A Brief History
On May 16, 1866, the United States congress authorized the elimination of the “half-dime” coin and the minting of a new 5 cent piece, the “nickel.” From 1913 to 1938 the nickel bore the image of a Native American man’s head on the front and a buffalo on the back. Native American images have appeared throughout the history of the US in numerous cultural references. Here we list 10 of those iconic images, not all of which are considered flattering by Native Americans, and some are actually hated stereotypes. Insulting or honoring, these images, like Native Americans, are part of our cultural heritage.
Digging Deeper
10. Redman Chewing Tobacco.
Redman was the first nationwide brand US Company to use a Native American logo, depicting a chief in full headdress. The Redman logo can be considered the “father” of all the other logo’s used in advertising depicting the image of a Native American.
9. Washington Redskins.
This team takes more heat for its name rather than its logo of the silhouette of a warrior’s head in a circle adorned by 2 feathers, but the prominence of the Redskins as the team representing our nation’s capital makes this image an extremely common one.
8. Iron Eyes Cody, The Crying Indian.
Born Espera Oscar de Corti in Louisiana in 1904, Iron Eyes was an Italian American and not even of Native American ancestry; however, he became the face of a 1971 anti-litter television, billboard and poster campaign as a sad Native American with a tear trickling from his eye as he looks at litter spoiling a pastoral scene. Cody was an actor and appeared in many motion pictures and television programs, always depicting a Native American. Cody also pretended to be a Native American in real life and supported Native American causes despite being an imposter. Cracked fact: Cody can be heard chanting on the Joni Mitchell record, Lakota.
7. Indian Head Cent.
Produced from 1859 to 1909, the so called Indian Head Cent bears the image of a Native American head viewed from the side and wearing a full feathered headdress. Legend says the designer used his daughter (non-Native American) for the likeness, but in reality he said the image used as a model was that of a statue of Venus. (Seriously, how hard could it have been to find a Native American model in 1859?) This coin was issued at a time where a penny was an important piece of currency and the image remained familiar to Americans for many years.
6. Cigar Store Wooden Indian.
These carved wooden statues, sometimes larger than life, were first used by tobacconists in Europe as a graphic symbol of the products they sold since many people were illiterate. Since Native Americans first introduced Europeans to tobacco, the image of a Native American was associated with tobacco, and American tobacco shops continued the tradition. Cracked fact: Since Europeans (other than American settlers) had no first hand knowledge of Native Americans the early “Wooden Indians” were made in the image of African slaves.
5. Sitting Bull.
The face of this extremely photogenic chief stares at us through the ages reflecting the heavy burden of wisdom and sorrow in his craggy countenance. He was photographed often enough so that his photograph of a real life legend is much more than a cartoon caricature or artist’s impression of what a Native American should look like. More of a Holy Man and Elder than a warrior, this Hunkpapa Lakota is perhaps the most recognizable Native American.
4. Sacagawea Dollar Coin.
Something is extra special about having your image on the main monetary denomination of a country, and the image of this intrepid woman who guided the Lewis and Clark expedition pays homage to the fact that this great expedition would not have succeeded without her. Depicted carrying her baby, there is no known image of the real life Sacagawea and the model for the coin was Randy’L He-Dow Teton, a Native American woman born in 1976.
3. Chief Wahoo, Cleveland Indians.
The Indians were supposedly named in honor of Native American teammate on the Cleveland Spiders, Louis Sockalexis. Louis is known as the first Native American to play major league baseball, although there is some conflict about who should actually be considered “first” due to mixed heritage of the contenders. The smiling, hook nosed Chief Wahoo logo first made its appearance in 1946 and has been insulting Native Americans ever since. Seen as a racial caricature and demeaning, even Louis Sockalexis expressed disgust at the cartoon image. Law suits, protests, condemnation by religious and civic groups have not yet convinced “Tribe” owners to ditch the offensive logo. Note: The Atlanta Braves replaced the Chief Noc-A-Homa logo with a tomahawk. Can the Indians do something like that?
2. Sculpture of Crazy Horse.
Located in the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota on Thunderhead Mountain, this sculpture of the great Chief Crazy Horse is still under construction and will be the largest sculpture in the world when completed. Commissioned by Henry Standing Bear and designed by Korczak Ziolkowski, the depiction of the famous Oglala Lakota warrior will be 641 feet long and 563 feet high. The head of Crazy Horse will be almost one and a half times taller than those on Mt. Rushmore. Under construction since 1948, the giant face of Crazy Horse is complete, but most of the rest of the statue is not. Still, the face is impressive and the monument is open as The Crazy Horse Memorial with a museum and cultural center on the grounds.
