The Sisseston school district continues to wallow in racism with its “Redmen” logo. Local American Indian youth continue a fight that made news last February to persuade the Sisseton school board to end its cultural appropriation and adopt a new logo.
The Sisseton school board is responding with silence:
On August 3, two young Dakota women, Persephone and Fidelity Eastman, of the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation, stood before the board of the Sisseton School District in Sisseton, South Dakota, respectfully asking them to retire their disparaging moniker, and all activities associated with it….
“I went into the school board meeting thinking we have to hit three birds with one stone: the name, the logo, and their homecoming coronation, and as always, while thinking and going about things in a positive way,” Persephone Eastman said.
The two young women, both soft spoken and tactful, first introduced themselves in their Dakota language, shared facts and opinions about the mascot, and then spoke of the psychological impact of stereotypical imagery. When finished, they asked the board if they had any questions, to which they responded with head shakes of “No” [Sarah Sunshine Manning, “Youth Continue Their Battle Against Sisseton ‘Redmen’,” Indian County Media, 2015.09.02].
Manning posts this photo of a Sisseton homecoming activity:
This photo demonstrates cultural appropriation at least as clearly as the photo the Watertown paper published last fall of its homecoming “royalty” in fringy American Indian garb. But we know from our discussion last year that local sports fans like wrapping themselves in “tradition” as much as in the cultural accoutrements of an oppressed minority. The Eastman girls and other opponents of Sisseton’s logo will need a lot of patience to persuade their white neighbors away from this annual display of disrespect.
* * *
By the way, Sisseton is county seat to Roberts County, which is 53% Democrat and 28% Republican. Perhaps its all-Democratic legislative delegation, including Sisseton’s Rep. Dennis McCleery, would like to weigh in on this matter of Indian–White relations
Homecoming/Halloween. A chance for all the white kids to dress up sorta like Indians did 150 years ago, but not really.
You’d think changing the mascot would be a no-brainer, but apparently not.
I hear shades of YMCA in all its tackiness, the Village People have moved on and so should this traverse at Traverse.
It might be time for a wider publication of this racist joke.
I believe the school can continue to use the name and images IF they get permission from the local tribe.
Maybe the tribe could use this as a teachable issue. Maybe have the tribe and school board work together to come up workable solution that benefits all parties concerned. Find a way to honor the tribe and its people rather than ridicule them.
Nothing says bipartisanship like appropriating American Indian culture and blaming tribes for white privilege: right, Clark?
White people in Watertown don’t want it to change … but why would they? Cultural appropriation IS their legacy. Apparently the German heritage which is the dominant culture of the region has no appeal? The the systematic persecution and murder of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators between 1933 and 1945 doesn’t play well on float, I suppose.
PS … whites wearing feathers is as abhorrent as ISIL wearing crucifixes!
That photo is simply sickening. I wonder if any of the students feel embarrassed to be there in that get up? I doubt any of them can stand up against the powerful pressure of the white Sisseton community to refuse to participate. That would be unfair to ask of a white teenager. That doesn’t mean that one, or a small group, might do so.
I vote for the Sisseton Krauts or Sisseton Nazis or Sisseton Beer Guzzlers. Each is equally appropriate as the current nickname.
There is an example that’s even worse: The Cleveland “Indians” baseball team. Their mascot looks like a loopy, grinning, drunk Indian. I don’t know why there isn’t tremendous public pressure on them.
MC has a point – receive the endorsement of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe in exchange for royalties, as is the case with the Florida State and the Seminole Tribe.
And ensure the students study the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, the breaking thereof, the Dakota War of 1862, and the largest mass execution in American history.
Deb is also correct in that it’s doubtful the pictured students will willingly share this “memory” with their grandchildren.
The school did consult with the tribe a few years ago, and the then-tribal President had no concerns with it. It is also important to realize that Native Americans make up a significant portion (even a majority I believe) of the Sisseton student body – yet the outcry for change is not coming from within.
BTW, there should be a discussion surrounding the logo and homecoming tradition, but it is probably worth noting the “Redmen” name existed long before any association with Native culture. The name didn’t originally have anything to do with any race and was merely a color. Back when the name was selected, using such colors for team names was more common and I recall a story about how there were some similar names used at the time. I can’t say why over time it became synonymous with Native Americans but clearly there is more history to share here.
