For a long time the use of surnames, images and representations of Native Americans has been discussed for decades. Depending on your point of view on the topic, it can be characterized as harmful or as a tribute to Native American heritage. Numerous social groups, religious and civil rights organizations, and individual educational institutions believe that the specific use of racial surnames instigates labeling to a specific ethnic group and should be abolished. Largely, large numbers of people unaffiliated with the Native American race feel that if a sports franchise or school uses their ethnic background as a surname and imagery it idolizes their heritage. The Native American legacy was built on heroism, courage, tribal recognition, and fighting skills. And when surnames are chosen it is to honor their heritage and not to criticize or mock their history. Most sports team nicknames are based on integrity, respect, dignity, distinction, and reputation, otherwise the sports franchise or schools would not have chosen it. Many distinctive nicknames serve to honor specific animals, historical (people, places, or things), and city/state affiliations. In some cases, it is to honor an ethnic heritage for historical purposes. A sports team would not use a name unless it was to honor a specific person, place, or thing for its past historical effect on the city, state, county, or university for which the name was chosen. According to the article How “Indian Mascots Oppress” argues that Indians were never “chiefs,” but chiefs. “Chiefs” were known noble and honorable men who played a significant role within their tribe. For example, there are many high schools, some universities and some...... paper......both proposing a specific design that is approved by all members would be considered favorable. The use of nicknames and imagery featuring Native American heritage serves to honor and pay homage to their storied history and not to discriminate. Tribal Recognition and Combat Capability There are some logos that need changes to modernize Native American heritage and not discriminate. Nicknames should show admiration for a person, place or thing and not categorize something. Works Cited Lukas, P. (n.d.). ). Tribe supports Native American mascots. Retrieved from espn.go.com: http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/18484/tribe-supports-native-american-mascotsTwo-. Hawks, J. (n.d.). How "Indian" mascots oppress. Retrieved from nativecircle.com: http://www.nativecircle.com/mascots.htm.