1. The “Indian Head” Nickel.
Although the US mint says the image is not of any particular person, the image being a composite of several different people, a few Native Americans have claimed to be the model for the serious and determined looking visage. Notable claimant as the model was John Big Tree (Seneca) who frequently appeared in public appearances billed as the “Nickel Indian.” (He died in 1967.) No buffalo (bison) ever tried to profit from claiming to be the model for the reverse side of the nickel!
Question for students (and subscribers): What images would you include? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Bataille, Gretchen M. Native American Representations: First Encounters, Distorted Images, and Literary Appropriations. University of Nebraska Press, 2001.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2239 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=2239">164 Comments
I never knew there was something before the nickel that was called the “half dime coin.”
As a Clevelander, I am pained by the inclusion of Chief Wahoo, but I feel that it is offensive, and it’s portrayal of Native American’s needs to be altered, if not discontinued.
Between the Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Indians, I’m sure Native Americans feel some-what targeted. I heard there was talk of the Redskins changing their name, but I feel like we are just drowning in political correctness and over sensitivity here in the U.S. I do think the Indians’ logo is a bit over the top, but the Redskins should be allowed to keep their name without people making a huge deal. It’s not like they’re making fun of the natives.
I was not aware that there was so much controversy over the Cleveland Indians logo. Although the actor de Corti played the role of Native Americans, I believe it was wrong of him to pretend to be one in real life. I also did not know that the Native Americans first introduced Europeans to tobacco, resulting in the use of Native Americans for tobacco logos in America.
I can see how some Native Americans could be offended by the first couple images, but I think having a coin would be an honor.
It upsets me that Americans use these iconic symbols even though they offend Native Americans.
I was unaware how offending some of these images were. In a way, this is targeting them as a group. Americans would feel the same way if it were the other way around.
I think that if it is offensive to native American people they should change the logo. i feel it is hurtful to them.
I think that these logos are offensive, but I don’t think they will change them anytime soon. It’s been engraved in the American culture for so long, I’m not sure it will ever change.
I think it is wrong that Chief Wahoo is logo for many things including sports teams even though it is insulting to Native Americans.
These types of logos are painful not just for the affected people on the logo. Americans by themselves are affected by these pics. However, nowadays it is becoming less and respecting others which is now well-known sign by Natives than the previous period.
I know many people are offended by the logo and its been up for discussion for years about changing it, I’m curious to see if they ever will
I don’t think they will ever change it. It has been around for so long. If they change it I’m curious what they would change it too but don’t see it happening for years.
I don’t think they should change the name of the Indians, there’s too much history of the team and it would be travesty if they changed the team name.
It is pretty well known that the Native Americans find most of these icons to be offensive for one reason or another, and some of the depictions are very offensive and generalized. However, I do not think they will be changed any time soon. We have engrained too much of them into our culture.
It’s sad that people use logos and different things that they know offend Native Americans.
Never really knew anything about Chief Wahoo besides from the logo. Interesting article that explains these Native Americans.
I think this article brings to attention how many logos use Native American’s and how it is offensive. Many people don’t think about that when they see these logos.
I think Native Americans are a very important part of history and deserve all the tribute that they receive today.
I think the Chief Wahoo part is interesting. With all of the fuss about the logo, its not even the Native American people that are complaining.
Native Americans are represented well throughout the world on many different things like statues and on coins
I think it’s very strange that the logo for the Cleveland Indians even today. I could see why the original logo for the Indians would also be so offensive towards Louis Sockalexis.
Many people don’t realize how many logos are using Native Americans and how offensive they can be
I have studied in another course about how logos are “offensive” to Native Americans and such. What many people don’t know when they look into it was that the originator of the names were never truly directed towards Native Americans. This is definitely a harsh topic to debate. -Allison Lester
as a Graphic designer, i can imagine how a logo can be offensive to people. in this case i was surprised.
I worked in a gas station in high school and sold a lot of Red Man Chewing Tobacco. I had no idea of its historical significance.
In a way it is sad to see the heritage of these native americans being made fun of a bit with the characters. Yet at the same time, there still is that bit of recognition of he native american culture through these various organizations. So there is a little bit of good that comes out of it.
The Washington redskins do symbolize native Americans but I do think the name can be considered as racist
I do not see these “depictions” as racist,these logos are meant to simply honor the Native Americans and make sure that their honorable past in building america is remembered and cherished for generations.
I can see why Native Americans would be offended by these depictions but I do not think they were meant to offend them, I think they were meant to honor them.
I think its cruel to use the Indian head as a logo its kinda racist. all the logos have feather on their heads and have bright red skin.
The logo is meant to represent the team but I guess Native Americans were offended by it. I actually had a middle school teacher that wasn’t Native American but he still didn’t agree with the Indians logo.
I think that Native Americans find these offensive because the majority of these are depictions of their skin color and not their culture. The most interesting thing to me was to learn about the Crying Indian.
