Dog Whistle Mascots: Native American Mascots as Normative Expressions of Prejudice

Abstract

In this research we examine how normative expressions of prejudice shape university communities. Across four studies, we examine the prevalence of a former university mascot depicting harmful stereotypes about Native Americans and how exposure to that mascot influences people’s attitudes and behaviors. In Study 1, images of the mascot persist on more than 10% of university apparel worn by students, in 50% of campus spaces, and in 5% of images searched online. Surveying students on this campus, we find that students with lower (higher) reported explicit prejudice also tended to have lower (higher) belonging at the university (Study 2). In two final experimental studies (N = 683), when compared to stereotype free university advertisements exposure to the stereotypic mascot reduced donations to the university by 5.5%, and in particular, among people low versus high in explicit prejudice (Studies 3 and 4). Overall, these findings suggest that institutions play an important role in shaping the intergroup attitudes of their membership.

Multiculturalism and Antiracism in Sports? U.S. Public Opinions about Native American Team Names and Mascots and the Use of Hijabs in Sports

“…As previewed by our third hypothesis, older generations, rural residents, and self-identified conservatism were consistently and negatively associated with supporting multiculturalism and antiracism in sports. Thus, we see further evidence that dominant status and in-group identities are bolstered by traditionalism in defending the status quo and resisting changes toward multiculturalism and antiracism (King 2016;Kraus et al 2019;Martí 2020;Strong 2004).…”

“…Still, Native American mascotry and team names remain common at all levels of sport, even after some formal bans; for example, more than 1,000 high schools were still using Native American team names in late 2020, including 45 schools that continued to sanction the use of "Redskins" after the Washington Football Team's elimination of its use. In fact, resistance to bans remains influential (Allchin 2020;Kraus et al 2019;Staurowsky 2007). Support for allowing Muslim women to wear hijabs in sports was more substantial, although still somewhat mixed.…”

“…Previous research on the use of Native American team names and imagery has focused on their disrespect toward indigenous peoples, the stereotypes they activate and reinforce, and the harmful consequences of these processes, particularly for Native Americans (Davis 1993; Kraus et al 2019). It has also highlighted activist efforts to eliminate Native American team names and mascots and assessed public opinions about changing traditions that disrespect Native Americans (Davis 1993; Kraus et al 2019; Strong 2004). Native American team names and mascots emerged more than 100 years ago from settler colonialism ideologies that dehumanized, mistreated, and systematically eliminated indigenous peoples (Davis 1993; Guiliano 2015; Staurowsky 2007).…”

“…Still, a stream of activism and incremental changes in eliminating Native American team names and mascots from sports notably occurred prior to 2018 and 2019. The NCAA and a number of high schools phased out many Native American team names and mascots (Kraus et al 2019; Staurowsky 2007). Some prominent journalists started refusing to use the term “Redskins” when referring to the National Football League team (Kraus et al 2019; Whiteside 2016).…”

Racial discrimination as a mediator of racial disparities in insomnia disorder

“…However, these covert forms of discrimination may not be adequately captured on an instrument that elicits more proximal experiences of maltreatment due to race. On the other hand, overt forms of discrimination against non-Black minorities have persisted (e.g., yellowface in entertainment industry, 80 overt anti-Chinese rhetoric and violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, 81 Native American mascots, 82 etc.). Future research should test whether such differences between racial groups are replicated in larger samples.…”