The Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians have been around since 1894, with a name and logo that marginalize a racial group. The term Indian is considered a derogatory term for Native-American and is termed disrespectful. The organization has been under scrutiny over the past decade for the removal of the name from the Cleveland Indians, as well as the controversial logo that presents an unflattering and cartoonist image of an “Indian”. There have been a steady increase in demonstrations against the red-faced, ill-depicted version of a Native-American. Many Native-Americans have spoken out against this dishonor and have protested at many games, however it remains unchanged. The people garnering these offensive apparels and merchandise believe that there is no harm done, that they are simply supporting a tradition. “We just don’t want our people, our culture, our heritage, to be portrayed as a mascot. I don’t think any ethnic group would like that. But they ignore this and think it’s funny, because in their minds we don’t exist and never have.” However, protesters have made a valid point of whether or not a sports team with the name “African-Americans” would still be around today. This gets the reader to think, because I believe that this would have been changed several years ago.

This is evident across several sports teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Redskins, and Kansas City Chiefs. These logos have been under scrutiny, however remain unchanged due to traditions. The Cleveland Indians have made small steps towards a betterment as they have created a Block C logo for their caps. There is a step toward a solution, yet this could go further. If you take a look at the conversion of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks to the Anaheim Ducks, you will not only see a name change, but a complete re brand equipped with alternate logos and colors. The Chief Wahoo could easily be left behind as the organization should take these concerns seriously and search for a viable alternative.

McGraw, Daniel. "Native Americans Protest Chief Wahoo Logo at Cleveland Indians Home Opener." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 11 Apr. 2015. Web. 18 Apr. 2016. <http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/11/native-americans-protest-chief-wahoo-logo-at-cleveland-indians-home-opener>.

White Privelege at Iowa State University

Timpf responds to a letter from a student group at the Iowa State University that reflects on their instution’s “white privilege”. The group compares white privilege to a virus that is easily spread through communication. This is somewhat true, however their analysis is criticized by Timpf as she disregards their comparison as white privilege being the equivalent to HIV or herpres. As white privilege is inherent advantages of being white, she concludes that it is more comparable to genetic diseases, as opposed to communicable diseases. This states that the concept of white privilege can be inherent in college, however it is more likely spread through previous personal thoughts and actions, not through current communication to others.


Timpf, Katherine. "Student Group's Letter: White Privilege Is a Communicable Disease." National Review Online. National Review, 13 Apr. 2016. Web. 13 Apr. 2016. <http://www.nationalreview.com/article/434008/iowa-state-university-white-privilege-student-group-disease>.

Racial Issue in the NCAA

This article focuses on the systemic racism that is conducive in the NCAA. This highlights the racial inequality that plagues Division I sports, most notably of black male student-athletes. Referring to an earlier report that was conducted, concluded that there was a separate and unequal educational experience available for these black male athletes. The normal concept of a university experience is obtaining a degree for future success, however, these marginalized athletes’ experience towards this degree, if achieved, “more often is an empty one.” (Grantham,6) These athletes are unable to experience these educational experiences as they are given a “second-tier” education. The NCAA’s exploitation of these athletes and the practices of schools’ institutional racism extends to the black communities. This is because the NCAA has increased the value of these athletes’ performances, while decreasing the value of their expected education.

Grantham, Charles. "Race an Unspoken Issue in the NCAA's Long List of Problems." Race Plays a Key Role in the Inequities in College Sports. Sports Illustrated, 29 May 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2016.