APA Weighs in on American Indian Nicknames: Tossing in its two cents, the American Psychological Association issued a statement that American Indian nicknames and mascots can be psychologically harmful to American Indians. The NCAA started a crusade in August against schools that use “hostile” or “abusive” American Indian nicknames. The well-intentioned movement did not go over well with schools like Florida State, Utah and Central Michigan, which have approval of the tribes they represent and maintain a positive relationship. The NCAA approved appeals from those schools.
According to the APA, the use of American Indian nicknames and mascots perpetuates stereotypes found in popular culture and damage the self-esteem of American Indians. Some critics fear the NCAA could go too far in efforts to be PC. Organizations like the APA can help the NCAA and all other observers better understand the complexities of the situation. [10/19/05]
