Native American Mascots AP Sythesis Essay October 2013 | Page 2

AP Synthesis Common Argumentative Task
Over the past 30 years, there has been a national debate as to whether school and professional
sports teams should use Native American imagery as their mascots, nicknames, and/or logos.
During the 1990s, scholars and media critics began to examine the use of Native American
imagery in media. Research has shown that some people support the use of Native American
athletic imagery depicted in media, while others oppose these. Native American Mascot
Controversy and Mass Media Involvement: How the Media Play a Role in Promoting Racism
through Native American Athletic Imagery (Elizabeth Locklear – University of North Carolina
at Pembroke)
Many claim that the use of mascots of Native Americans is honorable and harmless and not
degrading to the indigenous race of America. On the other hand, some assert that the use of
Native American mascots is derogatory and discriminatory.
Carefully read the following sources. Then, after considering each one, take a stance on whether
all Native American mascots should be dropped from sporting teams due to the inherent
racism present in such a mascot?
Make sure that your argument is central; use the sources to illustrate and support your
reasoning. Avoid merely summarizing the sources. Indicate clearly which sources you are
drawing from, whether through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. You may cite the
sources as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the descriptions in parentheses.
Source A (Oxford Dictionary)
Source B (Cartoon)
Source C (Interview)
Source D (Video )
Source E (Video)
Source F (NPR Article)
Source G (Forbes Washington Report 2012)