Indian Mascot Stereotypes The role played by the mascot is an intimidating, as well as encouraging, element for the team. It is the mascot that represents the competitive spirit and uniqueness of the team, which motivates the players and fans. In sports, teams use mascots to symbolize their team's strength, pride, and desire to win. Mascots are usually not examined, except for mascots representing Native American tribes, people, or cultures. Exploiting an Indian mascot is nothing more than cultural discrimination in costume. Sports mascots and insignia that employ Indian names and logos, in effect, desensitize Native Americans. People need to realize the humiliation that a racist name or act has on our discernment of people who are subjected to this type of discrimination. Some may believe that Native American imagery in sports may be a way to honor Native Americans. To claim it is an honor is deliberate ignorance and avoidance of the fundamental problem, the lack of intercultural communication and respect. If it were truly meant as an honor, the tribes would do it. The mascot, who was wearing chief's clothes, made a fool of himself, which is terribly disrespectful to the customs of Indian tribes (522). Their cultural identity and role in American history would be truly accredited in both sports organizations and schools. Americans need to recognize that if Native American mascots are perpetrating a crime, then it is not a tribute to them. It is racist and does not teach honor in our culture. Native American mascots should be eliminated from our education system because they do not fairly or truthfully reflect our history as it relates to Native Americans. People need to move towards understanding and respecting Native people