1948 broadcast proves mascots' racism

"Tribal Warfare": Listen To The 1948 Radio Broadcasts Of The Cleveland Indians-Boston Braves World Series

By Doug BrownThe Cleveland Indians beat the Boston Braves to win their last World Series in 1948 and, man, the radio broadcaster had a field day with the matchup of two teams with Native American-themed names. The series was "tribal warfare," their stadiums were "wigwams," and Cleveland would be "smoking the peace pipe" if they keep Boston "penned up in the reservation" unless their "chief medicine man" comes up with the "proper potion" prior to game five, according to announcer Mel Allen. Broadcasting standards really were different 65 years ago.

Audio from two games of the 1948 World Series--games one and five, the two games the Indians lost in the six-game series--popped up on YouTube today and they're well-worth a listen for nostalgic Cleveland sports fans, and those interested in some good ole' fashion racial stereotyping. And while you're listening, open this recent story about the Indians phasing out Chief Wahoo, and Scene's takedown of the racist logo.Comment:  Mascot lovers are the ones being politically correct when they claim they're "honoring" Indians. Until recently, every mascot was a savage on the warpath. As this posting suggests.

This is what Indian mascots are: a compendium of mistakes and stereotypes that homogenize hundreds of diverse cultures into a mass of savage warriors. There's no honor in any of this stereotyping; it's pure racism.

Every mascot from the first part of the 20th century has a history like this. This history is usually 50-75 years of ugly mockery--of faux "Indians" gyrating, whooping, and chopping like crazed killers.

Only recently have professional and college teams wised up and realized their mascots were racist. Only then did they make up the "honoring" argument and try to sell it.

But no sensible person is buying it. A dignified and noble Indian is a PR person's spin on the real mascot, who is a savage through and through.