What I can’t seem to understand is how could the Native Americans not find a girl to be a representation for them? Perhaps it was against their culture to photograph and make girls famous back then.
I’m not sure how this made me feel. I thought it was interesting to learn how the the native americans impacted culture to form these logos though. I guess I could see how this would be offensive though.
I can understand why they would want to change the Indian logo but I think it should stay the same personally.
They shouldn’t change the Indians logo its been that way forever. Personally my favorite Cleveland Indians logo.
I don’t think they should change the Indians logo. There are plenty of schools around my area with Indian mascots and I think they are cool for representing the Indians.
I think by using these iconic Indian symbols, it is a way for American’s to show respect and in a way make up for all the horrific treatment they showed them in the past.
I do not think that the indian logo is meant to be offensive at all. They do not mean to be racist either. The name of the team is the Indians so their logo is an indian.
It is interesting to see all of the ways that Native Americans are portrayed in the U.S. I do not think any of it was meant to be offensive but sometimes people do not think that what they are doing may be offensive to other people or cultures.
I like there idea of using logos to describe.
It was interesting learning about how they portrayed their logo of an Indian.
I think it’s wrong how the person made on the coin in 1859 on the Indian Head Cent was even a Native American, I feel like that should be more insulting than anything else that has happened.
It is interesting to see how the logos are used. There are many articles today explaining how something as simple as dressing up as a Native American can be highly offensive.
This article made me think of my minority class and they talked about how Natives find it offensive when schools use them as a mascots. I can definitely see how that’s offensive. I wouldn’t want a school or organization to be named the Blacks or African Americans. Then someone dresses up as a black person.
Its interesting to see how logos picturing Native Americans were used. Although that use was offensive.
I did not know the First native american logo was redmans.
I agree that its offensive to use the Native Americans as mascots. We don’t use African Americans as mascots or whites. This is why North Dakota is no longer the fighting Sioux
I think people are too sensitive to certain images or opinions. People are dying from genocides around the world yet here we are worried about Chief Wahoo. I dont agree with racism but i think that we need to focus on the things that matter , not a sports logo.
The use of Native Americans for team logos or mascots has been a long term controversy. Many sports fans do not agree that the use of Chief Wahoo is offensive. As in many situations the lack of concern by many is due to the fact it does not directly impact their lives.
I understand how Native Americans would be offended by using them as logos such as the Red Skins and Indians because of our history with them. I think it may be a sign of peace and regret as to how the Native Americans were treated. It would be a great way to honor Native Americans if the Cleveland Indians were the World Series this year and make a mark on history.
Recently I have been hearing more about the offensiveness of the Cleveland Indians mascot of chief wahoo as they are currently in the world series. It is hard for me to really take a strong stance on either side of this logo, as I think that the intentions of using the Chief were purely innocent, and that the chief made a good logo for the team to market. He is a happy, friendly looking guy. I completely understand how the Native American people may feel offended by this though, and maybe this situation could have been avoided in the beginning of the development of this logo.
I guess I never thought of Chief Wahoo as being offensive. I really think back then when he was designed it was a way to honor the American Indians. Red Skins being the same. I think the sculpture of Crazy Horse is a great way to honor their culture, much more than on money. Now it would be nice if we gave them back some of their land instead of these little reservations to live on.
The sports teams mentioned have long since been considered offensive. I can remember being a kid and going to a Cleveland Indians game and seeing protestors. It is difficult because even if the original intention was not to offend, the right thing to do is to probably change.
I have never really noticed Chief Wahoo as being offensive, I think that it was an innocent idea of making him the team’s masco. Especially with the Indians being in the world series I know that a Canadian judge that recently threw a case out of his court because the people wanted to get the word “indian” banned from baseball and their city. Even he knew that this was a silly connotation
Since the Cleveland Indians have made the World Series there has been multiple law suits to take down Chief Wahoo. I found it fascinating that the Indians had to play on the big stage before serious law suits were created.
The Chief Wahoo logo and the Washington Redskins logo really are the two icons that stand out to me. The reason that they both stand out, is one: the Indians are in the World Series now, and two: they both raise controversy as to whether or not they should even be the logo for their respective team. I know that the Redskins have taken a lot of heat for being “offensive,” or “disrespectful,” to the Native American culture.
To a point I can see how some of these can be offensive, but maybe if I were on the other side I would see completely how this could be taken offensively. I do agree that it is disrespectful that an actor pretended to be a Native American in movies, as well in real life.
I think they should respect the Native Americans, at least you are from the same country.
I remember seeing the Iron Eye Cody commercial and I am not shocked he was not a real Indian. Actors and actresses depict people in commercials and movies all the time. I think sometimes the PC police goes overboard on finding things offensive.