People have a right to be offended I suppose, but that doesn’t automatically grant them any power. If anyone has any authority here it should be the local tribe and the Native people of the Sisseton area. Such change should not be done merely because someone living hundreds of miles away who has never even bothered to visit Sisseton decides they understand the community better than those who live, work, or attend school there.
@Craig ….. balderdash – You are exhibiting and promoting institutional racism at it’s foremost. i.e. Many “negro” people in the deep south didn’t want their schools, cafes, drinking fountains and towns to be desegregated and were happy with Jim Crow. Laws effect and represent all those of a culture. If Native Americans in California and Colorado and Oregon and Alaska find the name Redmen offensive they have as much right to be listened to as the students in Sisseton (who are afraid to speak up due to the institutional racism you are promoting) By the way, why would a bunch of Germans in northern South Dakota name a group of Indian kids Redmen if it didn’t have to do with their skin color and in an attempt to set them aside as different from the German kids?
Craig, I don’t think the distant history of the word “redmen” is pertinent to its current use in this milieu.
However, it is interesting to me. Historically, who did it designate?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/09/us-usa-gaymarriage-kentucky-idUSKCN0R91RC20150909
Oh lookee here,first day out of jail and this POS fake kristian is already violating her parole. Who couldn’t see this coming?
@ Porter: “Laws effect and represent all those of a culture.” Great – but we aren’t talking about laws here. There is no law that prevents someone from being offended.
Either way I still believe those most closely connected to the region have a far more worthy opinion. I say that as someone who grew up in the area and is very familiar with the traditions and local people. I suspect the reason the Native people of Sisseton aren’t protesting is because they have felt the traditions and imagery were in honor of their heritage – not insulting. Granted I will admit feelings and perceptions may have shifted in recent years so by all means have the conversation, but let’s not assume all Native American people should be offended when the reality doesn’t reflect that.
As to the name Redmen, it was originally “Red Men” and there were other teams that had similar names, although I don’t remember the specific history aside from it being common at the time for teams to choose colors. I suppose if someone uses the terms brown, yellow, white, red, or black it now carries a certain negativity whereas years ago they were just attractive colors. Times have certainly changed our perceptions and what we think of when we hear a term. I guess Bluemen or Orangemen would be ok…. for today at least.
Then again I suppose anyone with Norwegian ancestry should be as equally as offended every Sunday when they are forced to hear about the Minnesota Vikings. To associate all Norwegians as barbarians who are only interested in using physical force against their opponents must surely be controversial.
Next up – requiring the Cleveland Browns to change their name because there are many people of various races who throughout history have been called “brown” thus it must be offensive, and shortly thereafter take up the cause to rename the Sacramento Kings… because we all know America is not a monarchy and the term King is offensive to anyone who lost ancestors in the revolutionary war. We should also push our neighbors to the North to adopt our views regarding sports teams and ask that they rename the Ottowa Senators… because if there is ever a term that is offensive to someone, it has to be the term Senator.
Obviously I’m sarcastic – that is probably offensive to someone as well but the point is everyone has the right to be offended. Nobody can tell someone to NOT be offended I suppose, but we also don’t need to adapt society to ensure nobody is offended, because as we all know that is an impossibility.
Estelline still using Redmen as their mascot, init?
Sir, these are the United States of America and not the Separate States of America. So many Sodak conservatives believe they can create and embrace a little “white sanctuary state” where the desires of the majority trump the human rights of the minorities. Well you can’t!! Human rights are national in scope no matter how many older, angry, white males don’t want it applied to them. I don’t know about Estelline, Kurtz but self indulgent thinking like Craig’s is why the Fighting Sioux don’t even have a name, now.
As for Vikings. The Scandanavians never lost a war to the USA. The Indians did but that doesn’t give the USA a right to appropriate the culture of the loser. A more proper analogy would be if the Vietnamese (who won a war against USA) soccer team called themselves the Sniveling POW’s and had a logo of an American soldier crying in a prison cell. That would replicate the way Native Americans feel when anything about them is used without their permission. NOTHING EVER is their motto.
