Native American Photography

Native American Photography has made a big impact, and has influenced us today, the Native Americans, and has caused many controversies and myths. It gave us a better understanding of their lives, the native americans could cherish the past, and it caused some controversies with their beliefs.

By being able to view photography of Native Americans people can gain a better understanding of their life and how they live. Photographers such as Edward Curtis give us great insight to their world. Thanks to his 222 complete sets of published photographs we can see traditions, lively hoods, and the workings of different tribes. As people dive into the world of Native Americans they can understand what the Native Americans went through and sympathize. People can see the good and bad results of the settlers. 

Native American photography also mad an impact by affecting the Native Americans. Through the use of photography they were able to show people the way they lived and that they needed to be treated better. Photography also affected the Native Americans by giving them a chance to voice their opinion. Being able to show their thoughts on a new platform helped people realize what they were going through and what they were doing to them. Even though the Native Americans were wary about having their photos taken in the beginning they began to fall in love with them. It was a way to link themselves to their heritage and culture. They were able to see lost loved ones and cherish the past. 

Photography involving the Native Americans also sparked many controversies. When looking at photographer Edward Curtis it would seem as though his pictures were very true to the situation and beautiful but he caused a huge controversy. There was a picture that had clearly been doctored. The picture is of two Native Americans sitting inside their home. One picture shows clearly that there is a clock sitting between the two indians while the other the clock has been edited out. The reason that this became so widely known was because the indians didn’t understand why he felt the need to remove this from his image. Photography also caused the widely-known controversy about their beliefs. They believed that if their photo was taken it would also steal their sole. This made it difficult for anyone to gain photographs of the Native Americans. 

        Photography was made a big impact on the Native American culture. It gave us more insight to what they were going through, it gave the Native American’s a voice and a way to link themselves to their culture, and it cause many controversies. 

"Photography of and by Indians." Encyclopedia of North American Indians. 1996. History Study Center. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.

“American Indians of the Pacific Northwest.” Library of Congress. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. <http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/connections/pacific/thinking3.html>.

“Edward Curtis’s North American Indian.” Library of Congress. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2013. <http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award98/ienhtml/>.

“Edward Sheriff Curtis.” Edward Curtis. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://www.edwardscurtis.com>.

“Historic Pictures of Native Americans.” CNN News. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. <http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-201_162-10016461-2.html>.

“Native America - Prehistory and Survival.” History Today. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. <http://www.historytoday.com/nicholas-james/native-america-prehistory-and-survival>.

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Controversy over Native American Symbols used as mascots or sports team names

                There has always been controversy over sports team’s use of Native American names and symbols as their team mascot. Some Native American groups find it offensive and believe the teams should not be allowed to use these things as their mascots. Only some groups of Indians find it offensive and others believe it is an honor. The major groups you have had a problem with use of these mascots are civil rights and some athletic organizations, most of which are not even Native American groups so it is not their place to cause controversy. Teams like the Washington Redskins whose name is found offensive and the Cleveland Indians whose chief wahoo mascot is found offensive claim they are not planning on and will never change these things about their teams. The Florida State Seminoles name also caused some controversy for a while but since the name is a specific Native American group and not just Natives in general the controversy was easily resolved.

            The team that started it all was the Cleveland Indians in 1997 on the anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the colored barrier in pro baseball. People say the wide-grinning, red-faced mascot is in poor taste for a symbol for a team and extremely offensive. The wahoo is not even as much a mascot for the team but just a logo. They find the wahoo to be stereotypical and racist. Native Americans say they are the only group of people who are used as mascots and sports team names and that makes it more offensive. A Sante Fe Indian said himself, “We are the only group still used as mascots. People believe the mascot is a holdover from a less enlightened time. Most of the protest and controversy for this team was over the symbol of the chief wahoo not the Cleveland Indians name itself. The name Indians was chosen 1915 actually to honor Louis Francis Sockalexi s, a great Native American baseball player. Bob DiBiassio, Indians senior vice-president of public affairs said to the Ohio News-Herald, “We have had discussions with people of all races who have no problem with our name or logo.” This all happened in 1997 so there is not as much controversy over the Cleveland Indians anymore but there is still plenty of controversy over other teams today.

