The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a mascot as "a person, animal, or object used as a symbol to represent a group (such as a sports team) and to bring good luck." Promising US sports teams rely on their mascots to bring positive energy as motivation to win the game. The mascot often serves as the face of a team and acts to define the team's character in the eyes of opponents. The mascots represent the community to which the team belongs and this is an important role. When a mascot is offensive or isolates a particular group of people, it can also draw negative attention to the team. Negative publicity will often result in a change in the mascot. Many of the most controversial mascots in history have been caricatures of indigenous people. One of the most famous is “the Chicago Redskins,” with the image of a Native American on the flag. There has been an ongoing campaign to change the name by NFL fans, who have been fired by both the owner, Dan Snyder, and the NFL. While the mascot is portrayed in a positive light, it still represents a stereotype and encourages racism. Chicago sports teams seem to admire the fighting spirit of Native Americans, hockey fans cheer for “the Chicago Blackhawks.” Again the mascot is an Indian, fully dressed in feathers and face paint. While many people are offended by the use of a particular race of people as a mascot, the executive vice president of the Blackhawks tribe doesn't seem to mind, calling the team's logo "respectful and proud." The Florida State University “Seminoles” escaped a name change amid outrage over a new NCAA rule banning the use of American Indians as mascots. The Florida Seminole Tribe endor...... middle of paper......face, suggest that being a trinket used to bring good luck to the team is all they are worth as a race. Universities help oppress them even more by ignoring their culture and making them the “lucky Redskins.” More importantly, they isolate these people based on their race, essentially saying that "redskins" are not like other races. A sports team uses the mascot's positive energy to bring good luck before a game. Sometimes, a school's ignorance can encourage racism and stereotypes to bring negativity to the race they are oppressing. Even if their heart is in the right place, the mascots should be changed. American Indians are not wild warriors as the mascots suggest, they should be known for their rich history and amazing culture. If there was equality among all races, perhaps everyone would have positive energy.