I know there is a lot of controversy with athletic teams (such as the indians and redskins). These are the two pictures that stood out to me.
American Indians as the native Americans had a unfair and sad history. They were brave because they made a stand against the European invaders.
It’s unfortunate to learn that Native Americans are not always portrayed the way they truly should be. On one of my hometown visits to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, I would like to go see the Crazy Horse statue in SD.
This is also a heavy topic of discussion with the Native Americans my grandpa talks to. They see if as a sign of discrimination and bashing of who they are as a people. It makes me sad that there is still this kind of controversy in the world.
This article is very relevant today. Recently I saw in the news that the Toranto Blue Jays did not want the Cleveland Indians to play with their Chief Wahoo symbol on their uniform. Even though they changed logo’s, there is still a small chief wahoo on the sleeve and the Toronto took it very offensive. This is just a small example of how small things like a symbol is offensive which in my opinion, I think it is too.
This article still is very true in today’s society. A lot of times, the logos that we use and create may not cause us to think that they are offensive and we may think they are harmless. We should really take into consideration everyone’s culture and beliefs in order to not offend anyone and provide respect. I also found it interesting that images that we have of Sitting Bull today are mainly just caricatures and cartoons, as he was rarely photographed.
I always knew the Indians character was negative, but it was interesting to read and learn about it more. I think many people don’t realize or don’t care when making logos the negative connotations they may have.
I know that some people get offended by the use of Native Americans as icons for teams and events. However, I do not believe that people mean it in a bad term. It honestly makes people remember the Native American culture. I feel like the Native American culture is small and dying off and needs to stay alive.
Since the World Series has been going on I have been hearing more and more how the Cleveland Indians name needs to be changed. I do not think the name was meant to offend anyone. I think they named it that since they had the first Native American baseball player and maybe it is for his remembrance. Native American culture is extremely important and is quickly fading. I understand why the Native Americans would be angry though.
It is great that there are many icons of Native Americans still used today. I believe there should be more. I do not think that anything with these icons should be offensive. I do not understand how they could offend anyone.
It seems crazy to me that there are many icons of Native Americans today. Nothing should be added or changed. Native icons aren’t hurting anyone.
I did not know that the icons were meant to be offensive.
Growing up in the suburbs of Cleveland and being an Indians fan, i never thought of the mascot of Chief Wahoo as anything other than a mascot. I hope that these icons were never chosen to be offensive but i also hope to see them stay.
I undertand how these icons can be disrespectful if portrayed in an offensive way. It is good to share in cultures together but not in a way that is disrespectful for some.
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio I’ve always knew that our Indians mascot was offensive, it was something that i noticed and questioned but did not do anything.
I am from Cleveland to see that the indians are on here is of no surprise. I have always heard that they are trying to replace it because native americans do not want to be known as a mascot.
As an avid Cleveland fan, I never saw the issue with this growing up because it was “normal.” However, this year’s World Series brought this subject up again with Toronto fans trying to remove the logo from our attire for the game. While I find it ridiculous I can also see how it could be found offensive.
This article was one of the most interesting to me thus far, as I have followed many of the controversial reports regarding the Washington Redskins recently and I am a die-hard Cleveland Indians fan. These are the more well-known Native American icons, but some of the others in this article were intriguing as well.
this article is very interesting to me because i like to know everything about history of native america
Since I am from Ohio and I have been raised as a Cleveland Indians fan my whole life, I can say that I never looked at the Indians logo as something offensive and I take pride wearing the logo. I feel that our society always needs something to complain about and this is one of them. It would be different if the logos were promoting violence against a particular group.
It is very interesting to read about some of the things here that I wouldn’t think twice about being offensive. I think we just automatically think that if it is being used then it’s fine or has been asked for permission to be used.
We have, as a country, treated Native Americans with little to no respect. Images of Native Americans should be used respectfully and with permission, and most certainly they should be an accurate depiction using real Native Americans as models.
I think this article was very interesting and I would live to play devil’s advocate. I understand how Native Americans get upset about degrading their culture. However, wouldn’t putting pictures of Natives on coins or naming sports teams after them be an honor? I don’t know I guess I’m just not in an understanding of why its so degrading?
I find it surprising how many of the people that were used to depict American Indians were not even the real deal. Also I agree with Luke’s post, I’m sure that none of the sports teams or products have goals of disrespecting Native Americans. If we could go back and tell Christopher Columbus that he was not in India, we would!
I see both sides of this. Like Luke has said playing devils advocate is fairly easy when it comes to the Native Americans. They are a special group that at times can be difficult to deal with. In my personal opinion they are a group that will never be satisfied or happy with any decision one makes regarding to them.