Craig, you may have personal feelings here, but I don’t all the way across the state. However your words “suspect” and “should” involve fuzzy thinking while putting a space back inbetween red and man may end the concern, if you are correct. We have high schools in Chamberlain, Watertown and now Sisseton that are showing signs of controversy. this ain’t the old days.
Craig, I think House Speaker John Boehner would be offended if a team used the name “Orangemen.”
BCB, that’s very funny! There are some Brits and Dutch who might feel a little orange offense too. Green and blue may be safe, except for the Martians. Gotta be careful!
St. John’s announced that a university committee has been established, chaired by the former head basketball coach, Lou Carnesecca, to review nickname changes for the Redmen.
The administration has decided to drop the nickname Redmen in sensitivity to Native American communities.(1993)
Syracuse Uni sports teams were the Orangemen and Orangewomen until 2004 and just became the Orange.
Estelline still has a couple feathers on their E logo, and the SDHSAA Directory lists their official nickname as the Redmen. The girls teams are called the Lady Redmen… which suggests a strange detachment from the meaning of the words they are using.
Woonsocket also uses the name “Redmen.” However, Woonsocket coops with Sanborn Central and goes by their name, the Blackhawks.
Iroquois has the Chiefs and Lady Chiefs.
“Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back; when brown can stick around; when yellow will be mellow; when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right.” —Rev. Joseph Lowery, Inaugural benediction, Washington, D.C., 2009.01.20
Craig, like Porter, I must reject regional insularity on certain issues, like racism. We don’t get to keep being racist just because we have a strong, enduring local tradition of racism.
And gender discrimination, also Cory. The conservatives would be perfectly content with a “white sanctuary state” that recognizes few or no women’s rights … because that’s the way we’ve always done it here. Right wing Dakota keeps the SCOTUS busy just telling the state it’s out of line with the constitution, over and over and over.
Treasure from a Pine Ridge friend who asked not to give her name ~ “I don’t like the name Sioux because I am a traditional Lakota. Sioux was the name given to us by the French because they considered us their enemies. Of course I don’t hold it against anyone who does use that word for themselves. I just don’t. I have respect for myself as a Native person. And no I don’t call myself Indian either because I’m not from India. Refer to yourself in a respectful manner and those around you will too.”
#LakotaPride
http://www.bigorrin.org/dakota_kids.htm
So who gets to decide what is racist? Racism is this case would suggest prejudice, dislike, hatred, intolerance… is a symbol or a name inherently racist if it does none of these things? It is racist if it invokes feelings of admiration, loyalty, respect, friendship?
People like to toss the word racism out there a lot these days, and then we see cases where they try to dress it up with complimentary terms like “institutional” or “systemic”, but when pressed I wonder how many are able to articulate specifically why they feel something is racist. I dare say in many cases instead of claiming something is racist, it would be more appropriate to indicate it is insensitive and/or offensive. Much like art – applicability is likely subjective.
It seems these days if someone doesn’t like something and it can in some way be connected to a race, it is deemed automatically racist. Dakota is a Native term, but our state is home to many whites, so does that suggest racism? Sioux Falls is also home to a primarily white population and the Big Sioux flows throughout and alongside many white homes and white-owned land. Suppose we should start thinking about how to rename these places and landmarks to be less ‘racist’.
I’m also thinking of start a letter writing campaign to Flowers Foods the owner of the Wonder Bread name. They have been inconsiderately using the terms “white bread” for decades and it is time they put a stop to it.
Or, as my prior comments on this very issue have stated, perhaps we could consult with the local tribe (again) and see what their take is on the issue. We could consult with the roughly 52% of Sisseton residents who are Native American and ask how they feel, or we can just assume they are oppressed and fearful for speaking their minds. I’m not one to assume – I’d rather learn the facts before automatically deeming something ‘racist’.
In South Dakota, Republicans get to decide what is racist. Therefore, nothing will be resolved and American Indian teens will succumb to Slender Man.
You poor bastards.
