ᎠᎾᏓᏅᏖᏍᎬ means “thinking” in Cherokee. Here, you’ll find my musings about Native American and ethnic issues, culture, and other miscellany that impacts my spirit.
Some key takeaways on what it means to unite tradition with innovation, how storytelling can serve sovereignty, and why respectful collaboration is more than a best practice—it’s a necessity in today’s evolving tourism and travel climate.
A modern fable for a failing republic. How this ends depends on we, the people.
From the pages of Marvel Comics to the vast galaxy of Star Wars, the most iconic characters don’t start with flashy titles or vague missions. They start with a clear problem, a moment of transformation, and a call to something bigger than themselves. It’s simple. It’s human. And that’s why it works.
Somewhere between fiction writing and structured communications, I found that sweet spot of audience resonance.
Those who think the continuing movement to change the name of the local pro football team is a waste of time and trivial were clearly not at the recent Art All Night event here in the District. Secreted in one corner of the venue was local Indigenous artist Gregg Deal. His project, “Redskin,” took on the racial overtones of the team moniker and projected it at his audience.
The name change debate continues to rage in the area. Every day, it seems, someone else stands up and says the obvious – the name is racist, needs to go. And every day, the Washington football team’s PR generator tries to deflect the issue, spouting words of “honor” and “respect” without realizing what those actually mean. In the wings, however, are those who have already resolved the debate in their minds and are moving forward into the next step. People like Brian Thurber, founder of DskinDC.org.
Data and research now shows that the use of such racist and derogatory team names (and by association, ‘traditions’ and fan antics) have real and detrimental effects on Native youth today. With fifty percent of the Native population being of 25 years of age or younger, the danger of perpetuating this practice and continuing the cycle of defeatism, hostile learning environments, and poor self-esteem is all too real.
Changing the name would be a step in the right direction.
Hey, I get it. I understand why. Team fandom is a complicated, deep, personal thing that involves a lot of emotional investment and history. It’s difficult to hear that your beloved franchise is doing something wrong – simply by using a name (and by extension, mascot and other fan accoutrements).
King broke the dam, shattered the glass wall. Because of his words, his actions and those of the Civil Rights Movement, our country is a better place.