I am part Native American and I take no offense to any of these. The Cleveland Indians one always really gets me. I cannot understand why you would take offense to being compared to a great sports team. Think about it, we find mascots that are really cool, why would that offend you. If anything the Native Americans should get royalties for using the logo. The money too, is equally challenging for me to understand. We have famous presidents on money, so we should have Native Americans on it too. The greatest tragedy in American history was the way we drove out and forgot the Native Americans. I think we should praise and honor them anyway possible, and in the American tradition that is done via marketing.
Its hard for me to see why people in today’s world would take such offense to these images. Every part of society has been made fun of in one way or another. These images are not that negative and are kind of cool in a way. I know the ones that were really old have changed but unfortunately you can not satisfy everyone.
Seems that most of the people taking offense to these images are not even Indian. Too be offended by an image when there is so much more to be offended by is callous.
Even though the use of Native American iconic images in the media has been scrutinized at points in time, I think it is also important to remember that many of the organizations that use images of Native Americans have either modified the pictures to make the image less racially stereotypical, or have eliminated the image all together.
I don’t see the problem with using Native American images in the media as long as it is in good taste.
The thing I find most interesting is that as with most things, by and large, it isn’t even the native american population that complains about the usage of these images. More often than not, it is someone being offended for them. I do feel that if a legitimate grievance is brought forth by actual native Americans then some dialogue should happen to address those concerns.
This was a very informational and interesting read. Personally, I can understand why some of these images would be offensive to Native American people (Red man chewing tobacco). However, I do not believe that any of these images are intentionally meant to be offensive. I find it interesting that some of the above iconic images are not actually of native American people, such as the crying Indian. I believe that the sculpture of chief crazy horse is meant to honor the Native American people.
Interesting article but what makes no sense to me is the fact that everyone else besides the Native American has an issue with the use of the images. The original image on the coin was the best image that was used, but all images people have their opinions or beliefs about Native Americans which has shown little to no respect towards their culture.
If I were an Indian, It would be an honor if someone created an image of my culture. I am part Irish and yet I am not offended by the image of the Fighting Irish Man for Notre Dame. Yes, some images were created to be demoralizing, but for the most part, the modern day characters are meant to honor other civilization. It is sad what had happened to the Indian culture. Nevertheless, what had happened to the Indians has been going on throughout all of the mankind since the beginning of creation. Humans have to learn to love one another, and for the most part, I believe the human race is on a good path. Remember the bad will always overshadow the good. There is more good than there is bad.
I find it interesting how we have tried to imbed images of Indian’s into our culture. We spend years overtaking their land, forcing them into reservations, and trying to make them assimilate themselves into our culture. With so much effort trying to erase there way of life it makes me wonder why we implemented their image into so aspects of our culture such as sport teams, movies, and even our money. I do think these images have helped us realize how horrific our actions against the Native Americans were and I think for the most part we have tried to repent and correct those mistakes.
I found this article very interestng and yet, confusing. I find it odd that Americans have almost destroyed the homes of the Indians but so much time, effort, and money is put into honoring them. This makes me wonder if this was an agreement made that no one wants to talk about or if these images are results of guilt for over takin their land.
This article had a lot of good and interesting information on how America tried to bring back the Native American heritage, but if we look back at history the U.S. government try to erase the Native American by pushing them into reservations. I didn’t know that Redman was the first product in the U.S. to use a Native American. The information about carved wooden statues of Native Americans and why it was used by tobacconists in Europe was very interesting to me. I think it was a great thing that sculpture of a Native American was constructed in South Dakota and that Native Americans had input on how it was built.
The section on the Cleveland Indians makes me a little upset with them trying to change the logo. With how sensitive the world is today, someone could find something offensive about all the other baseball team’s names or logos. There are too many teams in all the sports that I’m sure someone would find something offensive about the team. Are we going to change all the names and logos of the teams? It is a baseball team with a logo. The history behind the team and logo most likely have nothing to do with the Native American history.
I think that it is reasonable for us to ask communities and groups of individuals if they find certain things to be offensive or not. Perhaps in the past cartoons and the way things were labeled or marketed were not exactly culturally sensitive. I think it is reasonable that we take the time to reconsider if there is another way to market things that are not taking advantage of certain groups.
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Im not an Indian fan but living in Ohio people want to change the name of the Indians chief wahoo Cant they find other things to complain about like what is going on with the government. I mean their is the braves, the redskins d plenty more so lets hit things that really matter other than a name change.
Being an Ohioan and an Indians fan I don’t think the name or image for the Indians should change. The extreme sensitivity is getting out of hand. And continuing to make changes for these complaints will just continue the insanity.
I am a Cleveland Indians fan and I have always found it to be petty and just something for people to complain about. There are so many more issues out there to try to fight than what a baseball team should be called or what their mascot should look like. The mascot has been the same since 1946 why should they have to change now?