Institutional racism is any system of inequality based on race. It can occur in institutions such as public government bodies, private business corporations (such as media outlets), and universities (public and private). In this case it’s a school culturally appropriating the culture of a defeated nation to their own enjoyment. “You as a white man feel you’re getting the raw end of the judgmental stick? Call the whaaaaaa-mbulance. Your white privilege clouds your ability to see the harm you’re causing.” Hear this, wasichu … Nothing Native Without Their Permission. Carry on, Wonder Bread.
Thanks for your insightful post Porter. First, you ignorantly assume you know what my heritage is… that is your first mistake. I don’t have the duty to explain anything to you, but I have mixed heritage and your assumptions are off base.
Second, you using the term wasichu (which is a known derogatory used to insult non-natives) is telling of your character, just as your attempted insult using the term “Wonder Bread”. You have shown yourself to be nothing more than a racist yourself all the while claiming to understand the concept. Ironic at best.
I’ve said previously I feel the conversation needs to take place and I’ll continue to believe that. What does not need to take place however is people like yourself relying upon ignorance and assumption before they understand the facts.
Anyone who believes there is no systemic or institutional racism in South Dakota is an imbecile.
http://blackhillsknowledgenetwork.org/south-dakota/10935-native-data-native-americans-overrepresented-as-victims-offenders-in-rapid-city#.VfHE90Xysza
http://lastrealindians.com/parents-of-the-lakota-57-respond-to-judges-acquittal-of-trace-oconnell-in-racial-harassment-case/
http://www.nsweekly.com/news/2015-09-09/Voices_of_the_People/Actually_believing_that_racism_in_Rapid_City__had_.html
Nobody has said/written anything of the sort Larry. It appears a bit more reading the actual words written would be beneficial for many here instead of relying upon assumption.
http://ballotpedia.org/Craig_Tieszen
Let’s say you look white and people called you Honkie. You don’t like it cause it feels disparaging, and most of the white people around you feel the same way, but they said, no, we like it just the way it is. It’s historical, it’s a nod to your heritage. There’s a point we don’t know what words mean to other people. If there’s enough reasonable people that think it’s disparaging, step up to plate. I do agree PC can run amok, but why don’t we just change the darn names.
You’re welcome, Mr. Tieszen. Sorry to have insulted your mixed heritage. My assumption that you are whining about Native American cultural appropriation is accurate. If you are of partial Native heritage then wasichu is not a derogatory insult, is it? Who brought up Wonder Bread first? I probably am a racist. All white people are born with privilege and are unable of understanding what it’s like not being white. The irony is all yours. You may FEEL that a conversation needs to take place but your FEELING is misplaced. I have a proper understanding of the facts and the fact is that cultural appropriation is taking place, Native Americans don’t want anything of theirs used for any reason without permission (including the name REDMEN) and you as a mixed race Native American politician/police chief are unsympathetic and insensitive to issues affecting your people. ps … What tribe do you have membership in, since you brought it up?
Well I disagree with Porter. If I see some colors, fabrics etc that look good on me I’m takin em. And if I can make some money on it you better believe it. There’s been this big uproar about Native American dress sold as fashion. Fashion is where you find it. That’s a bold statement from Payless Shoes that I happen to agree. Some people carry their sense of entitlement to extremes. Harley Davidson wanted to patent the sound of their engine. Give me a break.
@Larry – I’m not sure what you are implying and maybe your link has nothing to do with me but I’ll be clear – I am not Craig Tieszen nor do I know anything about the man (and yes Cory can confirm if necessary). This is what I’m referring to when I state people should rely less upon assumption and more upon fact.
@hc – I think in your example a better example would be a term which isn’t known to be an insult. When we see a name like “Redskins” we know that is a term which is widely known to be a slur. Do we feel the same way about “Redmen”? Perhaps that is part of the conversation.
@Porter – Sorry to break it to you, but as I’ve explained to Larry I am not Craig Tiezsen, so your comments are (yet again) based upon assumption rather than fact. I’d ask for an apology, but for all I know Mr. Tiezsen is the one who is owed the apology. I’m sure he doesn’t appreciate having words attributed to him when he may not even know this site exists.
