Mascot Post

A potential research question that the author may have started out with could have been, “Is American Indian imagery in sports offensive to Native Americans?” The main purpose of this article is to determine whether or not American Indian imagery in sports, such as for use as mascots, is offensive. On a broad scale, the article talks about a recent N.C.A.A. edict that discourages the use of American Indian mascots, nicknames, and imagery. However, the main focus of this article is on Florida State University, whose mascot is the Seminole. The author talks specifics about Florida State University and how the Seminole Tribe of Florida is proud of the use of the mascot.

Lapointe’s research contributes to his purpose by giving factual basis to answer his question. He uses the answers of people from the Seminole Tribe to prove that in their case, this American Indian imagery is not offensive. However, it is noted that in the past the old mascot “Sammy Seminole” was found to be offensive. Today, the University and the Tribe have good relations and the use of the mascot is permitted and somewhat encouraged by the tribe. Lapointe’s use of the information that he researched shows us this.