I just wish that the same effort that various groups and individuals have put into eliminating offensive sports team mascots and images would also be directed to the struggle for justice by Native Americans to have their basic civil and human rights recognized and respected.

When the NCAA stepped up, they found some team names were acceptable to the tribes concerned, and they allowed continued use depending on whether the tribes supported the name or not (such as the Central Michigan University's Chippewas). See more at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_mascot_controversy

But Chief Wahoo isn't going to be supported by any tribe, that's my guess...

-CW

I am of two minds on this one. And, I don't think it is fair to equate what the Clippers owner said and obviously thinks about African-Americans (or about any non-whites, for all I know) with the use of a logo or mascot that depicts Native Americans.

I would be curious to know if there is any division among Native Americans on what they think about these team names and images. I would bet that you'd find a variety of opinions, ranging from one extreme to the next, as you would find among any group, on any issue.

As a non-Aboriginal Canadian, I have been a long supporter of Aboriginal rights in Canada and have lobbied my government to fully recognize Aboriginal and treaty rights, including the inherent right of self-government.

The failure of colonial governments like that in Canada and in the US to recognize these rights is the real issue here and is indeed rooted in racism.

Perhaps when non-Native Americans support Native Americans in their quest for justice and to have all of their rights recognized and respected by all colonial governments, then the issue of sports team names and images won't be such an issue, anymore.