There’s always going to be a difficult line and while race is just a made up thing by man contrary to science, there are cultural differences. That too is just a man made distinction, we are different only because we think we are, want to be, etc, but would a reasonable group of people be offended? I think when it comes to names they are and it’s past time to eliminate them, and the obvious Native dress tied to those names. Beyond that what others see as appropriation is often natural assimilation.
When Harley wanted to protect “their distinctive sound” they lost to the Japanese producers who took them to court. Who would want an overpriced piece of junk anyway. Right Larry?
@Craig … You’re right. Assuming is rarely proper. In conclusion, no matter how many people vote for or endorse an issue it doesn’t trump one person’s human rights. And Native cultural appropriation is a human rights violation which are protected by the constitution. Even if every person in Sisseton wants to keep the name Redmen it’ll still be changed because it’s derogatory to Native Americans in general. e.g. The University of North Dakota – As Mr. Heidelberger said, a tradition of racism is not a tradition at all. Last word in yours, Mr. Craig or Ms. Craig. I can’t assume.
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/communities/sturgis/indian-motorcycle-scott-peterson-motors-host-grand-openings/article_23faf9f2-b78c-5c3a-b9a1-4a554c5fe476.html
http://wnpr.org/post/site-first-indian-motorcycle-found-middletown-man#stream/0
larry, I don’t know how to react to the Indian MC links. I have always thought Harley owners were a bit over the top in the worship of Harleys. Vintage Indian MCs have been my favorite bikes, the most beautiful and powerful American made non-Harleys. Current Indian bikes look pretty attractive too!
But if owning or riding a bike called an “Indian” is in any way hurtful or disrespectful to Native Americans then I want no part of it. I have been thinking of trading my Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 in on a new or used modern Indian MC, but have wondered how Natives feel about “Indian” MCs. I have no desire to demean or insult Natives. I would be very interested in feedback from Natives on this naming of one of the best and most desirable MCs on the market today.
There are redskin peanuts sold as redskin peanuts in bars I used to frequent. I never considered them as an insult to anyone’s heritage. Must be the context.
Lar is gnawing on how Vulcan’s feel about your current bike, Mr. bat. And it’s made by the Japanese.
it’s hard to know which brands honor and which defame, hence Cory’s post. interesting that Indian has become an American symbol.
grud for sddoc ombudsman.
Sddocombudsman makes no sense, Lar. It must be some sort of drunken jibberish or a drug reference. Budsman makes me think of a fellow popping the oily buds off a plant. That’s not me. I’m a straightlaced gentleman.
night, grud. don’t choke on those gravy taters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv5ef7jkPB8
Craig, on identifying racism—there’s a whole discussion to be had about how cultural appropriation (dressing up Indian garb, assuming Indian names), even if done purportedly to honor a particular race, is inherently racist.
Curious: what would we think if Sisseton changed its name from the Redmen to the Negroes?
Or, thinking about Happy’s comment, how would we respond if a primarily black school chose to call its sports teams the Fighting Caucasians?
The Fightin’ Whiteys!
The Mighty Whiteys!
Or pack ’em on the short bus, and call ’em the Mighty Tighty Whiteys!
I feel trouble coming….
:-) perfect.
knowing the legislator, i have not confused you, but your local concern is directed toward eastman who started this? why, craig?
@leslie – I never directed any concern toward Eastman. In fact my first comment clearly stated “there should be a discussion surrounding the logo and homecoming tradition”. I just feel the voices from within the local Native community need to be heard (and as far as I can tell they haven’t yet), because I know the area well enough to know that there is a rivalry between the Natives who live and attend school in Sisseton vs. those who attend school in Tiospa Zina. There are politics involved and some hurt feelings from past events. Either way the tribe leadership was consulted in the past and had no concerns – perhaps that has changed recently thus I’d like to hear from them. In my view the tribe should have more authority than the Sisseton school board, but that is simply my opinion.
@Cory: I agree a discussion should be had (my point all along), but my question remains as to whether the name “Redmen” is considered racist or derogatory. Words and their meanings evolve over time, so to compare it to the term “Negroes” may or may not be valid. There was a time when the term Negro was simply a descriptor for a race and not meant to be derogatory… but obviously some twisted the word and today most are uncomfortable using the term.