            The controversy over the Washington Redskins team name is the most recent team brought up. People have even started a ‘Change The Mascot Campaign’. Ads against the mascot play on sports radio stations for all of NFL station and even in other cities where the team plays away games. The group who launched the campaign is the Oneida Nations, an American Indian Tribe in upstate New York. Protestors are at every single Redskins game and have even followed them to away games that are played in other cities. People have said the name is stereotypical and when they use this word for the name of a sports team they might as well have a sports team name the niggers. Merriam Webster Dictionary said the term is offensive and should be avoided.” People believe the word had undeniable racist history and say the word shows an ethnic group frozen in history. An incre asing number of sportswriters are even refusing to say or write the word. President Obama said, “I would consider changing the name if I owned the team.” Regardless of all the protests the owner of Washington Redskins has made no plans to change the team’s name. In an interview in May he said, “We’ll never change the name. It’s that simple. NEVER- you can use caps.” In 2044 a survey was taken and asked 768 people who were identified as Native American whether they found the name offensive and almost 90 percent of those people said the name does not bother them. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told the Associated Press that while the league respects the opposing viewpoints, “The name from its origin has always intended to be positive and has always been used by the team in a highly respected manner.”

          I do not agree with Native American symbols being used for sports teams but I also do not disagree. I understand how groups do find these names and mascots offensive but why would they just now be speaking up about it. Most of these team names and mascots have been used for years and were made the names or mascots to honor and respect Native Americans. I do not believe other people like civil rights or other organizations should get involved in protest or campaigns. These controversies are between the teams and Native Americans who believe it should be changed. Some of the mascots or name may be looked at as stereotypical and offensive but these teams should not be forced to change traditions they have had for many years just to make a few more people happy because you can never make every single person happy. People look at these names or mascots as individual an d everyone is going to view them in their own way. 

Washington Redskins                                   Cleveland Indians

Florida State Seminoles

Works Cited

 Americas Historical Newspapers. Americas Historical Newspapers, 4 July 1997. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX-K12&p_theme=ahnp_k12&p_nbid=V5BP4CCBMTM4MjcxMDYzOS4xOTEwNTI6MToxNDoxNzMuMTY3LjI0NS44OQ&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=3&d_viewref=search&p_queryname>.

 'change the mascot campaign' hits washington redskins. abcNews, 8 Sept. 2013. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://abcnews.go.com/US/sports-mascots-stir-controversy/story?id=20194389>.

 Just how many Indians think "Redskins" is a slur? nbcwashington, 8 Oct. 2013. Web. 25 Oct. 2013. <http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/Just-How-Many-Indians-Think-Redskins-Is-a-Slur-226953791.html>.

 Mascot Controversry. Weebly, 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2013. <http://mascotcontroversy.weebly.com/florida-connection-florida-state-seminole-controversy.html>.

Shaw, Alexis. "Cleveland Indians." Abcnews.com. abcnews, n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2013. <http://abcnews.go.com/US/sports-mascots-stir-controversy/story?id=20194389#2>.

 SportsDayDFW. The Dallas Morning News, 13 Oct. 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2013. <http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-cowboys/headlines/20131013-battle-over-controversial-redskins-name-comes-to-dallas.ece>.

 Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation Inc., 18 Oct. 2013. Web. 18 Oct. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_mascot_controversy>.

Raymond Carlos Nakai

Raymond Carlos Nakai was born on April 16, 1946 in Flagstaff, Arizona. He married to Pam Hyde-Nakai.  He is one of the most important Native American persons in the music and culture field. He started his musical studies on the trumpet, but when he was young he suffered a car accident which ruined his embouchure and forced him to change the instrument. Since then, his interests and studies took a turn. He was given a Cedar flute as a gift and it was there when he started being more interested on this instrument. He has received lots of awards, also a Master’s Degree in American Indian Studies from University of Arizona. He incorporated the flute into music of all styles and cultures. Nakai also views his cultural heritage not only as a source and inspiration, but also a dynamic continuum of natural change and growth. In Nakai’s opinion, the music of the United Stated is based on the involvement, interaction and influence of all of our cultures. He believes that all of the “Native Americans” must all bring cultural heritage with them and share it in whatever ways they can. He is sharing it with music and culture ways.

Nakai’s music is difficult to describe. He describes his own music as a contemporary traditional American Indian Music. Opinions of others ethnomusicologists said that his music describes the Southwest; it also draws the inspiration from mountains, valleys, wind, sunsets and from the earth itself. It’s a kind of a relaxing music with soft melodies. He has collaborated with jazz, rock, blues, folk, classical and country artists, as well as musicians from Japan and Tibet.

                Improvisation is a natural component of most Native American music, and Nakai’s work is not an exception. He wanted to express himself with music; he wanted to express his feelings and emotions, that’s why almost all of his work is based on improvisation.