I’m not Native American, nor do I know anyone that is, so I do not know how I could feel about this if I were a member of the Native American community. I personally do not think there is anything offensive or like any insensitivity is taking place in any of these products, team names or other marketing logos. I see many types of people, places and items being used for product marketing, logos and team mascots. Maybe I am missing the point, or maybe I would feel differently given I was Native American.
I grew up in a household that had pictures and statues of Indians all over our house. We also had dream catchers hanging in the bedrooms. It always seemed funny considering we were of Mexican decent. Maybe my family had a certain respect and love for Indians. I try to think how I would feel if it were a Caucasian instead of an Indian, then I thought wait, we do use presidents on coins.
There have been many schools around me that have changed their name due to the fight picked against them due to the names. I personally always thought it was a good thing that we as Americans used the Indians as mascots or any other item that promoted them in a positive manner. My grandfather chewed Redman and honestly i never put the two together so it was neat to see it as #10.
These images are so ingrained in the culture I grew up with that it is easy to forget that these are culturally insensitive portrayals. I get a nostalgic feeling looking at the buffalo head nickel and the cigar store Indian. Even the throwback jerseys of the Cleveland Indians evoke a sense of the gentle past. Although I am aware of the bloodshed and the horrible treatment our native Americans received at the hands of the United States, it is not the image that comes to mind when I view these images. So I guess that the whole epoch has been sanitized from my experience.
I was just a young boy when I first saw the Iron Eyes Cody, The Crying Indian commercial, and found it to be an eye-opening experience about how we are polluting the Earth by littering.
I personally don’t see much of an issue with the use of these images, but i can definitely see where a problem could emerge if they were to be used in any type of a negative sense due to the history of the Native American people and how this country came about and with such a big lack on (or as seen in others eyes not mine) respect for the native culture and that this land was stolen from them and that they do not want to be associated with our culture at all
I am torn when it comes to issues surrounding Native Americans. I believe what our government did to them was wrong by continually taking away their land and moving them across the County to unsettling areas. The Native Americans were offered countless treaties, only to be taken away. I also find it disheartening regarding all the lives that were lost in conflicts between the Indians and the Settlers. We have to remember; the Native Americans were here first and were treated wrongly throughout history. However, I really do not feel that the use of Native American images should garner the kind of debate and contention it does. For example, I do not find the Cleveland Indian’s logo offensive at all. Perhaps, I am being ignorant regarding the issue. I believe the Native American images are part of our culture and a part of our Country’s history. I also find it kind of ironic that the Native American’s first introduced tobacco to us, which continues to be part of our culture today.
This was really neat to read! I never viewed half of these as offensive but can clearly see why they can be depicted as such. It was pretty cool to finally read about the history of these items. The sculpture of Crazy Horse makes me want to take a vacation.
I have been a Cleveland Indians fan my entire life. They have had the same mascot since i have been born. i do not understand why they want to change it now. Do we not have something else that is more important to be arguing about other than a mascot for a baseball team that has been the same for many years?
I can understand the discord the Native American have with any Mascot that portrays them.
This article was very interesting. I have seen, and read about most of these images,but never saw any of them in a negative type of way.
I never considered half of the issues raised in this post. I do find some of them disturbing on some levels. I wouldn’t be bothered if there was a decision to change the mascots or team names, but I don’t know that I would personally raise the issue for any particular reason.
This is a really interesting article. I am a huge Cleveland Indians fan and would hate to see changes be made to their mascot after this long, however I do understand how it could be seen as a stereotype.
I’m going to take a different approach to this than others have. Of all of the various images that were mentioned here, I can’t recall any of them crafted by Native Americans themselves. If they were crafted by the aforementioned group of let’s say, white men, would they still be considered offensive? Just a thought I had.
Overall, majority of the above listed items are embracing the Native Americans. Should blue collar Caucasian man be offended by the Monopoly character because he is white, plump and rich which in turn doesn’t depict the average American man?
Furthermore, this past Halloween my daughter wanted to dress as an “indian”. She had watched the movie Pochahontas (of course with a history lesson explaining the Disney movie is not accurate history) and learned about Sacagawea. In her eyes she wanted to be like these women and help people, while trick or treating, we were approached and told my daughters costume was offensive. I was absolutely outraged due to the fact the person was unaware of why my daughter chose that costume.
Lastly, I don’t believe at any point in time was the idea of offensiveness and hated thought.
The thing I find hardest to grasp is why individuals cling so tightly to the idea that these images should not be viewed as offensive, particularly when those people do not identify as being Native American. What right do whites have to decide if an image is offensive when it doesn’t apply to them? Why doesn’t a person who identifies as Native American have the right to deem a stereotype as offensive and desire change?
