their names?

sammy_sammy · Answer

Depends how indigenous people feel about it. Ik some if them find it offensive

Iron_Man · Answer

Nope as Bobby Bowden said they asked for permission from the Indian seminoles to take the name and got it granted to them

Anonymous · Answer

Why not put Thor or loki as their mascot. Or some other nordic creature

WhiteBoyChill · Answer

No that’s dumb. Florida State Seminoles. Its a good name

purplepoppy · Answer

But what histological connection do any of these teams have with these tribes? To me it just seems about reducing a culture to the level of tacky mascot.

Anonymous · Answer

Nah. You are rooting for the seminoles and not against them, right? I think in this case the visiting teams would be the real racists like Georgia and Miami, especially.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

I think it all depends on the Seminoles and how they feel about it.

Gobluebigtenchamps · Answer

Nope americas need to learn not to be offended so much

Anonymous · Answer

Is it racist for Notre Dame to have a little Irishman as a mascot?

EnglishEuropean · Answer

Isn't it more racist to erase Native Americans from history?

Northernmost84 · Answer

It would be best to let Native Americans to decide that Don’t you think?

AviatorTom · Answer

This topic was brought up several years ago. FSU has had discussions with the Seminole Native Americans, who've said it's okay.

Anonymous · Answer

I think minority mascots should be banned. White people/cultures only. Naming the team after the european culture that conquered the area makes more sense anyway, so it should be the FSU conquistadors or something.

mike5150 · Answer

Seminol is an actual Tribe. I wonder if they have permission to use there name?

Xtcy2083 · Answer

Nope, not at all.

Anonymous · Answer

Ah the conquered ruling the conquer... only in nutty white nations.

Leonharted · Answer

Offense can only be taken. It can't be given.

Anonymous · Answer

It’s very dehumanizing, so yes

TallAnon · Answer

If you have to ask and dig to consider if something is racist, perhaps it's fine to ignore.

Gwenhwyfar · Answer

They shouldn’t be forced to change it but it is a little offensive to Native Americans especially members of the Seminole Nation

XXblack88 · Answer

No it's not racist

bgreek · Answer

So my question Is why is it racist?

Kingofkings1992 · Answer

Nope

TsAubreyKate · Answer

If anything it’s more flattering than racist

JesseJayNeak · Answer

Heck no.

Wise4myage · Answer

D. Fuck wokism.

emperor90 · Answer

Yes it is

Is it racist for FSU to have the Seminoles as their mascot?

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