                 The flute is the most important Native American instrument besides the drums. Since the lack of p a written language, the history of the Native American Flute is not very clear. There are many storied about how the flute was discovered, created or given to Native people. Some of them talked about a young man wanting to attract the attention of a maiden. There were also a lot of types of flutes in use, the Native Americans played flutes, which they made in that time with natural materials.  The instrument was originally very personal; its music was played without accompaniment in courtship, healing, meditation, and spiritual rituals. Now it is played most of the times along with other instruments or vocals. This instrument was passed from generation to generation. Today we are still remembering the Native American flutes; they are still having a wonderful sound.

Jim Thorpe's Never-Ending Funeral

        Each year, the Jim Thorpe award is presented to the best defensive back in college football. It was created in 1986 to honor Thorpe's achievements in football. Players that are selected for this award are judged by their performance on the field, their athletic ability, and most importantly, their character. Many players consider this award the most prestigious award in college football.

        Jim Thorpe was born on May 28, 1888 in a remote cabin near Prague, Oklahoma. His father, Hiram Thorpe, was a farmer and his mother, Mary James was a descendent of the great Sauk and Fox chief Black Hawk. Thorpe's Indian name was Wa-Tho-Huk, which translates to "Bright Path." He was predestined for a bright path. In 1904, he started at the Carlisle Industrial Indian School and began his athletic career. At Carlisle, he played football for the legendary coach Glenn "Pop" Warner and also ran track. When he was 24, he went to Stockholm, Sweden for the 1912 Olympic Games. He set many records and won two gold medals in the Pentathlon and the Decathlon. He then went on to play professional baseball that consisted of the New York Giants, the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Braves. He also played professional football for the Canton Bulldogs, the Cleveland Indians, and other teams that later became the National Football League. He was married 3 times and had 8 children. He died on March 28, 1953 of a heart attack. His wife at the time of his death was Patsy Thorpe. He is currently buried in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.

        Jim Thorpe's name has been appearing in many news article recently. His family wants to return the athlete's remains to the Oklahoma reservation where he grew up, but the town wants to keep him in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. At his funeral in 1953, his wife Patsy, barged in and seized her dead husbands body. She was accompanied by state troopers and a hearse. Patsy had received an offer she could not refuse. She had made a deal with two struggling towns in Pennsylvania. The towns had to merge and rename themselves "Jim Thorpe" and build a memorial to honor him. The towns complied with the regulations of the deal and have had possession of Thorpe's remains for 59 years. Just recently, Thorpe's sons and the Sauk and Fox nation prevailed in a federal lawsuit that demanded that the town return their fathers body.

        Thorpe's sons are not only opposing the town in Pennsylvania, but also their nephews. The sons believe that his body should be returned because he had never even set foot in what is now Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and the 1990 Native Americans Graves and Repatriation Act governs the return of human remains and other indian artifacts. The nephews are agreeing with the town. They believe that the town has honored their grandfather's legacy. "The town was built around my grandpa-- people revere him," John Thorpe said. John Thorpe and another grandson travel up to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania every year to take part in their grandfather's celebrations. Another reason why the nephews are opposing their uncles argument is because Oklahoma could have kept Thorpe in 1953 but decided to let him go. The sons are also arguing that he was taken away from them and that they had no authority at that time.

        Recently, in an NBC news article, Dan Hugos said, "Look, if it turns out that Jim Thorpe is going to be transported somewhere else, then let's accompany him and make it as graceful and honorable a transition as it could possibly be." Many inhabitants of the town are still appalled by the accusations that  the family members of Thorpe have made on the town. The family still has an ongoing internal conflict and nobody knows when this controversy will come to a conclusion.

Works Cited

"Jim Thorpe." Encyclopedia Britannica. N.p., 17 Nov. 2008. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/593411/Jim-Thorpe>.

"Jim Thorpe Is Dead On West Coast at 64." New York Times. N.p., 29 Mar. 1953. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/0528.html>.

"Jim Thorpe The World's Greatest Athlete." Jim Thorpe The World's Greatest Athlete. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2013. <http://www.cmgww.com/sports/thorpe/bio/bio.html>.

Schoor, Gene, and Henry Gilfond. The Jim Thorpe Story: America's Greatest Athlete. New York: Messner, 1951. Print.

United States. National Park Service. U.S. Department of the Interior. National NAGPRA. National Park Service, 16 Nov. 1990. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. <http://www.nps.gov/nagpra/MANDATES/25USC3001etseq.htm>.

Zucchino, David. "Jim Thorpe, Pa., Fights to Keep Its Namesake." Los Angeles Times. N.p., 18 Oct. 2013. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-jim-thorpe-body-20131018-dto,0,7443553.htmlstory#axzz2iPajDWo5>.