It is also all about context. We don’t express concern over the United Negro College Fund nor do we express outrage at the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) people those are organizations composed of (primarily) black Americans. Yet if a predominantly white organization attempted to use these terms, we would certainly react quite differently.
The Fighting Caucasians on the other hand would just be comical, because in present day, I’ve never heard the term Caucasian used as an insult. Would someone, somewhere be offended by such a name? I’m sure they would just as some of Irish heritage feel the Notre Dame “Fighting Irish” is an insult – but again there are no laws that prevent us from being offended. Some seem to feel that if anyone, anywhere is offended by a term that it cannot be used. I say the issue is not so black and white – and although it isn’t something that should be determined by a small distant element, it also isn’t something that should be decided based upon popular vote.
Craig, I think there are two different ways to find racism in Native American mascots and logos. One is if a team uses an outright offensive, racist term, like the football team in our nation’s capital. The other goes beyond the terms to the practices, like the Sisseton Homecoming royalty dressed up as Indians. Buckskin and feathers aren’t racist terms or racist objects; the racist insult comes when white kids dress up in the cultural accoutrements of another culture. It’s like appearing in blackface—even if you don’t say any specifically offensive word, the theory around cultural appropriation says you are disrespecting the impersonated culture.
Hey “Harney” peak isn’t patently offensive. We took your church. Go pray somewhere else. Find something on your reservation to do and don’t waste our time. you must have something more important to do with your time. Deal with it! Go away (Go back to the rez”). Fix yourselves! Its too expensive to change signs (80MPH). Are you crazy, it’ll confuse the tourists (1860s Oregon Trail trespassers- i mean [treaty] travelers/settlers). Indian name? sounds like 2 parakeets screwing (rittberger ranches). SD Historical Society can easily update Harney’s atrocious history…like He-who-keeps-his-word. right. let’s not disturb “history”?? We won the war (and we started it too w/ Gratten’s massacre).
stupidest bunch of negative comments one could imagine in a civilized, educated society.
I know the comparison to blackface comes up often, but in that respect blackface was done in order to mock and demean a race. If Sisseton (or any other school) appropriated culture in order to mock or demean then in my view the argument is over.
I do acknowledge that many see any appropriate of culture as being disrespectful. I don’t personally buy into that viewpoint as I think we as a society are far too sensitive, and I tend to look at purpose and meaning rather than just assuming I should be offended. For example I don’t assume it is disrespectful to women when Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari dressed up as women in Bosom Buddies nor did I find it offensive or disrespectful when Daniel-Day Lewis dressed up in traditional Native American dress for the film Last of the Mohicans.
The simply appropriation or usage of culture shouldn’t be offensive. I realize it is… not disagreeing, but I don’t believe it SHOULD be. What we should focus upon is usage, because it isn’t the words, symbols, or words which are inherently racist or offensive but rather the usage and the context. I dare say there are no winners when we continue to press for extreme political correctness where we have to dance around every word or symbol. It surely doesn’t do anything to draw people together, but clear serves to drive wedges.
The terms “political correctness” and “politically correct” are phrases embraced and used continually by bigots to shield their oppressive, insensitive and boorish actions from public scrutiny. Correct is correct no matter what qualifier you put in front of it.
@Craig … Do you realize that every thing you see, say and think about how you view racism, sensitivity, offense, disrespect and assumption enters your brain through your mixed race filter? You don’t buy into the viewpoint because you can’t see or choose not to see how minorities view it. Call it what you will. I know how I view it. You have rights in the USA but you don’t have a right to live in a country that doesn’t change.
you would like trump.
certainly this is a difficult issue for us, an often in degrees.
but educated young people are not standing for their parents’ racism. all over the country. whether its a redskins jersey, an interracial marriage, or trayvon/ferguson – political correctness has become irrelevant. a young native woman wearing a brave’s ball cap in jaunty fashion is a statement i would never attempt to co-opt as wasicu. but to stand around and excuse or dilute the message from a Watertown or Chamberlain or Jackson County board, or wherever it arises, while at times perhaps inconsequential, seems a fool’s errand.