Of course, I think there are instances where people can be overly-sensitive to how others express a culture, as I believe was the case in Ashley Betsa’s description of her daughter’s Halloween costume.
But more often than not, I find that people seem to be so attached to the nostalgic value of something that they can’t see past how it might hurt others. If that can be avoided, why shouldn’t it be?
I did not think that any of these were offensive but to someone of that ethnic background it can be, the only one that I knew about was the penny and washington redskins and the indian cent very interesting read.
I remember growing up my older brother had a buffalo nickle collection. I never understood, not that I asked, what the significance was. I guess there will always be those that are offended and those that offend, even if not intended.
I like how Iron eye Cody as a actor was having his tears describing that all kind of trash were becoming pollution that going to ruined the living surrounding. it was interesting to see how indian head became part of the cent iron for coin.
Oh, Cleveland sports fans. Dismissing the arguments of an entire ethnicity, is such a Cleveland thing to do. In 2017 it is absurd that Chief Wahoo is still a mascot. Don’t tell any tribe fans I said so, though!
In my opinion the Native Americans have always been mistreated and misunderstood. This was perhaps the real beginning of racism.
It was interesting to see how Redman was becoming the first nationwide brand US company that was using Native American logo. The logo of the Redman is indicating the image of native American. It was also interesting to know how Cody as a actor was trying to be pretended as a native American in real time and support American people.
Hm….. My thing…. Why have an Italian-American guy portray a Native-American? Just curious.
I find it very interesting and quite sad that every Native American object (coins, statues, etc.) were all fake. They did not depict real Native Americans .
I agree with BG, and I can understand why many Native Americans felt insulted and outraged by these objects and logos. Many of them are not even historically and culturally correct.
It’s interesting to see the origin of where the nickel came from and surprising to find out that it bore the image of a Native American. I never realized how much Native Americans were apart of our culture. As a die hard Indians fan, I never really thought about where the idea for Chief Wahoo came from and how it might be insulting to Native American Indians.
I thought it was interesting that some of our coins started with Native Americans. I live close to Cleveland and I have grown up with watching the Cleveland Indians and going to tribe games. I am so used to seeing Chief Wahoo and I hope it doesn’t change.
I think this article shows that Native American’s have never really been treated fairly, even from the beginning of time. And it makes me wonder if they ever will? In reading this article it also makes to upset to think that something could change with the Indians logo, I have grown up in Cleveland my entire life, grew up watching the Indians play and it would be tragic to see that change.
I think it is interesting that the Native Americans had such an influence on the making of coins and logos and such, that they were the main focus. I know some may be offended by said things, but if it were me, I would feel honored to have my heritage and face as the center pieces of such teams as the Indians and etc. I think they should keep Chief Wahoo, as it is a part of history.
I find it amazing to think of how many things from coins to logos use Native American images. My brother went on a trip to Minnesota to do mission work at a Native American reservation and none of them were allowed to wear Cleveland Indians merchandise in fear that they would offend the Native Americans. I think originally the intent to use the images was to honor the heritage of the Native Americans for their strength, courage, and historic place in our country.
It was interesting to learn about how an Indian used to be on the coins we look at every day now. What stuck out to me the most throughout this article was how big of a deal Chief Wahoo turned into. While in the world series last year I know that it was made into a very large uproar. Personally, I grew up watching the Indians at Progressive Field and on tv and I think the mascot should stay put.
I guess I can understand the problem that some Native Americans have with sports teams like the Indians and Redskins. On the other hand, I feel that neither of these two teams intentionally tried to offend the Native American population.
Based on these pictures, I can understand why Native Americans would’ve easily felt offended. However, I think it is very cool to learn the story of how the nickel was developed!
Being so used to hearing “Redskins”, I’ve went blind to the fact that that is a name for Native Americans. The same goes for the Redskin chewing tobacco. I understand why Native Americans were not happy when they found out there was a team named after their skin color.
When I hear the phrase “Red Skin” I don’t first think of Native Americans. That being said, it seems unusual to me that so many things would be developed using this Native American trait.
While I do not think that any of these things were created with the intent of offending the Native Americans or their culture, it is easy to see why it has. I cannot imagine seeing my way of life and culture used as a mascot for a baseball team full of men who likely know nothing of the culture.
I have never thought too much into the whole “Red Skin” representation to be honest. There are quite a few things it represents, some of which honestly do not see much of a problem by doing so.
I have always been annoyed that people are offended by a simple logo. It would be a shame if the Indians ever had to make a change because of it.
I find it interesting that tobacco was introduced to Americans by Native Indians and therefore anything tobacco related incorporated a Native American symbol. In my opinion, it is surprising that the first American settlers didn’t try to “Americanize” tobacco and make it their thing. It is actually respectful that they didn’t. I think the Native Americans appreciated this act.
