A new book on the issue of whether Native American mascots should be used for sports teams will officially be launched on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Cal State San Bernardino’s John M. Pfau Library.
The book launch and reception for “Redskins? Sports Mascots, Indian Nations and White Racism,” written by James Fenelon, a CSUSB professor of sociology, is set for 5:30-7 p.m. in room PL-4005, and is being presented by the Pfau Library.
The book will be available for purchase at the event, and Fenelon will be present to sign copies.
“Redskins? Sports Mascots, Indian Nations and White Racism” examines the controversies over the Washington, D.C., professional football team’s use of a Native American mascot as a window into other recent debates about the use of such mascots for college and professional sports teams.
Fenelon explores the origins of team names in institutional racism and mainstream society’s denial of the impact of four centuries of colonial conquest. His analysis is supported by his surveys and interviews about the 'Redskins' name by the National Football League team and Major League Baseball’s Cleveland 'Indians' mascot 'Chief Wahoo.'
A majority of Native peoples see these mascots as racist, including the National Congress of American Indians — even though mainstream media and public opinion contend otherwise. Historical analysis divulges these terms as outgrowths of “savage” and “enemy icon” racist depictions of Native nations. The book ties the history of conquest to idealized claims of democracy, freedom, and “honoring” sports teams.
In addition to his teaching duties at CSUSB, Fenelon is also director of the university’s Center for Indigenous Peoples Studies.
Along with his latest book, he is the author of “Culturicide, Resistance, and Survival of the Lakota (Sioux Nation),” “Indigenous Peoples and Globalization” (with Thomas D. Hall), and numerous book chapters, articles and special journal issues.
Fenelon is Lakota/Dakota from Standing Rock Nation-, having taught internationally with indigenous peoples globally and with urban groups. He teaches on urban inequality, social movements, Native Nations, race and racism, social movements, and is working with the Urban Conservation Corps and the California Center for Native Nations. He is an advocate for social justice.
For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 or visit news.csusb.edu.