Native American Motifs

The Washington Redskins football team (NFL)
To see the evolution of the Redskins' logo and logo Alternates, please click the following link:
http://www.sportslogos.net/team.php?id=168


The Redskins logo has always depicted the face of the Chief. There are two exceptions, however, one logo was a spear that was used from 1965 – 1969, and one of a burgundy 'R' within a burgundy circle with two golden feathers attached, used from 1970. Despite being considered an insensitive design towards Indigenous Americans, the Redskins logo has not changed since the redesign in 1972. The logo depicts an evolved illustration of a Native American Indian Chief in profile facing the right. The illustration is housed within the same circle and feather design that surrounded the 'R' in the 1970 logo. The golden colour is derived from their uniform colour of burgundy and gold. The Burgundy was used in logo designs prior to the current logo which dropped the use of the burgundy colour.
This is probably a more respectful representation of Native Americans in comparison to some other logos as the image isn't cartoonish. This logo shows the positive aspects of the Native American culture, representing their strength and courage rather than mocking them. The strong and serious expression upon the Chief's face displays the great and powerful spirit that the Native Americans possessed. The circle in Native American culture represents 'the sun, the moon and her children, man and woman.' The circle also has a spiritual connections with the Native American people, connecting spirit and man for the purpose of greater spiritual understanding and evolution. The use of feathers in the design is also highly significant in the Native American culture. Feathers were worn by Native American Chiefs (as depicted within the logo design) and symbolises their connection with spirits and celestial wisdom. Feathers also represented the power of the air, wind and the thunder gods.
Legal action was sought from Native American groups and activists in regards to the use of the term 'Redskins' when the name of the team was changed in 1993. Despite the uproar a survey was conducted questioning Native Americans from the 48 continental states of the U.S asking whether they find the name of the team 'Redskins' offensive. Surprisingly 91% of those surveyed deemed the name acceptable, contradicting the actions of the activists.
I don't believe that the Redskins logo is designed in an offensive manner, rather the opposite. It shows a level of understanding of the Native American culture through the motifs used, and the illustration of the Chief is strong and powerful, not demeaning. I find the name of the team to hold a greater ability to offend rather than the logo due to the origin and nature of the term – referring to skin colour, a term to count the number of 'Indians' scalped/'exterminated.' The connection of this team name transfers the negative connotations to the logo which makes an otherwise respectful design offensive. It is also argued that "any stereotype, whether positive or negative, is a hindrance to the advancement of a group," and "the use of any stereotype in the portrayal of Indians is considered ... to be contributory to their dehumanization and deracination." – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Redskins_mascot_controversy


Bibliography:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Redskins
http://www.dinesh.com/history_of_logos/nfl_logos/washington_redskins_logo_-_design_and_history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Redskins_mascot_controversy
http://www.whats-your-sign.com/circle-symbol-meaning.html
http://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbol-meaning-of-feathers.html