I did not know that there is another memorial in progress like Mt Rushmore. I have never been to Mt Rushmore, though I would love to, and I can only image how big that is and now I learn that just the face of The Crazy Horse Memorial is a lot bigger than that. It amazes me that someone is able to sculpt a huge face out of a mountain.
I need to go to Black Hills of South Dakota on Thunderhead Mountain to see the sculpture of Crazy Horse’s face. It has been a work in progress since 1948 and the sculptures just completed the face, but there is a lot more!
I like how the first Indian Logo was used for tobacco, which was introduced to the Americans by the Indians. I was surprised that the Americans didn’t try to americanize tobacco and make it their own. I love learning about Indians so I think it is nice that we continue to recognize them and use them as symbols in a respectful way.
It is interesting that the image of Sacagawea is not actually known, but yet she was depicted on the dollar coin and a woman was chosen to represent her as a model.
I found excerpt about the Indian’s logo to be surprising. The other examples of Native American images in this article were in honor of the Native American heritage. I disagree with the logo being demeaning. I highly doubt that a professional baseball team would intentionally have their mascot insult Native American fans, let alone players.
I did not know that native Americans first introduced europeans to tobacco. I feel like native Americans do not get as much credit as they deserve.
I can definitely see how some of these are offensive. Some of them we do not even think about because we are so used to seeing them like Chief Wahoo with the Cleveland Indians. It is kind of strange that it was named after the first Native American baseball player in the major leagues, but still came off offensively.
I believe this article demonstrates that Local American’s have never truly been dealt with genuinely, even from the earliest starting point of time. What’s more, it influences me to think about whether they ever will? In perusing this article it additionally makes to bombshell to believe that something could change with the Indians logo, I have experienced childhood in Cleveland my whole life, grew up viewing the Indians play and it is heartbreaking to see that change.
I have never thought too much into the whole “Red Skin” representation. However, I understand why Native Americans were not happy when they found out there was a team named after their skin color.
I find it really interesting how some of the history of coins and other items tries to pay homage to great points in history, such as the Lewis and Clark expedition. I can see, however, how items such as the Redman Tobacco can be more offensive in that its name derives from skin color.
I havent really taken into consideration or put myself into other cultures shoes to understand things that they could be upset with. Ive grown up my whole life not thinking anything of the Indians logo. I never put into perspective how it could insult another culture or be offensive to other people.
That guy Cody in #8 was interesting, that he played a Native American in movies and then also acted like it in real life. He was a 150% supporter, that’s forsure. I’m also upset because on the silver dollar is not Sacagawea! It’s Randy’L He-Dow Teton….. WHAT?! that’s crap
Being an Indians fan, I think it is interesting that Chief Wahoo was included on this list. I never knew he was named after a Native American player. This makes me wonder why people are so offended by the logo.
i learned a lot from this article. I never knew the name of the Indians mascot and was surprised that it was named after an actual player. However, I can now understand why it is offensive to some people
Being of Native American descent, I found this article particularly interesting. I always wondered why the U.S. went away from the buffalo nickel, and this article shed some light on that. I am also a big Indians fan. I knew that some people were pushing to have the logo changed from Chief Wahoo, but I didn’t know that Chief Wahoo was an actual player. I think that since the logo is honoring a past Native American player, that there is no need to change the logo since it is not offensive.
The Cultural Image of Native Americans that I found most interesting in this article was the sculpture of Crazy Horse. I actually visited South Dakota during the time of construction. I was able to learn a little bit about the sculpture while visiting, and it such an incredible sight to see. I was getting to see the building of a massive sculpture right in front of me. It was huge years ago when I went, so it would be very interesting to see what the final product will look like when they are finally finished.
I have recently heard of the controversy over the Indians baseball logo, I did not however know that the logo was actually presented because of a past player.
The team name, not the logo, is supposedly based on Louis Sockalexis, a player of Native American descent.
I enjoyed reading about the evolution of coins and learning more about the history of a city so close to me.
I see how Native Americans would be affronted by utilizing them as logos, for example, the Red Skins and Indians in view of our history with them. I figure it might be an indication of peace and lament with reference to how the Native Americans were dealt with. It would be an awesome approach to respect Native Americans if the Cleveland Indians were the World Arrangement this year and make a blemish on history.
In this article, I find the most interesting thing is that the crazy horse statue is the cultural image of native americans. And I think in this article that they haven’t really dealt with the problem of Native Americans, other examples of Native American images in this article are in memory of the American Aboriginal heritage.
This was very informative because I did not know the logo for the indians came about because of a Native American who played for the team. I do think Washington and Cleveland should get rid of their names and logos. Why is it we continue to allow disrespectful logos of Naive Americans? Miami University changed their school name but it continues to show how bad we have mistreated Native Americansi in this country.